OREANDA-NEWS.The European Union is increasing its humanitarian response to help people affected by the crisis in eastern Ukraine, with a new aid package worth €15 million announced today by European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides during his visit.

The announcement comes amid concerns over the humanitarian situation with an estimated 5 million people in need of assistance in Ukraine.

"It's essential that humanitarian aid gets to all vulnerable people affected by the conflict. Humanitarian organisations need to have safe and speedy access to the conflict areas. I am very concerned about the continued fighting in Ukraine's Donbas, despite the ceasefire agreement. The impact of the violence on the civilian population is alarming", European Commissioner Christos Stylianides said.

"This extra funding will give a significant boost to our on-going aid operations, reaching the most vulnerable people through the provision of food, hygiene kits, blankets, healthcare, clean water, shelter and other lifesaving assistance, both in government and non-government-held areas," added Commissioner Stylianides.

The new funding brings the Commission's total humanitarian and early recovery assistance to vulnerable people hit by the conflict in Ukraine to over €62 million in addition to important bilateral assistance from a number of EU Member States.

Together with the funding provided directly by Member States, the EU as a whole has directed over €223 million to those affected by the conflict since early 2014.