UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine Matthias Schmale announced on Friday the first allocation of $70 million from the Humanitarian Fund for Ukraine in support of the measures envisaged by the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which was presented on January 16 by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in cooperation with the Government of Ukraine and humanitarian partners.

As reported by the press service of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, this funding will make it possible to provide multi-sectoral assistance to people who were forced to leave their communities, as well as to those who returned home and residents of frontline communities and areas of active hostilities.

"This funding will enable comprehensive, needs-driven multisectoral assistance to newly displaced people, returnees and people living in front-line communities and parts of the country affected by ongoing hostilities. Specifically, the allocation focuses on: support such as shelter and immediate assistance for newly displaced people fleeing front-line areas; assistance for civilians in front-line areas, including health services, food, water and protection," the statement reads.

It also provides for strengthening the capacity of small Ukrainian organizations, in particular women's rights organizations, organizations of people with disabilities, and groups representing vulnerable communities, including Roma and LGBTIQ+.

"The allocation prioritizes assistance for the most vulnerable people in areas with the highest severity of need," the Office said.

According to the UN, in 2025, some 12.7 million people in Ukraine will need humanitarian assistance, facing significant challenges, including those who have been forced to flee their homes. The people in greatest need of assistance are in the eastern, northern, and southern regions of Ukraine.