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Exclusive interview with the UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine and Humanitarian Coordinator Denise Brown who finishing her two-year mission in Ukraine to the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency

Text: Valerie Proshchenko

What you can say about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine as of today. We understand that a lot has changed since 2022, but what are we facing today?

Firstly, the needs are huge. Over 14 million people in Ukraine are in need of humanitarian assistance. And when we say humanitarian assistance, that means somebody who needs help every single day, either with food or shelter or medical or protection services. What we see happening in Ukraine is that needs are only increasing. And that's to be expected, because the war continues and, in some places in the country, intensifies.

And as we go towards the winter months, I know the government, with the partners including the UN, is doing everything possible to improve the energy situation. But if we have a winter with insufficient supplies of energy, then there will be more people in need of assistance. So, there's growing needs in the country.

What is the current humanitarian situation in the Kharkiv region, for example Vovchansk, that has recently suffered from another Russian offensive? And what is the humanitarian situation in the regional center Kharkiv city?

I was in Kharkiv last week. What I can say about Vovchansk, from my point of view, there was a very strong, solid, effective response that included the local authorities, regional authorities, the local volunteer organizations, the international organizations, the UN, of course. It was a horrendous situation. I was there. But everything was done to support the people coming out.

I was in Kupia