In 2025, Ukraine continues to grapple with the consequences of a full-scale invasion that has led to a massive humanitarian crisis. Around 12.7 million people remain vulnerable and in need of urgent assistance, with 6 million of them included in the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). This document outlines the strategic areas of response aimed at meeting basic needs and ensuring stability for the war-affected population.
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Needs analysis: regional priorities
The armed conflict has had the greatest impact on the regions located close to the frontline, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Kharkiv. These regions have ‘extreme’ and ‘catastrophic’ levels of need. People here face a shortage of food, water, medical care and shelter. At the same time, the western and central regions of Ukraine are experiencing ‘stressful’ levels of need, which also require the attention of humanitarian organisations.
Strategic objectives of the plan
The overall plan is based on two main objectives. The first objective is to provide emergency multisectoral assistance to people in the greatest need, including internally displaced people and people living in the war zone. This includes services such as food support, medical care, cash assistance and temporary shelter.
The second objective focuses on long-term support for access to basic services through existing national mechanisms. This includes health, education, and social protection systems to ensure the resilience of conflict-affected communities.
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Innovative approaches to response
RPP uses a multifunctional approach to assistance. Cash support plays a significant role, enabling people to decide for themselves how to meet their needs. In-kind assistance is used in areas where access to markets is limited. Mobile and stationary teams have also been deployed to provide medical and psychological services. Particular attention is paid to psychosocial support due to the widespread trauma caused by the war.
Financial and organisational challenges
The 2025 plan requires $2.63 billion to implement. At the same time, limited access to the temporarily occupied territories, growing needs and potential funding cuts remain serious challenges. The document also emphasises the importance of strengthening the capacity of local organisations and ensuring coordination between the government, international partners and humanitarian agencies.
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Looking to the future: recovery and resilience
The HRP highlights the importance of integrating humanitarian and longer-term assistance. Alongside addressing immediate needs, the plan aims to create conditions for sustainable community development and recovery. Efforts are aimed at strengthening social cohesion, developing infrastructure and supporting economic activity, which is the basis for Ukraine’s long-term recovery.
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