Millions of Ukrainians need help - IRC warned about the deepening humanitarian crisis

The strengthening of Ukraine's positions in the war against Russia has not yet alleviated the humanitarian crisis facing millions of displaced Ukrainians. This was stated by the President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), David Miliband, during a visit to Ukraine, reports UNN citing Reuters.

Details

The situation is complicated by a sharp reduction in humanitarian aid funding. According to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), in recent months Ukraine has effectively halted the advance of Russian troops on the battlefield. Against this backdrop, G7 leaders at their summit last week acknowledged that the dynamics of the war have changed.

At the same time, according to Miliband, it is important not to lose sight of the humanitarian consequences of the war for Ukrainians, especially amid cuts in international aid. He noted that due to reduced funding, particularly from the United States, the IRC budget in Ukraine, by current estimates, has been halved — to $20 million in 2027 compared to $40 million last year.

"Now that there is a new sense of a different geopolitical narrative, it is especially important to recognize the brutality and pressure that millions of Ukrainians face,"

Refugees, emigrants, and IDPs in the international context: details and figures

According to UN estimates, about 118 million people worldwide have become "displaced persons" due to war. The causes are conflicts, violence, and persecution.

Ukraine accounts for about 10 million displaced people, of which nearly 4 million are IDPs.

Miliband called these indicators a manifestation of a "new world disorder." According to him, the situation is influenced by over 60 wars worldwide, as well as diseases and natural disasters.

"There are more shocks and fewer shock absorbers. And money is one of those shock absorbers,"

Miliband also emphasized that one of the less discussed consequences of the war is its impact on the mental health of the population after more than four years of hostilities. According to him, even redirecting a small portion of the billions of dollars in military support for Ukraine to humanitarian aid and psychosocial support could significantly help maintain the resilience of Ukrainian society.

Context

It should be noted that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump sharply cut foreign aid and eliminated the U.S. Agency for International Development. This has also prompted other countries to reduce aid spending.

What you need to know about the International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee works with people affected by wars, persecution, and humanitarian crises. In Ukraine, the organization supports communities affected by the war, including internally displaced persons, children, women, and people living near the front line.

In Ukraine, the IRC, in particular, helps provide mobile medical assistance to communities living near certain sections of the 1,200-kilometer front line. The organization also provides psychological support to vulnerable children and women who have experienced violence.

Recall

As of the beginning of May 2026, nearly 4.37 million Ukrainians had received temporary protection in EU countries.