Aid group official warns the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine risks becoming "normalized"
The head of the aid group International Rescue Committee in Ukraine says he is bracing for fewer donations this year because not enough international attention is being placed on Ukraine as Russia's war risks becoming a protracted conflict
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A major aid group is concerned that there is not enough international attention given to Ukraine and is bracing for fewer donations used to finance operations in the battle-scarred country, its president warned on Tuesday.
The head of the International Rescue Committee, David Miliband said, his central concern is that the 19-month war and the resulting humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s invasion and continued attacks on civilian infrastructure are becoming “normalized” by the international community while the needs brought about by the war show no signs of diminishing, he said.
“We know that the 2022 figures for humanitarian aid in Ukraine are not going to be repeated," he told the Associated Press. Miliband said they don't expect the donations received from Europe and North America last year to be matched.
The IRC received $40 million in funding for Ukraine operations in 2022. In 2023, the aid group received almost less than half of that sum, with $27 million. Yet the needs have remained consistent, he said.
