UN: Nearly 16mn Ukrainians in need of urgent humanitarian aid as war enters day 130

Four months into Russia's war in Ukraine h left at least 16 million Ukrainians in dire need of humanitarian assistance in ex-Soviet nation, said UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine Osnat Lubrani. She, however, ded that numbers are still conservative and UN is in process of revising to ascertain actual status. "Across Ukraine, needs caused by Russian invasion are still massive and Human Rights concerns have persisted," Lubrani said.

Speaking about unfathomable devastation, destruction and suffering experienced in Ukraine, Lubrani expressed that she felt a "heartbreak" while travelling around country, especially in regions like Mariupol, Kharkiv, Bucha, Irpin, and beyond. "Almost 16 million people in Ukraine today are in need of humanitarian assistance, water, food, health services, protection, and a roof over ir hes," UN humanitarian coordinator outlined. She also reiterated calls for ensuring safe corridors for agricultural exports noting imminent global food crisis. "Much more could be done by Russian and Ukrainian authorities to protect civilians," she insisted.

WFP reiterates urgent need to release grain exports from Ukraine

As war now escalated beyond 129 days, nations dependent on Ukraine are facing a ripple effect of conflict. Outside war-torn nation, food security is becoming an alarming crisis in vulnerable nations like Africa. Noting looming food insecurity, UN's World Food Programme (WFP) on Friday called on responsible parties to ensure safe access to Ukrainian ports via Black Sea to release cereal silos. "Without Black Sea ports, we cannot get anywhere close to kind of export levels that Ukraine urgently needs," said WFP Ukraine Deputy Emergency Coordinator Kate Newton. Neverless, she ded, organisation is leaving no stone unturned to provide embattled Ukrainians with necessary assistance through available means like ro or rail. However, talking about food grain requirements, Newton underscored: "At moment we think it is about 1 million metric tonnes a month, maybe we can push up to 2 million but we urgently need access to Black Sea."  

Civilian targets by Russia a 'frightening reality'

Lubrani, meanwhile, pointed out that Russian forces were deliberately targetting civilian population - a statement in sync with Ukraine's claims. As per UN estimates, as many as 5,000 civilians have been killed in country and over 5,000 injured and it is "just a fraction of frightening reality." She highlighted that Russian attacks were most targetted toward civilians and civilian infrastructure. Although actual numbers are expected to be far above compared to current record, UN humanitarian coordinator said.

(Image: AP)