UN: Conflict in eastern Ukraine leaves 1.5 million people hungry

The two-year long conflict in eastern Ukraine has left around 1.5 million people hungry.

This is stated on the website of the United Nations with reference to the World Food Programme (WFP), Ukrinform news agency reports. The WFP aims to reach nearly 270,000 of the most vulnerable people with monthly food assistance over the first half of this year.

“Two years of violence, shelling and fear have left an indelible mark on thousands of people in eastern Ukraine. 300,000 people are severely food insecure and in need of immediate food assistance,” WFP Representative in Ukraine Giancarlo Stopponi said.

The UN appeals to all parties of the conflict to facilitate full and unimpeded humanitarian access to people in need across the country.

“As the conflict continues, we need to reach these people urgently. We appeal to all parties of the conflict to facilitate full and unimpeded humanitarian access to people in need across the country,” the WFP representative added.

It is also noted that since November 2014, the WFP has distributed emergency assistance to over half a million people in need. This includes 370,000 people who received monthly food packages and 180,000 people who received assistance through cash-based transfers in areas where markets are still functioning.