Ukraine: Relentless hostilities are severely hampering humanitarian operations, particularly in front-line communities

Relentless hostilities in January and February severely impacted the delivery of humanitarian aid and services, particularly in front-line communities. On 17 February, the Russian Federation occupied Avdiivka Town, in Donetska Oblast, marking a significant change in humanitarian access with organizations no longer able to reach the people in need from government-controlled areas. Reaching recently displaced people and host communities in neighbouring Ocheretyne Hromada with life-saving assistance has also become more difficult due to the security situation. The delivery of aid to the east bank of the Oskil River in Kupiansk, Kharkivska Oblast and the west bank of the Dnipro River in Khersonska Oblast has also been impacted by intensified fighting. In territories occupied by the Russian Federation, delivery of humanitarian aid remains extremely challenging.
At least 24 humanitarian access incidents were reported to the Humanitarian Access Working Group in January and February. Attacks impacting aid workers killed two and injured another 10. Of these, two were killed and four were injured in a single incident in Khersonska Oblast. The front line remains as dangerous for aid workers as in 2023, when three aid workers were killed in the same period. Among the 14 reported incidents damaging humanitarian assets and facilities, eight were within 10 kilometers from the frontline, reducing the capacity and operational range of response efforts.
In a complex security environment, new measures for humanitarians working in 53 communities in front-line areas of Khersonska Oblast were put in place by the authorities. Organizations not using the Humanitarian Notification System are required to engage with local authorities and provide additional information to reach these communities.
Changes in the Ukrainian legislation may impact the operational capacity of humanitarian organizations. The 1 December amendments to the Ukraine Humanitari-an Law No. 9111 will be fully implemented on 1 April 2024, changing the importation and reporting requirements for humanitarian actors. The draft amendments to the law regulating military service reached a second reading with over 3,000 comments. The number of visa denials for foreign aid workers significantly reduced with only two reported cases in January 2024 compared to 15 last November. Consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified the visa policies in place and their enforcement.
The blockade of trucks at the Ukrainian-Polish borders remains a concern for humanitarians. Polish farmers announced the resumption of protests on 9 February against the European Commission decision to extend import duty exemption with Ukraine until 2025.The protests impacted road traffic and cargo terminals, limiting clearance for vehicles under 7.5 tons. Humanitarian aid cargo has not been directly impacted so far.