Ukraine: Switzerland to step up support for the evacuation of civilians
Berne, 09.11.2026 — Switzerland is to provide the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) with an additional CHF 4 million in aid for the evacuation and subsequent support of civilians affected by the war in Ukraine. The funds will mainly benefit people forced to leave their homes close to the front line due to the ongoing Russian attacks.
On 9 November 2026, Jacques Gerber, the Federal Council delegate for Ukraine, announced Switzerland’s support for the evacuation of civilians at a meeting in Kyiv with Bernadette Castel-Hollingsworth, the UNHCR representative in Ukraine.
The ongoing Russian attacks have led to a further deterioration in living conditions for the population in the regions of Ukraine close to the front line. In the Kherson and Donetsk regions in particular, many people are being forced to leave their homes to seek safety. The situation is particularly difficult for older people, children, people with disabilities and those who rely on medical or social care.
The UNHCR is working closely with the Ukrainian authorities and local partner organisations to evacuate and provide support to those affected. The support includes preparing for and assisting with evacuations, providing emergency financial aid and arranging accommodation. In addition, those affected receive legal advice and psychosocial counselling, as well as assistance in accessing public services. The aim is not only to protect people during the evacuation, but also to help them settle for the long-term in their new place of residence. This approach should also benefit particularly vulnerable groups within the population.
The CHF 4 million contribution forms part of the current country programme and reinforces Switzerland’s existing humanitarian programme of aid for Ukraine. The Ukraine Country Programme for 2025–2028 has a budget of CHF 1.5 billion. It provides support for economic recovery, improved public services and protecting the population. It forms part of Switzerland’s long-term commitment to Ukraine, for which the Federal Council has earmarked a total of CHF 5 billion up to 2036.
Links:
Switzerland's support for people affected by the war in Ukraine (EDA)
Ukraine (SECO)
Ukraine (SDC)