Ukraine: Winter 2025-2026 Review – Operation of Healthcare Facilities in Frontline Regions

Country: Ukraine Source: Relief Coordination Centre Please refer to the attached files. The winter of 2025–2026 was a critical stress test for healthcare systems across frontline regions of Ukraine, particularly in Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Healthcare facilities operated under sustained pressure from hostilities, repeated attacks on energy infrastructure, and systemic resource shortages. Despite these challenges, medical institutions maintained continuity of care, largely due to the resilience of personnel and targeted support from humanitarian partners. However, the analysis demonstrates that the system continues to operate at the limit of its operational capacity. Key findings include: Over 80–92% of facilities across assessed regions reported critical operational needs; Healthcare delivery is highly dependent on autonomous energy sources, particularly generators and battery systems; Fuel shortages remain a major constraint for both power generation and medical logistics; Damaged infrastructure and insufficient heating significantly affected patient safety and staff working conditions; Transport limitations reduced access to care, especially in remote and high-risk areas; Human resource strain continues to increase due to workload, stress, and staff shortages.

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