IOM Europe Director Erken says Ukraine’s energy and water systems are strained ahead of winter

Arthur Erken, the International Organization for Migration’s Regional Director for Europe, said attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine were straining electricity, heating and water services. Erken said 2.1 million older people living in multi-story buildings lived alone, while 2.2 million people remained unable to return home.

Scraper SystemOctober 17, 2026, 08:52 PM

IOM Europe Director Erken says Ukraine’s energy and water systems are strained ahead of winter

As winter approaches in Ukraine, repeated attacks on critical infrastructure are intensifying pressure on electricity, heating and water services. Arthur Erken, the International Organization for Migration’s Regional Director for Europe, said the coming months could be the most difficult period for many Ukrainians since the beginning of the conflict.

Speaking at the weekly briefing held at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Erken said drone attacks and missile strikes targeting major cities continued to cause civilian deaths and injuries. He said the International Organization for Migration was examining conditions in the areas under the greatest pressure in close coordination with the Ukrainian government.

Kyiv during a power outage (archive)

Power outages also affect access to water

Erken said access to reliable water was among the most urgent problems and noted that water supply systems depended on electricity. He said prolonged power outages could make it difficult even for older people, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups living in multi-story buildings to access emergency water supplies.

Erken said approximately 2.1 million older people lived alone in multi-story buildings in Ukraine, warning that prolonged heating or power outages could quickly turn into a humanitarian emergency for them.

Erken said alternative solutions, such as gas stoves and fuel that could be used instead of electricity during the winter months, would be vital.

A damaged area in Kyiv after an attack (archive)

2.2 million internally displaced people cannot return home

Erken said 2.2 million internally displaced people in Ukraine still could not return home, adding that their homes may have been completely destroyed or severely damaged, while the current condition of some homes remained unknown.

Erken said the time remaining for preparations was shrinking as winter approached and announced that funding for the International Organization for Migration’s 2026 crisis response plan in Ukraine amounted to less than 7 percent of the total need. He said this level of funding seriously limited the scope of assistance that could be provided.

Source: Anadolu Ajansı

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