Kyiv, Ukraine, February 23, 2026 — Alain Homsy, IRC’s Ukraine Country Director, says:
“Four years into the full‑scale war, Ukrainians are facing yet another winter without the essentials every person deserves - doctors, medicines, warmth, and safety. Every day, we see families struggling to survive amid relentless attacks and blackouts, while freezing temperatures have at times made it impossible for humanitarians to reach those in need.
The cold has forced us and our partners to pause activities for a few days. Just last week, it was so cold and stormy that rain froze instantly on car windshields, making it impossible for some mobile medical heath teams to drive to the most remote areas where we operate.
The resilience of the Ukrainian people is extraordinary, but resilience alone cannot keep homes warm, protect children from drone attacks, or keep clinics open. The world cannot allow this crisis to become invisible; sustained support is the only way to ensure that families make it through another winter.”