Ukraine's civilian population in despair over Russian strikes
The UN's humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, said that the approach of winter and continued Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure could trigger a new wave of mass population displacement.
“The real concern is that if they target the energy sector again, it could be a tipping point for new mass movements, both inside and outside the country,” he said.
Since the start of the war in February 2022, over 6 million Ukrainians have been forced to leave the country and 3.6 million have been internally displaced.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that around 65% of Ukraine's energy infrastructure is currently shut down due to attacks. According to Schmale, this figure is higher than in previous winters.
“Shelters, known as 'invincibility points', where residents can keep warm and drink tea, have also been set up,” added Schmale.
The situation is particularly worrying in areas close to the front line, such as Kharkiv and Kherson.
(MH with AmBar/Source: Agence/X/Photo: DPA/Anadolu/Diego Herrera Carcedo)