Ukraine: EU allocates €25.4 million in humanitarian aid

As the conflict in eastern Ukraine enters its eighth year, the European Commission announced yesterday €25.4 million in humanitarian aid to help people still suffering from the ongoing hostilities. This brings the total of EU humanitarian aid to €190 million since the start of the conflict.  Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management, said: “The conflict in eastern Ukraine continues to take a heavy toll on civilians, while the attention of the media and international community is fading. The EU continues to address the humanitarian needs on both sides of the contact line. While our help remains there for those largely suffering in silence lasting solutions for peace and stability must be pursued.”  The funding will help the conflict-affected people access healthcare, including better preparation and response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and protection services such as legal support. It will also amongst others, help to repair damaged houses, schools and hospitals. The full press release is available here. Also yesterday, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call on topics of common interest. A joint statement published following the call is available here.