Vadym Filashkin, Head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, met with Bernadette Castel-Hollingsworth, Representative of UNHCR Ukraine – the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine – and Federico Sersale, Head of the Dnipro Sub-Office.
As Federico is stepping down from his post, the head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration began by thanking him for his cooperation, his constant attention to the Donetsk region and his support for our people.
“It is important to us that, during the transitional period until the new head takes up their post, this cooperation remains just as close and uninterrupted,” emphasised Vadym Filashkin.
During the meeting, they discussed the security situation in the Donetsk region, particularly in the Kramatorsk and Sloviansk communities, the crimes committed by the Russian occupiers, the destruction of residential buildings and infrastructure, as well as the daily challenges faced by the civilian population.
They reviewed the UNHCR’s work in the region in 2026 and outlined future priorities. Preparations for the heating season were discussed separately: over 30,000 households in Donetsk Oblast require heating assistance.
Vadym Filashkin noted that the region is counting on continued support for people who remain in communities near the front line, are being evacuated, or have been affected by Russian shelling.
“UNHCR is a long-standing partner of the Donetsk region and Ukraine. Their assistance is critically important for our region: it enables people to get through the most difficult times, maintain their dignity and feel that the world is not leaving Donetsk Oblast to face the war alone.
Together we will stand firm. Together we are stronger!”, emphasised the regional governor during the meeting.