Ukraine entered the end of 2025 in the midst of a protracted full-scale war, which is having an increasingly severe impact on the civilian population and the humanitarian system. December saw an intensification of hostilities, worsening weather conditions and growing needs among people who have been living in constant danger for several years. A review of the humanitarian situation prepared by UN agencies highlights a complex combination of security, social and infrastructure challenges that are shaping the humanitarian response agenda at the end of the year.
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The military context and impact on the civilian population
In December 2025, hostilities continued across much of eastern and southern Ukraine, accompanied by regular strikes on rear regions. Shelling remains the main threat to civilians, particularly in frontline communities in the Donetsk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. Residential buildings, medical and educational facilities, and energy and water infrastructure are being targeted.
The report notes that December was marked by an increase in the intensity of attacks using missiles and drones, resulting in new casualties among the civilian population and an additional burden on emergency services. The psychological effect of the constant threat, prolonged air raid sirens and destruction exacerbates humanitarian needs that go beyond basic survival.
Winter as a multiplier of humanitarian risks
Weather conditions in December significantly exacerbated the situation for millions of people. The drop in temperature exposed the vulnerability of households living in damaged or temporary housing, as well as communities with unstable access to electricity and heating. Damage to energy infrastructure throughout the year made the winter period particularly critical, as even short-term outages can have serious health consequences.
In December, humanitarian organisations reported an increase in demand for fuel, heating, home insulation and cash assistance to cover utility costs. The situation remains particularly difficult for older people, people with disabilities and families with children, who are unable to adapt quickly to sudden changes in living conditions.
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The scale of humanitarian needs
As of the end of 2025, millions of people in Ukraine continue to require humanitarian assistance. A significant portion of them are internally displaced persons who have been forced to repeatedly change their place of residence due to active hostilities. In December, new waves of displacement from frontline areas were recorded, putting additional pressure on host communities.
Access to clean water remains a particular challenge. Damage to water supply and sanitation systems as a result of shelling has led to disruptions, especially in the eastern and southern regions. Medical needs are also increasing: in addition to war-related injuries, there has been a deterioration in the condition of people with chronic diseases due to limited access to treatment and medicines.
Operating environment for humanitarian organisations
Humanitarian actors operate in an extremely challenging operating environment. In December 2025, access to certain areas remained limited due to active hostilities, mine hazards and disrupted logistics. The movement of humanitarian convoys is often hampered by security risks and sometimes becomes impossible without prior pauses in hostilities.
Despite this, organisations continue to provide assistance by adapting their working methods, increasing the proportion of cash-based programmes and cooperating with local partners. It is local organisations that play a key role in accessing communities that remain outside the scope of regular humanitarian coverage.
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Coordination and response priorities
The humanitarian response in December was coordinated within the UN cluster system, working closely with the Ukrainian authorities. Response priorities at the end of the year focused on winter support, protecting civilians, providing basic services, and supporting the most vulnerable groups.
Regular operational briefings allow for coordination between different sectors and adjustments to plans depending on the security situation. At the same time, the report emphasises that the scale of needs far exceeds available resources, forcing humanitarian organisations to make difficult decisions about prioritising aid.
Financial and strategic challenges
Funding for the humanitarian response remains one of the key constraints. At the end of 2025, humanitarian plans for Ukraine were only partially funded, which directly affects the scope and sustainability of aid programmes. The resource deficit, combined with the duration of the war, increases the risk of donor fatigue and limits the scope for long-term planning.
In this context, the December review highlights the need not only to respond to immediate needs, but also to strike a balance between emergency assistance. This includes supporting the resilience of communities that have been living in war conditions for a long time.
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