EU launches emergency winter shelter program for up to 46,000 people in Ukraine and increases humanitarian aid by EUR 175 million

This was announced by EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič.

“While Russia is further escalating its brutal attacks against Ukraine, specifically targeting civilian infrastructure and residential buildings, I stand here in Kyiv reiterating that the EU is as dedicated as ever in its support to Ukraine. The upcoming winter is likely to bring major challenges to Ukraine and we must be prepared,” he emphasized. 

According to Lenarčič, the European Commission is launching a new emergency winter shelter program for Ukraine, as the war waged by Russia continues to destroy civilian infrastructure.

“Via our rescEU reserve, a temporary shelter capacity will be immediately deployed to three different regions in Ukraine: Rivne, Bucha and Kharkiv,” he noted. 

Moreover, the European Commission will provide an additional EUR 175 million in humanitarian aid to support internally displaced persons in Ukraine. In particular, the funds will be used to provide education, food, access to water, as well as protection from the cold winter for the most vulnerable sections of the population.

“We are also working together by preparing a pathway for Ukraine to join the EU Civil Protection Mechanism,” the EU Commissioner added. 

• On October 21, Ursula von der Leyen reported that EU leaders instructed finance ministers to develop a mechanism for paying Ukraine monthly aid in the amount of  EUR 1.5 billion. Thus, Ukraine should receive EUR 18 billion next year.