Representatives of the Donetsk Regional State Administration and local communities discussed regional support with a joint delegation from UNHCR, OCHA, and WHO in Ukraine, led by the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Matthias Schmale.
Participants of the meeting discussed the humanitarian situation in the region, the status of water supply, preparation for the 2026–2027 autumn-winter heating season, security risks, and the needs arising from these challenges. They also reviewed the state of evacuation efforts, the operation of transit hubs for displaced persons, and the needs of evacuated citizens.
"Being present in Donetsk Oblast, you see and understand all the problems faced by the residents of the region and representatives of relevant services in specific communities. Today, Donetsk Oblast lives under conditions of extraordinary challenges. Unfortunately, Russia has begun striking residential areas and critical infrastructure even more intensively with guided aerial bombs. We now face even greater challenges, including passing through the heating season. We are very grateful for all the support and care from international organizations, and it is extremely important for us to continue our joint work to unite efforts to meet the needs of our citizens," said Yuriy Kliuchka, Deputy Head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, addressing the representatives of international organizations.
Matthias Schmale, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, and Bernadette Castel-Hollingsworth, UNHCR Representative in Ukraine, learned about the available resources and current needs of Donetsk Oblast communities at this time. They also emphasized that one of their priorities now is the evacuation of people to safer places, as well as supporting citizens who remain and have suffered due to enemy shelling.
Vadym Liakh, Mayor of Sloviansk, and Mykhailo Tarasevych, Deputy Mayor of Kramatorsk, reported on the situation in the most populous communities.
Meeting participants agreed on future plans to support Donetsk Oblast across all discussed areas and emphasized the continuation of joint work on ongoing projects.