OREANDA-NEWS. Today Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides has announced additional funding for people affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine during his visit to the country.

"The recent escalation of violence in eastern Ukraine, and its impact on the civilian population, is of great concern. Here today in Bakhmut, I want to tell the Ukrainian people: you are not alone. All civilians in need must be helped, on both sides of the contact line. Our new aid package will help humanitarian partners in eastern Ukraine to cover urgent medical, shelter, water and sanitation needs. It is crucial that aid gets to all vulnerable people affected by the conflict swiftly, safely and impartially." said Commissioner Christos Stylianides.

The European Commission provides humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable communities, irrespective of which area of the conflict they live in or have fled to. Around 50% of the Commission's humanitarian assistance targets people in need in non-government controlled areas.

Together with the funding provided directly by the Member States, the EU as a whole has directed over €399 million in humanitarian and recovery aid to those affected by the conflict since early 2014.

An estimated 2.8 million people are displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

The complex crisis in eastern Ukraine has a dramatic impact on the population affected and with negative consequences for neighbouring countries. The recent escalation of violence in the Donbas shows the conflict is far from being solved. Heavy fighting in the vicinity of Adviivka on 29 January-5 February has resulted in 17,000 residents without water, electricity and heating for almost a week.

Since the resurgence of violence, the EU has been providing support through its humanitarian partners that are delivering their assistance to the residents of Avdiivka and other recently affected areas. The provided aid includes drinking water, fuel, candles, torches, mattresses, winter clothing, construction materials, drugs and medical equipment.

The Commission is also assisting Ukrainian refugees in Belarus and Russia through the national Red Cross Societies in the respective countries. All EU humanitarian assistance is based solely on the needs of the affected populations.