HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN UKRAINE AMIDST THE ONGOING WAR

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of humanitarian response implemented by international organizations in Ukraine in the context of the  full-scale war. It examines the evolution of humanitarian assistance from localized support following the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine after 2014 to a large-scale, multi-sectoral response system during 2022–2026. The legal framework of humanitarian activities is outlined, including the role of the Law of Ukraine “On Humanitarian Aid” and its amendments regulating the activities of humanitarian organizations under martial law The study explores the institutional architecture of humanitarian response, emphasizing the coordinating role of the United Nations and the functioning of the cluster system. It highlights the activities of UN specialized agencies in the fields of food security, healthcare, protection, psychosocial support, shelter recovery, and assistance to internally displaced persons. Particular attention is given to cash assistance programs, educational initiatives, and early recovery measures aimed at strengthening community resilience. The contribution of international non-governmental organizations to human rights protection, mediation efforts, and support for vulnerable groups is also analyzed. The article identifies key challenges facing humanitarian response in Ukraine, including funding shortages, limited access to temporarily occupied territories, risks of duplication of aid, and high dependence on international donor resources. It is argued that humanitarian response by international organizations constitutes a crucial factor in social stabilization, preservation of human dignity, and enhancement of community resilience during wartime, while also laying the groundwork for integrating humanitarian assistance into Ukraine’s long-term recovery policy