Charity leaders, including representatives from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), gathered for the launch of the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP). The discussion centered on proper strategies to shield civilians in Ukraine amid a protracted conflict with Russia.
Norwegian Refugee Council Calls for Urgent Civilian Protection in Ukraine
Findings by Charity Journal reveal that civilian casualties in Ukraine surged in 2025 compared to previous years, with nearly half occurring near the frontlines.
According to a post on X by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), evacuation remains an effective protection tool, but nearly 3.7 million internally displaced people still require ongoing support.
“We must not abandon those who are most at risk. People displaced within Ukraine have now been displaced for more than two years,” said the NRC report.
The Norwegian Refugee Council disclosed that a growing number of Ukrainian civilians do not have access to food and medicine. Furthermore, the agency noted that the protracted armed conflict has adversely affected the means of livelihood for several civilians in the country.
In its statement, the NRC warned that protecting civilians in Ukraine remains an uphill climb. Efforts require sustained funding, strong partnerships among relief organizations, and “principled humanitarian access” in the coming months.
Humanitarian Leaders Highlight Plight of 3.7 Million Displaced Ukrainians
In the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan report, NRC Coordinator for Ukraine Matthias Schmale emphasized that Ukrainians have shown extraordinary courage. However, he stressed that Humanitarian leaders should not expect civilians to endure the unendurable without consistent, principled support.
“For people in Druzhkivka and in many frontline communities, daily life is overshadowed by violence and the struggle to survive,” Schmale said.
Schamale disclosed that a strict curfew for the greater part of the day forces civilians to remain indoors. The report confirms that as the war continues, humanitarian needs in Ukraine have deepened rather than decreased.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Plan adopts an issue-based approach organized around four strategic priorities. With an estimated 10.8 million people in need, aid organizations aim to reach 4.1 million of the most vulnerable, prioritizing those living under the most severe conditions.