Attachments
Conflict
In December, missile and drone attacks targeting energy infrastructure continued throughout the country resulting in widespread damage and the interruption of electricity supplies. Around the line of control Ukrainian forces made small advances in Kherson and Kharkiv oblasts claiming to have regained about 40% of the area that had been occupied by non-government forces. However Russian forces continue to mount attacks around Bakhmut in Donetsk oblast. Along with the drone and missile strikes, intense shelling has continued over the past month, with attacks resulting in 804 civilian casualties in December alone (192 killed and 612 injured). Contamination with mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) continues with approximately 30% of the territory of Ukraine now affected.
Displacement
Displacement figures have continued to mostly follow a downward trend since August with a decrease of 626,000 IDPs in October compared to the previous month. However, among the almost six million IDPs, 680,000 individuals have been newly displaced within the last 30 days. The number of returnees has also reduced by 700,000 compared to last month. Across Ukraine, est. 785,000 IDPs currently plan to integrate in their current location.
Conflict and safety remain the biggest push/pull factor, although family reunification, access to employment and services and accommodation are also commonly cited. The majority of IDPs continue to originate from, and reside in, the eastern part of Ukraine. The number of refugees from Ukraine is relatively static in Europe with over 7.98 million individuals having fled the country.
Humanitarian Access
Mine contamination in the newly accessible areas continues to hamper humanitarian access, however, humanitarian partners managed to get through to several locations in Donetska, Kersonska and Chornobaivka oblasts in December. Insecurity remains one of the main factors restricting access for both the population and the humanitarian actors.
By mid-December, a staff member from the Red Cross was killed in Kherson during shelling. Freedom of movement continues to be limited near the front line for civilians whether willing to evacuate conflict affected areas or to access distribution centres. A lack of transport and a lack of information were also listed as main barriers to accessing assistance.