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Analysis by: Huda Basit
As the conflict in Ukraine enters its fourth year, the United Nations continues to grapple with the multifaceted challenges presented by this protracted war. The human toll remains staggering, with nearly 12,500 civilian deaths reported since the onset of hostilities in February 2022, including approximately 650 children. In January 2025 alone, at least 139 civilians were killed and 738 injured, with short-range aerial drones emerging as the leading cause of these casualties.
Over 12,500 civilians, including 650 children, have died since the war began in February 2022.
The UN has expressed deep concern over the use of such technology in populated areas, emphasizing the need for adherence to international humanitarian laws to protect non-combatants. The humanitarian crisis remains dire. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has highlighted the necessity for “ruthless” prioritization in aid distribution, given the shrinking funding amidst increasing global crises. In 2025, the agency sought $47 billion to assist 190 million people across 32 countries, with Ukraine being one of the largest funding requests. However, previous years’ funding fell short, leading to significant cuts in aid. This underscores the critical need for efficient allocation of resources to address the most pressing needs in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s reconstruction cost is now estimated at $524 billion, over 2.8x its 2024 GDP.
Economically, the ramifications of the war are profound. A joint assessment by the Government of Ukraine, the World Bank Group, the European Commission, and the United Nations, released on February 25, 2025, estimates that the total cost of reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine has reached $524 billion over the next decade. This figure is approximately 2.8 times the estimated nominal GDP of Ukraine for 2024, highlighting the extensive damage to infrastructure and the monumental task of rebuilding ahead. Key sectors such as housing, transport, energy, commerce and industry, and agriculture have been severely impacted.
The assessment also notes that 13% of the total housing stock has been damaged or destroyed, affecting more than 2.5 million households. Diplomatically, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2774 (2025) on February 24, 2025, mourning the tragic loss of life and reiterating the UN’s principal purpose of maintaining international peace and security. The resolution, which implores a swift end to the conflict and urges a lasting peace between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, was adopted with 10 votes in favor, none against, and five abstentions (Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, United Kingdom). Notably, the resolution does not assign blame to any party, reflecting a neutral stance aimed at fostering dialogue.
The international community continues to explore avenues to support Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction efforts. Calls have intensified to utilize frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defense, with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasizing the need for collective European action in this regard. The Czech Republic has coordinated the supply of approximately 1.5 million artillery shells to Ukraine in 2024 under an $1.8 billion initiative involving 18 countries.
UN Resolution 2774 (2025) calls for peace but avoids assigning blame, reflecting a neutral diplomatic stance.
These developments underscore the ongoing geopolitical complexities and the search for effective mechanisms to support Ukraine amidst the protracted conflict. The UN’s multifaceted engagement in Ukraine reflects its dedication to addressing immediate humanitarian needs while also focusing on long-term recovery and peacebuilding. The international community’s sustained commitment and collaboration are essential to navigate the complex path toward a peaceful and prosperous Ukraine.
The author, Huda Basit is a literature and linguistics graduate, currently honing her expertise in international relations, peace & conflict studies, as well as global policy. Her research delves into critical issues such as socio-economic instability in Kashmir, the evolving feminist discourse within South Asia, and the complexities of contemporary Muslim identity as framed by Occidentalism. With a rich interdisciplinary approach, Huda has contributed thought-provoking analysis of philosophy, postcolonial theory, and their implications for modern geopolitics. Combining academic rigor with a profound understanding of global dynamics, she brings a unique and intersectional perspective to the realms of international diplomacy, human rights, and UN affairs.
