In August 2025, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine deteriorated: intense attacks on populated areas led to an increase in civilian casualties, new waves of internal displacement and further pressure on medical, housing, and energy systems. Humanitarian partners report limited access to some areas, uneven funding for current response plans, and stress the need for urgent preparation for the autumn-winter period, which is due to begin in October 2025.
situation-update-august-2025Escalation of attacks and consequences for the civilian population
According to international monitoring surveys, the number of civilian deaths and injuries in 2025 increased compared to the previous year, which was reflected in greater demand for emergency medical care, basic necessities and temporary housing. Damage and destruction to residential and civilian infrastructure increase the need for housing repairs, restoration of water and electricity supplies, and psychosocial support for affected families.
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Forced displacement and regional needs
With the increase in shelling, local waves of internal displacement have resumed, particularly from the Sumy, Donetsk, Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Some displaced persons are seeking refuge in neighbouring communities and regional centres, putting pressure on local housing, health and social services. The addition of new displacement flows to the existing scale of IDPs complicates the planning of accommodation and assistance in the short term.
Humanitarian response and access restrictions
Humanitarian convoys and partners continue to operate in areas accessible for aid delivery, but security risks and roadblocks complicate the regular supply of goods and services to frontline communities. Limited access to some areas, as well as security incidents, increase logistical costs and slow down the rapid response, forcing humanitarian organisations to reprioritise the most urgent cases.
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Funding and preparation for the autumn-winter period
The humanitarian community has presented a separate Response Plan for the autumn-winter period of 2025–2026, which provides for support to approximately 1.7 million of the most vulnerable people and requires approximately US$277.7 million to ensure multisectoral activities from October 2025 to March 2026. At the same time, the overall Humanitarian Needs Plan for 2025 required approximately US$2.63 billion, and its funding remains partial, limiting the scale and sustainability of relevant programmes. Due to this imbalance, humanitarian partners are calling for both urgent and long-term investments to ensure the heating season, repair housing, supply fuel and support energy infrastructure.
Response priorities and operational challenges
In the short term, humanitarian efforts are focused on meeting urgent needs for food, medicine, water and hygiene supplies, as well as providing cash assistance to those who have lost their sources of income. Medium-term objectives include housing rehabilitation, protection of the most vulnerable groups, and scaling up winter preparedness measures, including home insulation and fuel provision. Operational challenges include a lack of funding, security restrictions on access, a shortage of warehouses and mobile teams in remote communities, and the need for better coordination between international partners and local authorities.
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What this means for policymakers and donors
The report emphasises that without a significant increase in resources and improved access, part of the population risks being left without assistance during the coldest months and continued attacks. Policies must combine rapid measures to meet basic needs with systemic solutions to rebuild infrastructure, protect property rights and integrate internally displaced persons into local economies. Donor decisions in the coming weeks will determine whether critical supplies can be secured and winter measures can be fully implemented.
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