You're reading: US will continue to help Ukraine overcome humanitarian crisis

The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine that arose in connection with the conflict in Donbas can only be resolved through adherence to the Minsk agreements, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, Simon Henshaw, has said.

“The United States insists that the Minsk agreements should be executed. Their implementation is the best way to overcome the humanitarian crisis. Separatists must fulfill what they signed… Ukrainian authorities fulfill their obligations to assist internally displaced persons, these measures are very important, and we welcome this,” he said at a briefing in Kyiv.

The official noted that since the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine 2 million Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes.

“The humanitarian situation is very serious, these people lack water, food,” Henshaw said.

According to him, since the beginning of the conflict in Donbas the United States has issued $61 million in humanitarian aid for Ukrainians who were forced to flee their homes.

However, the official said this is not enough and that more action is required from international organizations.

“Assistance to internally displaced persons should be increased. It is important to provide them with social assistance and help in finding jobs. We will continue to support Ukraine in the issue of overcoming the humanitarian crisis,” he stressed.

He added that the U.S. plans to issue additional humanitarian assistance of $18 million to Ukraine.