The UN's migration chief, Amy Pope, urged countries to increase humanitarian support for Ukraine during her first visit since taking office.
With over two years of conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the humanitarian needs are significant.
Approximately 14 million Ukrainians, or 40% of the population, require aid, including nearly 4 million internally displaced individuals and around 6 million refugees.
Pope expressed concern over donor fatigue and emphasized the importance of continued support.
She noted the resilience of ordinary Ukrainians but stressed the need for external assistance.
The text discusses the concerns of the United Nations (UN) and its humanitarian chief, Elizabeth Pope, about potential funding shortages for aid efforts in Ukraine and for refugees who have fled.
The UN requires $4.2 billion this year but fears a significant shortfall due to the dominating attention on the Gaza war.
Pope expressed anxiety about the humanitarian community abandoning their efforts and acknowledged donors' concerns about potential cuts.
She praised the European Union for providing aid but emphasized the importance of US involvement.
US President
Joe Biden proposed a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine, which includes humanitarian assistance, but it's being blocked by Republicans in Congress.
Pope Francis urged donor countries to continue assisting Ukraine, warning that not addressing current humanitarian needs could lead to greater and more costly problems in the future, both financially and in terms of human suffering.
During her trip,
Pope Francis met with top officials, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who expressed concerns that without more aid, the displacement crisis could become permanent and have dire consequences for the economy.
The Pope met with Ukrainian President Zelensky and discussed the urgent need to provide more bomb shelters in schools to ensure the safe return of children to classrooms.
She also emphasized the importance of acting early to mitigate the impacts of Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure, such as supplying generators and fuel before next winter.
The Pope believes that providing economic support now will help prevent mass displacement and long-term problems, giving Ukrainians hope and dignity as they rebuild their lives and country.