By: Raja Asim Zeb
According to the UN, Russia has destroyed 50% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, endangering the health of millions of people as the country’s temperatures continue to drop.
The majority of people in Ukraine are impacted by the frequent blackouts and power outages. However, according to the U.N., the situation is particularly dire for more than 10 million people who reside close to the front lines. They are reportedly in the greatest need of aid and are preparing for winter without access to electricity, heat, or water.
Helping people stay warm during the winter will play a major part in the U.N.’s role over the coming months, according to Jaco Cilliers, the resident representative for the U.N. Development Program in Ukraine.
“How to ensure that lights are always on, for instance, in hospitals, schools, and community centres. Right now, keeping people warm is a matter of life and death. And the fact that so many individuals are at risk in the current circumstances is quite worrying “said Cilliers. Nearly 18 million people, or 40% of Ukraine’s population, are anticipated to require humanitarian relief during these times.
Cilliers said that UNDP and World Bank have been requested to do a needs and damage assessment by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
At least 715 hospitals and healthcare facilities have reportedly been attacked, destroyed, or damaged, according to the World Health Organization. As a result, according to Cilliers, there aren’t many places to get medical care for those who have combat wounds, explosive bomb injuries, or illnesses and diseases.