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Damaged homes could force Ukrainian families to move again this winter

The International Organization for Migration warned that damaged housing, energy attacks and unaffordable heating could force families in Ukraine to leave home again this winter. Recent returnees show the strongest intentions to move once more. With less than 7 per cent of its response plan funded, the agency is seeking urgent support for repairs, insulation and essential services.

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An insulation roll and tool tray sit beside a radiator under a damaged window, with folded blankets and a Ukrainian flag behind.

Damaged housing raises the risk of another move

Families in Ukraine could be forced to leave home again this winter as damaged housing, attacks on energy infrastructure and high heating costs worsen living conditions. The International Organization for Migration, the UN migration agency known as IOM, raised the warning on 16 October. Its assessment identifies a risk of renewed displacement rather than a certain number of future departures.[1], [2]

IOM Europe Regional Director Arthur Erken said intentions to leave again were highest among people who had returned within the previous three months. The agency was working with Ukraine’s government to identify the places facing the greatest pressure.[1]

Power cuts also threaten access to water

Water systems depend on electricity, so prolonged outages could also cut water access. Older people, people with disabilities and residents of high-rise buildings could struggle to reach emergency supplies, Erken warned. IOM highlighted 2.1 million older people living alone in apartment blocks and said a prolonged loss of heating or electricity could create a humanitarian emergency for them.[1]

Housing repairs face a large funding gap

IOM said 2.2 million internally displaced people could not return because their homes were destroyed, significantly damaged or of unknown condition. Less than 7 per cent of its 2026 Ukraine response plan had been funded. Erken requested urgent support for home repairs, insulation and essential services, alongside alternatives to electricity such as gas stoves and fuel.[1]

References

  1. News sourceUN GenevaIOM warns damaged homes and energy outages could drive further displacement in Ukraine↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceGlavcomIOM warns of further winter displacement in Ukraine↩
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