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SITUATION OVERVIEW
More than 18 months have passed since the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the ongoing political turmoil and rebellion by Wagner forces against the Russian government highlight the persistent instability in the region. The humanitarian needs remain high, with sudden spikes in response to the developments on the ground, including new hostilities in eastern Ukraine and movements of people within and outside the country.
One devastating consequence of the war has been the destruction and subsequent depletion of the Kakhovka Reservoir, leading to urgent and dire humanitarian needs across southern and eastern Ukraine.
The repercussions have extended to surrounding regions, where private homes, businesses, and community infrastructure have suffered extensive damage. Tens of thousands of people in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast lost access to piped water, as the reservoir, which serves as a crucial source of drinking water for at least 700,000 individuals, experienced in the first week a staggering 70% decrease in capacity, as reported by Ukrainian authorities.
The impact of the dam’s destruction goes beyond immediate humanitarian concerns and threatens livelihoods, food production, and food security.
The absence of safe water, inadequate sanitation, and disruptions to health services pose increased health risks, including the potential spread of waterborne diseases. Furthermore, environmental consequences such as groundwater contamination further jeopardize public health and agricultural outputs.
In response to the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, IOM swiftly conducted rapid needs assessments to gauge the impact of the crisis and support a coordinated and comprehensive humanitarian response. By engaging multiple sectors, critical emergency assistance and preparedness efforts were initiated to support the Kherson Oblast and prevent further deterioration of the situation. Urgent investments are now required to restore water, sanitation, and energy infrastructure, with particular urgency before the harsh winter conditions set in.
IOM Flood response has reached over 158,000 people with WASH activities, 39,741 people with NFIs and 1,350 individuals with Shelter support. Additionally, people in need are provided with Health and MHPSS activities as well as cash-based interventions targeting 40,000 people.
The shifting frontlines in the eastern part of Ukraine present both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, humanitarian organizations now have access to areas that were previously unreachable, allowing them to reach more affected communities. On the other hand, the dynamic situation has resulted in population movements and displacement as people seek safety in different regions.
Neighbouring countries have also experienced changes in mobility patterns and associated needs. For instance, Bulgaria has witnessed a doubling of refugee arrivals since May 2023, placing immense pressure on services and aid support. While some of these arrivals may be temporary, already 5,000 additional refugees have sought accommodation support in the country. Hosting countries are also issuing new legislation with a variety of impacts on refugees and migrants.
In Czechia, the recent implementation of the “Lex UA V” law means that a significant percentage of refugees no longer meet the vulnerability criteria to receive accommodation assistance. The Ministry of Regional Development estimates that up to 50% of the 70,000 Ukrainians in collective accommodation will need to find alternative solutions.
In the Republic of Moldova, IOM is supporting the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection in its reform of the Social Assistance System, with a focus on promoting inclusion and equitable access to social services for migrants and refugees.