More Ukrainians may be forced to relocate this winter, UN warns
If Ukraine’s decimated energy infrastructure is not adequately prepared for the coming winter, many Ukrainians will be forced to move from their communities as cold weather sets in, UNHCR (UN High Commissioner for Refugees) representative in Ukraine, Karolina Lindholm-Billing, said on June 20.
“If we do not prepare for winter now, people might be unable to stay in their homes during the cold season and will be forced to move again,” state news agency Ukrinform quoted Lindholm-Billing.
“Therefore, the critical issue is to provide support at various levels to ensure readiness for the heating season.”
She emphasized the importance of restoring the destroyed or damaged energy infrastructure, decentralizing energy generation, and providing individual and household subsidies, such as cash assistance for utility payments.
The UN representative noted that these programs must be underway now for Ukraine to be ready by winter.
"The current needs cannot be met solely through humanitarian programs," she concluded.
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