Fighting along Ukraine’s front lines killed several civilians and forced more families to flee their homes this week, making it even harder for aid groups to reach people who need help badly, the United Nations (UN) reported. Donetsk, Kherson and Sumy regions got hit the worst. Attacks destroyed civilian infrastructure and left many people without basic services. UN officials say food shortages are getting worse in border areas as the war drags on.
The conflict has destroyed people’s ability to make a living and pushed poverty levels four times higher than before the war started. Displaced families face the biggest risks—many can’t find enough food. The front line stretches 700 miles, and countless towns and villages still lack basics for survival.
Over 130 aid organizations are trying to help, giving food and cash to more than 1.8 million people across Ukraine. In Donetsk and Kherson alone, over 400,000 people got food and farming support. But getting aid to people has become much more dangerous. Civilian deaths jumped 50% this year compared to the same time last year.
“This frontline stretches 700 miles and countless towns and villages are still without the basics for survival,” said Cindy McCain, who runs the World Food Programme.
About 10,000 people still live in the most dangerous front-line areas, even though authorities keep telling them to leave for their safety. Many who stayed or returned can’t find work or income.
Aid workers say the violence is making their job much harder, but they’re determined to keep helping families caught in the fighting.
