The new Global Humanitarian Overview 2026 (GHO) outlines the scale of global humanitarian tensions and identifies the countries most in need of support. The UN document forecasts aid for 135 million people out of 239 million in need worldwide, with the priority remaining to save 87 million lives. Ukraine occupies a prominent place on this list, and its humanitarian needs are among the greatest in Europe.
Volume of demand in Ukraine
According to the GHO, 10.8 million people in Ukraine will need humanitarian aid in 2026. The response plan covers 4.1 million people, with 3.6 million of them identified as priority groups. This means that almost the entire target audience will get support first.
To do this, Ukraine needs $2.3 billion, of which $2.1 billion has already been allocated for the most urgent needs. This funding structure shows that virtually the entire budget will be directed towards emergency assistance to those who find themselves in difficult circumstances due to the war.
In terms of the share of priority funding, Ukraine is among the group of countries where more than 80% of the requested funds are earmarked for critical needs. This places it among the countries receiving the most focused assistance.
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Ukraine in a global context
In terms of humanitarian needs, Ukraine remains one of the key crisis areas. For comparison: 16.5 million people need assistance in Syria, 23.1 million in Yemen, and 33.7 million in Sudan. However, Ukraine’s request for $2.3 billion is comparable to the largest global crises and sometimes exceeds the budgets of countries with a larger number of people in need.
Europe as a whole accounts for only about 5% of the global humanitarian burden, but Ukraine is the main focus in this region. The Middle East, East Africa and other regions account for 16 to 24% of all people in need, creating significant competition for resources. At the same time, Ukraine continues to receive high international support and remains a funding priority.
New approaches to assistance and the role of local organisations
The report focuses on changing approaches to humanitarian work. One of the key areas is expanding localisation, i.e. strengthening the role of Ukrainian organisations and local communities in providing assistance. By the end of 2025, 55% of funds globally had already been directed to local and national partners, and the share of women’s organisations among recipients reached 17%.
Ukrainian communities and NGOs are actively involved in the planning and implementation of aid programmes, as they are the ones who best understand the real needs of those affected.
Another important tool is cash support. Providing multifunctional cash helps people determine their priority needs themselves. This approach allows for a faster response to crises, supports the local economy, and provides greater flexibility. It is already being actively used in Ukraine, particularly in winter assistance programmes for families in frontline regions.
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Threats to the humanitarian response
GHO warns that funding shortages remain a major risk factor. Following significant cuts in 2025, international agencies have reduced their staff and offices in various countries around the world, which affects the speed and scale of their response. In the case of Ukraine, delays in funding could lead to restrictions on vital programmes, particularly in the areas of healthcare, warm housing, access to water and protection of the civilian population.
Despite the difficult situation, the report emphasises that even small investments can save lives. Funding primary healthcare, restoring access to water, and supporting shelters and schools are key elements of safety and survival for millions of people.
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