There is a lack of humanitarian funds for civilians impacted by the fighting in Eastern Ukraine between the government and Russian backed separatist groups.



A September UN report says in Ukraine, "the discontinuation of food assistance to over 30,000 vulnerable people is one of the many examples of the impact that underfunding has had."



There has been very little funding for Ukraine the past few years making it difficult for aid agencies to hold on there, according to Catholic Relief Services. The crisis in Ukraine is among the world's most ignored according to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). The president should be focusing on this emergency, rather than his own political agenda.



The American people should expect the president to lead on peacemaking and humanitarianism. Ukraine needs both desperately.



The United Nations says, "the conflict in eastern Ukraine has paralyzed the economic and agricultural activity of an otherwise fervent region, severely impacting the wellbeing and living standards of vulnerable people."



Over 1 million Ukrainians are food insecure. Land mines have prevented farmers from growing food. With the coming winter people will need heat to survive, but can't afford that necessity and food.



The NRC explains, "civilians living along the contact line, which separates government-controlled areas and non-government-controlled areas, are considered the most vulnerable. Here, employment is scarce, medical care is difficult to access, and many don’t have adequate food, shelter or heating." That is why the UN says "$52 million [is] urgently needed to address most acute and time-critical humanitarian needs ahead of winter."

