HIGHLIGHTS
Shelling and landmines remain leading causes of civilian casualties in 2018
Winter weather disrupts electricity, heat, and water services for populations in eastern Ukraine
WFP ceases emergency food assistance in eastern Ukraine due to access and funding constraints
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Despite persistent conflict-related threats to civilians on a daily basis, the overall number of casualties in Ukraine decreased by 16 percent from November 2017–February 2018 compared to November 2016–February 2017, according to the UN. February 2018 casualties also comprised the fewest casualties per month since the onset of the conflict.
Thousands of Ukrainians living in more than 90 settlements on both sides of the contact line experienced disrupted electricity, heating, and water systems as a result of unusually low temperatures in February, the UN reports. Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures from November 2017 to March 2018 reduced water and heat supplies, as well as access to basic services, critical facilities, and markets on both sides of the contact line.
Following shelling, the UN reports that landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) accounted for the second highest cause of civilian casualties in 2017.
In February, the UN World Food Program (WFP) closed its emergency food assistance operation in Ukraine, citing insufficient funding and decreasing humanitarian access, particularly in the non-government controlled area (NGCA). The UN agency reached approximately 1.1 million people with emergency food assistance in the governmentcontrolled area (GCA) and NGCA through cash transfers for food, food vouchers, and locally-procured food since beginning operations in Ukraine in November 2014.
Authorities shut down the Donetsk Filter Station, which supplies safe drinking water to more than 345,000 people on both sides of the contact line, after five employees were injured by unknown armed actors in an attack on April 17.
To date in FY 2018, the U.S. Government (USG) has provided approximately $2.5 million in humanitarian assistance to meet emergency food, health, protection, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs in eastern Ukraine.