More than 10 million Ukrainians are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has reported, highlighting the deadly toll of the war

and the challenges facing civilians this winter.

According to UNHCR data, 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. Outside Ukraine, nearly 5.9 million refugees remain displaced, including close to 1 million in Poland. Inside the country, 3.7 million people are internally displaced, struggling to survive amid ongoing attacks and deteriorating infrastructure.

The agency described this winter as one of the harshest yet, noting repeated strikes on energy systems that have left many without power, heating, or water during periods of extreme cold.

The UNHCR emphasized that continued violence is forcing people to flee, with around 12 percent of Ukrainian refugees in Poland coming from eastern territories temporarily occupied by Russian forces. Many could not leave earlier due to limited financial means, illness, or disability, while others no longer have homes to return to. The most vulnerable require specialized assistance, including psychosocial support and basic medical care.

Despite the crisis, UNHCR highlighted ongoing solidarity in Poland and the resilience of Ukrainian refugees.

“Since 2022, the extraordinary solidarity and commitment of the Polish government and society have set a global standard for refugee assistance and inclusion,” said Kevin J. Allen, UNHCR representative in Poland.

Allen also noted the positive economic impact of the refugee population: “Over time, Poland has created a win-win scenario by turning the influx of refugees into a stronger Polish economy, with Ukrainian refugees contributing 2.7 percent of Polish GDP in 2024. Ensuring favorable conditions for work and education, and investing in human capital, will also benefit Ukraine in the future.”

UNHCR stressed that investing in refugees’ skills and potential is essential not only for social cohesion in host countries but also for Ukraine’s eventual reconstruction, once conditions allow for safe returns.

Amid overlapping global crises and polarizing public debates, the agency concluded, maintaining solidarity and trust is critical to protecting and supporting those most in need. Photo by Silar, Wikimedia commons.