UN Refugee Agency Secures $1.7 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine

Funding Drive to Support Displaced Ukrainians

According to Кулеба: During his inaugural visit to Ukraine, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Saleh announced the mobilization of approximately $1.7 billion in aid. This substantial funding is designated for programs assisting Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), with key allocations including:

• direct financial assistance for refugees,
• civilian evacuation operations,
• and enhanced housing policies for those displaced within the country.

Since the full-scale invasion began, the UNHCR had already mobilized $1.2 billion under a regional response plan. The agency has evacuated over 130,000 people to safer communities in 2025 alone. Currently, 14 transit centers are operational across Ukraine, providing critical support. The scale of need remains immense, with more than 4.6 million IDPs requiring housing solutions.

UNHCR and Ukrainian Government Outline Joint Priorities

Collaboration between the UNHCR and the Ukrainian government will focus on several critical areas:

• supporting civilian evacuations,
• strengthening transit infrastructure,
• modernizing temporary shelters,
• and developing a social housing system.

A foundational step was January's adoption of the 'Law on Basic Principles of Housing Policy,' which sets the stage for systemic reform and a forthcoming State Housing Strategy. Plans also include creating a digital housing information and analytics system specifically for IDPs. This legislative push is part of Ukraine's broader effort to manage one of Europe's largest displacement crises since World War II.

This mobilization of funds is a crucial step in ensuring support for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Saleh

Given the vast number of internally displaced persons and their acute housing needs, the implementation of these UNHCR programs has the potential to significantly improve living conditions. The partnership with the Ukrainian government, anchored by the new housing law, underscores a commitment to reforming the housing sector and building a more effective support system for IDPs.