EU allocates 148 mln euros for humanitarian aid to Ukraine - European Commission

BRUSSELS. Jan 13 (Interfax) - The European Commission on Monday announced a new humanitarian aid package of 148 million euros for Ukraine.

"The 148 million euros in new funding will continue to support vital humanitarian aid in both Ukraine and Moldova, and will bring the total of humanitarian aid allocated by the European Commission to over 1.1 billion euros," the commission said in a communique.

The package includes 140 million euros for humanitarian projects in Ukraine to provide food, shelter, clean water, healthcare, and winter protection to vulnerable populations, particularly in the eastern and southern parts of the country.

Another 8 million euros is to be allocated for humanitarian projects in Moldova focused on aiding Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan host communities, giving priority to cash assistance and access to critical services such as healthcare and education.

"Approximately 12.7 million people are in need of urgent assistance" in Ukraine, it said.

European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality Hadja Lahbib is visiting Ukraine on Monday "to discuss urgent humanitarian challenges and the strategic allocation of EU aid," it said.