Crisis intensifies in eastern Ukraine as civilians face rising hostilities

With the full-scale war in Ukraine now in its third year, the humanitarian crisis continues to intensify. In the Donetsk region, recent attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure have led to the evacuation of residents from the towns of Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, Novohrodivka, Selydove, and Kurakhove. HelpAge International has been providing support to over 1,100 older people in these areas, who now face rapidly deteriorating conditions. Access to essential resources such as food, medicine, and drinking water is severely limited.

Older people, many of whom struggle with health and mobility challenges and lack family support, are among the most vulnerable in this crisis.

The challenges faced by older people in this worsening situation demand targeted and coordinated humanitarian efforts. Older people are entitled to assistance that is not only tailored to their health and care needs but also includes physical and psychosocial support, as well as evacuation and accommodation adapted to their specific physical and cognitive abilities.

In the week of the World Humanitarian Day, the situation in the Donetsk region is a stark reminder of the critical role of humanitarian workers who, despite dangers, continue to deliver life-saving support to those affected by this crisis.