UNITED NATIONS —The humanitarian situation in Ukraine has worsened significantly after the collapse of the Kakhovka dam, according to the United Nations' top aid official, Undersecretary-General Martin Griffiths. Approximately 700,000 people are in desperate need of drinking water, and the flooding in the region will likely lead to reduced grain exports, increased global food prices, and further deprivation for millions of vulnerable individuals.
The UN has provided assistance to about 30,000 people in flooded areas under Ukrainian control, but Russia has not granted access to areas it controls, hindering the UN's ability to aid flood victims there.
Griffiths has indicated that the UN will likely launch a special appeal for additional aid funds to address the wide-ranging consequences of the dam's collapse, but he wants to wait a few weeks to assess the economic, health, and environmental impacts before making an official announcement.
Efforts are also underway to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allows Ukrainian grain exports through three Black Sea ports. This initiative has helped stabilize global food prices, and discussions are ongoing to address obstacles related to Russian food and fertilizer shipments. A critical demand from Russia is the reopening of a pipeline that carries ammonia for fertilizer production. The pipeline has been closed since Russia's attack on Ukraine, and its repair is seen as crucial for global food security.
Negotiations are taking place, including discussions in Geneva between U.N. trade chief Rebeca Grynspan and Russia's deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershinin, to reopen the pipeline and potentially open a fourth Black Sea port for grain exports. While progress has been made, reaching an agreement is still ongoing, and the hope is for a positive outcome.
Overall, the situation in Ukraine remains dire, with immediate priorities focused on saving lives and addressing the urgent needs of the affected population, while also working towards long-term solutions and recovery.