Fourth winter of full-scale war leaves Ukrainians without doctors, medicines or warmth, new IRC data reveals

Kyiv, Ukraine, December 30, 2025 - Amid intensified mass attacks, Ukrainians face a fourth winter of full-scale war with heavily restricted access to medical care and reliable heating, new data from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) reveals.

• Access to medical care emerges as the most urgent need for more than 70% of people surveyed by the IRC, with chronic diseases widespread;
• 60% of households remain without sufficient heating this winter;
• One in five families suffers from health issues linked to cold indoor temperatures.

As an estimated 9.2 million people in Ukraine need health assistance, access to doctors and medication emerges as the top priority. Over half of people surveyed cannot afford essential medicines. War-damage and massive underfunding of the health sector, coupled with shortages of specialised staff, medical centres and pharmacies drive a health crisis in remote areas, where the few remaining rural health postsare struggling to heat their premises.

Demand for psychological and psychiatric care continues to surge, with over one third of the population reporting mental health issues as prevalent. "Some suffer because they've lost loved ones, some are in very serious condition, others have no way to get to a hospital," says Yana, a family doctor working with IRC and Fortitude mobile health clinics in Kherson.

Against the backdrop of severely damaged homes and civilian infrastructure, this winter is especially harsh for families with children, and those with limited income. More than 60% report they cannot afford utilities or heating materials such as firewood, coal, or gas, while nearly 40% say they need basic winter items, including floor mats, stoves, and warm clothing.

Serdar Yardak, IRC Ukraine's Deputy Director of Programmes, says:

"New data from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) reveals the staggering human cost of conflict as Ukrainians face a fourth winter of full-scale war. Relentless strikes and drone attacks continue to shatter lives and compound the impact of yet another brutal winter, depriving people of much needed medical care and warmth. Our partners report a growing struggle to meet people's needs, especially as funding for humanitarian assistance falls.

"While Ukraine's peace negotiations offer a glimmer of hope for conflict-affected communities, even if a deal is signed, humanitarian needs will not instantly disappear, with the impacts of this war likely to be felt for generations. The IRC urges the international community to remain steadfast in its commitment to the people of Ukraine-to support their recovery and help them regain control of their futures."

Notes to editors

The International Rescue Committee conducted a multisectoral needs assessment across seven most affected oblasts in eastern and southern Ukraine from August 29 to October 7, 2025, in collaboration with local partner organizations Fortitude, Shchedryk, Star Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Education Platform who facilitated data collection across their areas of operation. The assessment surveyed 1,324 households and conducted 57 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 64 key informant interviews (KIIs) to understand humanitarian needs entering the fourth winter of full-scale war.