V. Hroysman: To provide IDPs with living conditions in winter is an issue that requires the efforts of Ukraine and the EU

Mechanisms of cooperation between the Ukrainian Government and the European Union in the coordination and implementation of international donor assistance aimed at overcoming the consequences of military aggression against Ukraine have been discussed at a meeting of Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities Volodymyr Hroysman with European Commission Director of the Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Jean-Louis de Brouwer.  

"We have today 58,000 IDPs [internally displaced persons], according to some sources, there are up to 100,000 and it is anticipated that this figure will have increased. They need a roof over their head, normal living conditions, social adaptation as well as employment. This requires appropriate infrastructure - perhaps it is possible to upgrade the existing one, "said during the meeting Volodymyr Hroysman.

He said the people from Crimea and Donbas are housed in resort complexes, the state is examining new facilities for settlement, but not all of them are equipped for winter.

"Winter is the main challenge we face. An issue of winter heating arises. We must be ready for this", said the Vice Prime Minister.

In his turn, Jean-Louis de Brouwer appreciated the efforts of the Ukrainian Government concerning recovery, albeit partial, of living conditions and the return of the people in the cities liberated from militants.

"Our experience shows up that the best scenario in order to survive winter is to create conditions in their home towns and villages for returning. One of the mechanisms that we are able to use is to channel aid towards civil protection. This will help us gather necessary equipment to supply it to Ukraine in the required amount. We did so following the large-scale flood in Serbia and Bosnia, "said the European Commission Director of the Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection.

The parties have agreed that today it is difficult to assess the consequences of destruction in eastern Ukraine in view of the fact that there is still fighting, and armed gangs are purposely destroying the infrastructure of the region. However it is necessary to determine as soon as possible the specific needs of Ukraine in order to rebuild these areas, as well as to provide IDPs with living conditions in winter.