In this interview for Humanitarian Media Hub, Olexander Novykov, Director of Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe in Ukraine, talks about the current priorities of German humanitarian aid, regions of focus, cash assistance practices, programme results. He also discusses challenges in preparing for winter and recovery.
Priorities and instruments of assistance
Mr. Olexander, what are the main areas of humanitarian aid from Germany that are relevant now, in autumn 2025?
Our work is shaped by the recommendations of humanitarian clusters and the Humanitarian Need Response Plan (HNRP). Help in Ukraine has reached around 800,000 people and indirectly affected almost five million, while implementing over €23 million. We do not specialise in just one area: our team works in all UN clusters represented in Ukraine. The main areas of focus include Multipurpose Cash Assistance, MPCA Emergency cash payments, housing and infrastructure repairs, preparation for the heating season, supply of medical equipment, and assistance to institutions (hospitals, kindergartens, boiler rooms). Localisation and capacity building programmes for local organisations also play an important role.
Have the priorities for assistance changed compared to the previous year?
There are no radical changes. Basic humanitarian needs remain the same while the acute phase continues. At the same time, the role of cash assistance and vouchers is growing — donors are strategically investing more in cash programmes because they provide a quick and flexible response. The reduction in overall funding is forcing us to review budgets and priorities, but the German government’s systematic approach gives us stability and the opportunity to continue our work.
Read also: Housing in Kropyvnytskyi: Locals Buy, IDPs Rent
Regions of focus and targeted use of resources
Which regions of Ukraine currently receive the most support from Germany?
The focus is on regions with the highest concentration of destruction and internal displacement: the east and south-east of the country — Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kherson, Mykolaiv, parts of Dnipropetrovsk and Chernihiv regions, and Odesa. At the same time, we continue our work in the west, where a significant number of internally displaced persons need rental support and business grants.
To put it simply, where does this money go?
The largest part is cash payments for rent, emergency MPCA for local restoration (windows, household goods, medicine), heating preparation (solid fuel, insulation), restoration repairs of private households and infrastructure interventions (water supply, boiler rooms). There are also investments in medical equipment — mobile ultrasound machines, endoscopes, pumps for boiler rooms — these are expensive but critical purchases.
Localisation, partnership and targeting of aid
Are there any specific programmes that have already shown noticeable results? Can you give an example?
One of the visible initiatives is the Help Localisation Facility (HLF), funded by the German Foreign Office. This is a localisation programme with a budget of around €10.8 million, which exclusively supports national organisations with grants of varying sizes. We expect around 20 new local projects in the first wave alone.
There are also specific technical results in other projects: the installation of water towers, the restoration of centralised heat supply in cities, utility repairs and the supply of medical equipment to hospitals — things that can be touched and seen in action.
How to combine humanitarian aid “here and now” with long-term recovery?
We combine rapid response with investment in community development. Alongside MPCA and house repairs, we install water towers, supply critical equipment to hospitals and support local institutions. At Help, we are already working within the HDP-Nexus approach — humanitarian aid, development and peacebuilding go hand in hand to smoothly transition from rapid response to development when the acute phase subsides.
Read also: “Ukrainians are amazing in their resilience” – an interview with Daniel Wallinder, country representative of the Swedish Red Cross
Transparency and control mechanisms
How is transparency of donor funds expenditure ensured?
There are several levels of control. First, there is an internal audit at the head office in Germany for each project. Second, there are external audits by donors. Thirdly, on-site checks involving communities, town halls and local organisations, which draw up lists of beneficiaries and carry out part of the control. HLF also has a grant committee involving representatives of civil society — this is part of the model of transparent distribution of funds.
Challenges, complex areas and prospects for 2026
Is Germany prepared to increase its support in 2026 in view of the ongoing war?
The final decisions are made by the German government, but the signal from the new authorities and the embassy is clear: Germany stands with Ukraine and will continue to fund the humanitarian component. We feel stable support from German ministries and institutions, so we are optimistic about 2026.
Which areas remain challenging?
The most difficult ones are those that combine people’s immediate needs and large-scale infrastructure challenges: energy, boiler rooms, power grids. Repairing a boiler room requires expensive custom equipment, a long production cycle, and significant funds. Housing restoration in the shelling zone is also difficult: it is not cheap, depends on contractors, and carries the risk of shelling. In general, the main problem is limited finances amid increasing needs.
Read also: “Local self-government is the frontline” – how ATC are rebuilding Ukraine
Local organisations and their role
What role do Ukrainian communities and local organisations play in joint projects?
Main role. Communities set priorities, compile lists for payments and monitor whether aid is targeted at those who need it. The effectiveness of projects often depends not only on resources, but also on community management: strong local leadership can attract additional resources, manage them properly and achieve more.
Has the approach to supporting internally displaced persons changed?
The approach has not changed fundamentally, but the volume of aid has decreased. This forces donors and humanitarian organisations to choose where to direct their limited resources. Sometimes, planned cash programmes have to be reallocated to more critical needs in frontline regions.
Is the assistance targeted — does it reach specific families and communities?
Yes, a significant portion of the aid is targeted: cash assistance for rent or repairs, payments after arrival. The lists are compiled and beneficiaries are selected in close cooperation with local authorities and communities, which minimises the risk of misallocation.
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Germany’s expectations
What does Germany expect from Ukraine in return for its support?
A simple requirement: transparent and efficient use of resources and strengthening partnerships with civil society. Germany sees investment in local organisations as an investment in the future and expects its partners to develop their capacities and accountability.
Is Germany still paying attention to Ukraine, or is there “war fatigue”?
There are concerns about a shift in focus due to other humanitarian crises. At the same time, the new German government has confirmed its commitment, and we feel stable support for our work. Working with the government and major donors gives us confidence in continued support.
The main message to Ukrainians from Germany as of October 2025?
Germany remains a partner and will continue to support Ukraine through humanitarian and localisation programmes, provided that funds are used transparently and local capacities are strengthened.
Read also: “Your neighbours are the first rescuers” – Magali Mourlon on localisation of aid and community resilience
