The United Nations has provided only $56 million in financial assistance to Ukraine out of the $204 million requested by various UN agencies for 2017, and a new Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Ukraine is to be approved on December 4, according to the Humanitarian Bulletin on Ukraine, which was posted on the website of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

"While acute humanitarian needs across all sectors continue to rise, the start of the winter season, coupled with limited funding towards the 2017 HRP means that it is the children, the elderly, women and people with disabilities who will lose out," reads the bulletin.

According to the document, as of November 21, of the $204 million requested, only 28% has been funded.

"A funding gap of $148 million needs to be urgently addressed to both jumpstart and sustain the much-needed winterisation efforts," the bulletin says.

The OCHA emphasizes the importance of developing develop a solid, needs-driven and inclusive HRP for 2018, which is expected to be finalized and launched together with the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on December 4, 2017.

"The Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) indicates that over 4.4 million Ukrainians are affected by the humanitarian crises, while millions of people will need assistance and protection in 2018," the bulletin says.

In particular, there are severe humanitarian needs in the areas along the "contact line," both in non-government controlled areas and in the government controlled areas.

The OCHA notes that during the entire period of the conflict, from April 2014 to October 31, 2017, some 2,515 civilians have lost their lives, while up to 9,000 were injured. Some 92 men, women and children were killed and 432 more injured between January 1 and October 31, 2017 – a 4% increase compared the same period in 2016.

The number of internally displaced persons is estimated at 1.6 million.