The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues to escalate, affecting millions of displaced individuals despite recent military advancements. A significant reduction in U.S. aid has halved the budget of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in the country.
During a visit to Ukraine on World Refugee Day, IRC President David Miliband highlighted that the organization’s budget has dropped from $40 million last year to $20 million in 2027. This decline is attributed to cuts in foreign assistance by the previous U.S. administration and the dissolution of USAID.
“This seems particularly significant at a time when there is a new sense of a different geopolitical narrative—recognizing the brutality and tension faced by millions of Ukrainians,” Miliband stated.
According to United Nations estimates, around 118 million people worldwide are displaced, with Ukraine accounting for approximately 10 million of this total, including nearly 4 million internally displaced persons.
Miliband described the current situation as a “new world disorder,” resulting from over 60 conflicts, diseases, and natural disasters. He emphasized, “There are more shocks and fewer buffers. And money is one of those buffers.”
One of the less discussed consequences of the prolonged conflict is its impact on the mental health of the population after more than four years of fighting. Miliband pointed out that redirecting even a small portion of the billions of dollars allocated for military support to humanitarian aid and psychosocial support could significantly enhance societal resilience.
The humanitarian situation in Ukraine is worsening due to a significant cut in aid, impacting millions of displaced individuals. David Miliband of the IRC emphasizes the urgent need for increased support to address the crisis and its mental health ramifications.