Addressing Humanitarian Challenges in Odesa

On October 15, 2024, a significant meeting took place at the Odesa City Hall, featuring acting Mayor Oleksandr Filatov and advisor on social and humanitarian issues Veronika Etnarovych with UN humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine Matthias Schmale.

Also attending were: head of the Europe, Central Asia, and Caucasus department at UN Abdul Hak Amiri, acting head of UN in Ukraine Ann-Sophie Le Beaux, head of the Southern Hub of UN in Ukraine Teikshur Mugari, humanitarian advisor Alina Basyuk, and the director of the Department of Labor and Social Policy of the Odesa City Council Olena Kytainska.

During the discussion, the parties addressed security issues and the humanitarian needs of the city in the context of military aggression, support for internally displaced persons, and the preparation for the winter season.

UN representatives emphasized that the humanitarian needs assessment and response plan would take into account the necessity of providing assistance to internally displaced persons as well as ensuring additional modular shelters for Odesa.

Furthermore, they explored possibilities for maintaining reliable operation of heating and water supply facilities at social institutions during the fall-winter period.

Oleksandr Filatov expressed gratitude to international partners on behalf of Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov for their cooperation and comprehensive assistance, particularly in restoring homes affected by hostile actions.