By Judith Ugwumadu | 27 January 2015

Ukraine has received a €15m financial boost from the European Commission to help its citizens who are suffering from the combined impact of conflict, displacement, extreme poverty and the harsh winter. 

The European Union is increasing its humanitarian assistance in Ukraine where the latest surge of violence has exacerbated problems.

Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said the EU was giving Ukraine complete support during a difficult time.

He said: ‘The European Commission has been providing humanitarian support since the beginning of the crisis, but now the needs are more acute than ever: and we are acting to help those most vulnerable to get through the latest wave of hostilities and the coldest months of the year.’

This new funding includes material and financial aid provided by the EU and member states, including Germany, Poland and Austria. The joint operation will use three cargo planes to deliver the humanitarian supplies to Ukraine. 

It brings EU emergency and early recovery aid to €95m.