The escalation of the war in Ukraine three years ago has brought immense suffering, loss of life, destroyed infrastructure and mass displacement. Devastation on this scale has not been seen in Europe since World War Two.
10 things you should know about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine
Here are 10 things you should know about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine:
1. The war has killed and injured tens of thousands of civilians
The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on civilians. As of February 2025, over 42,000 civilians have been injured or killed, including over 2,500 children.
2. The war has led to mass displacement
By January 2025, more than 6.8 million Ukrainian refugees had been recorded globally, according to UNHCR, the UN refugee agency. Most of them are within Europe, but some 560,200 were recorded beyond Europe. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that around 4.5 million people have returned to Ukraine.
Here are 10 things you should know about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine:
1. The war has killed and injured tens of thousands of civilians
The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on civilians. As of February 2025, over 42,000 civilians have been injured or killed, including over 2,500 children.
2. The war has led to mass displacement
By January 2025, more than 6.8 million Ukrainian refugees had been recorded globally, according to UNHCR, the UN refugee agency. Most of them are within Europe, but some 560,200 were recorded beyond Europe. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that around 4.5 million people have returned to Ukraine.
3. More than 12 million people need humanitarian aid
Approximately 12.7 million people in Ukraine need humanitarian aid, including nearly 2 million children. This includes 2.8 million people displaced within Ukraine and 9.9 million people who are not displaced, including those who have returned home. The greatest need is concentrated in the eastern, north-eastern and southern regions of Ukraine.
4. Five million people need food and livelihood assistance
In 2025, it is estimated that nearly 5 million people in Ukraine, or 15 per cent of the population, will experience food shortages. Most markets are open and functioning, but prices have increased. Many foods have become too expensive for people to buy, leaving people in need of cash assistance to secure their basic needs.
5. An estimated 2 million homes have been damaged or destroyed
It is predicted that 6.9 million people in Ukraine will require shelter and life-saving humanitarian aid in 2025. An estimated 2 million homes, or 10 per cent of the total housing capacity of Ukraine, have been damaged or destroyed. Some 3 million people are living in damaged homes.
6. One in five households have limited access to safe water
An estimated 8.5 million people will require water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in 2025. One in five households report limited access to safe water, with over half of these limitations directly attributed to the war.
7. Over 9 million people need health assistance
Some 9.2 million people across Ukraine are projected to need health assistance in 2025. Since 2022, traumatic injuries such as shrapnel wounds, loss of limbs and spinal injuries have dramatically increased. This has led to a greater demand for specialised medical care, mental health support and rehabilitation services.
8. Millions of children need protection
More than 2 million children are experiencing protection risks and rights violations. The war has severely impacted children's physical and psychosocial safety and wellbeing. They are exposed to ongoing violence, exploitation, physical danger and psychological distress, while their access to essential services is limited.
9. Nearly 2,000 schools are destroyed or damaged
The destruction of critical infrastructure in Ukraine has been catastrophic since the escalation of the war. About 3,600 educational institutions, including nearly 2,000 schools, have suffered damage, with some 371 educational facilities completely destroyed.
10. An estimated 9.8 million people face protection risks
An estimated 9.8 million people will require humanitarian protection services and assistance in 2025. Protection risks include restricted freedom of movement, forced displacement and returns, a high concentration of landmines and other explosive ordnance, and barriers to accessing legal identity, remedies and justice.
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