The United Nations, UN Spokesperson Stéphane, Dujarric says humanitarians are deploying extra staff across Ukraine to aid the growing number of civilians sheltering from Russian bombardment or fleeing the violence.
According to the UN refugee agency, Dujarric told correspondents in New York that an estimated 1.9 million Ukrainians have been internally displaced, while more than 2.3 million have now crossed the western border in search of safety,
He added that three things are critical in the short term, as Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths has stressed: civilians, whether they stay or leave, must be respected and protected; safe passage is needed for humanitarian supplies; and a system of constant communications with parties to the conflict.
Dujarric noted that in terms of response, humanitarian organizations are deploying additional staff across the country and are working to move supplies to warehouses in different hubs within Ukraine and outside.
He said the UN and partners had reached more than 500,000 people with some form of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine so far, including life-saving food, shelter, blankets, and medical supplies.
