The escalating use of drones against civilians and humanitarian workers in Ukraine poses a significant threat to aid operations and represents a dangerous obstacle, according to the United Nations' humanitarian chief. Tom Fletcher stated that the intensifying drone activity is a "dangerous obstacle" for aid efforts.

Fletcher spoke to The Associated Press in an interview following a visit to the southern city of Kherson. He described the experience of witnessing communities living under the constant threat of Russian drones as “quite chilling.” Russian forces occupy the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, which serves as an active front line, while Ukrainian forces hold the western bank. From across the river, drones are routinely used for surveillance and attacks on civilians, vehicles, and public transportation.

"It really gives us an insight into the dangers ahead of us," Fletcher said. The presence of drones is also impeding humanitarian organizations' ability to reach those in need of assistance.

Fletcher's remarks came after attending a commemoration for two humanitarian workers who had died in the line of duty. "Drones are a real threat to not just civilians but the humanitarians who are here to protect them," he stated. He noted that while aid workers are protected under international humanitarian law, marked humanitarian vehicles have still been targeted, which restricts the scope of aid delivery.

Local organizations are particularly vulnerable. According to Fletcher, more than two-thirds of operations funded by Ukraine's humanitarian fund are conducted by local entities. "They’re the ones who are saying most loudly to us, we’re not protected," he reported.

Funding for humanitarian efforts globally has become more challenging, Fletcher explained, as governments increasingly allocate resources towards defense and domestic priorities. "We’re in a more transactional world, I would say a more selfish world," he commented. He emphasized the need for the U.N. to demonstrate the efficient and strategic use of limited taxpayer funds.

The U.N. is seeking more than $2 billion for its prioritized humanitarian response in Ukraine this year. Winter presents a significant concern, with potential damage to civilian infrastructure like electricity, water, and gas systems threatening to leave millions vulnerable, mirroring the severe conditions of the previous winter.

Globally, the U.N. has had to narrow its humanitarian priorities due to falling donor funding. Fletcher indicated that the number of people facing severe humanitarian needs has risen to approximately 92 million, up from an initial estimate of 87 million, citing factors such as the Ebola outbreak in Africa and an earthquake in Venezuela. The U.N. is requesting $23 billion for life-saving assistance for these individuals and has so far raised about $11 billion.

While Ukraine's humanitarian response is relatively well-funded compared to many other crises, with roughly 70–75% of its urgent funding requirement met, even full funding would only address a portion of the country's needs. Fletcher also revealed that a stark U.N. assessment indicated 907 aid workers were victims of violence last year, with over 1,000 killed in the past three years. He expressed that the international community's response has not provided reassurance that those responsible will be held accountable, calling for investigations that extend beyond the individuals who carried out attacks to include those who directed the use of weapons or drones.