November 11, 2026, Kyiv, Ukraine – As winter approaches, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine is further deteriorating. Ongoing attacks on civilian, energy and water infrastructure continue to disrupt essential services, leaving millions of people exposed to power outages, inadequate or even no heating and harsh living conditions. Recent attacks caused widespread power outages across several regions of the country, with hundreds of thousands left without electricity. On November 2, an aid distribution point in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region was destroyed in a Russian airstrike. According to local authorities, dozens of people were killed, many are still missing. UN estimates say that in 2026 alone 2570 civilians were killed, 15,211 were injured.
“The ongoing attacks are shocking and unacceptable,” said Michael McGrath, Country Director CARE Ukraine. “The recent deadly attack on the aid distribution point is a tragic reminder that the war continues to exact a devastating toll on civilians. Humanitarian assistance must remain accessible and protected, especially as the fifth winter of full-scale war brings additional hardship to millions of people.”
Women, children and other vulnerable groups face disproportionate risks during the winter, particularly when damaged homes, inadequate heating and limited access to essential resources leave them exposed to cold temperatures and insecurity.
“In Kyiv, every attack on energy infrastructure disrupts the most basic aspects of daily life,” said Valeriia Vershynina, Executive Director of Charitable Foundation Stabilization Support Services (SSS), who CARE works in partnership with. “Families struggle to keep their homes warm, access water and care for their loved ones. Public transport disruptions make it harder to reach work, children’s education is interrupted, and people lose working hours and income. Women often shoulder much of the additional care burden, while the constant uncertainty takes a heavy psychological toll. Winter is only beginning, and people are already exhausted. Sustained humanitarian support and the protection of civilian infrastructure are essential.”
Together with local partners, CARE Ukraine is continuing to support communities through the winter months. This includes providing financial assistance so families can purchase heating fuel and other essential items and enable repairs to their homes. Heating systems and electricity supply are being improved in residential buildings and collective centres where displaced and older people seek shelter, including the replacement of damaged windows and doors, and the installation of hybrid solar power systems for backup electricity. CARE and partners also provide access to safe water and sanitation, protection services and psychosocial support.
Yet, despite rising humanitarian needs, funding is declining. As of November 11, 2026, the Humanitarian Response Plan remains 24.5 percent underfunded.
CARE urgently calls on the international community to sustain and scale up humanitarian support for Ukraine, prioritizing protection of civilians and long-term provision of mental health services. The parties to conflict and those engaged in negotiation must aim for a lasting, just, sustainable and inclusive peace. This also means that peace processes should be locally led and owned. Under International Humanitarian Law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, including humanitarian workers and facilities. The normalization of civilian harm is unacceptable.
For media inquiries, email usa.media@care.org.