On October 15, 2024, an important meeting took place in Odesa where acting Mayor Oleksandr Filatov and advisor Veronika Etnarovych discussed humanitarian issues with Matthias Schmale, the humanitarian coordinator of the UN in Ukraine.

Also present were: Abdul Hak Amiri, a UN representative, Ann-Sophie Le Beaux, acting head of UN OCHA, Teikshur Mugari, head of the Southern Hub, Alina Basyuk, humanitarian advisor, and Olena Kytainska, director of the labor department.

The participants addressed key security concerns and humanitarian challenges amid military aggression, as well as support for internally displaced persons during the winter period.

UN representatives emphasized the importance of developing a humanitarian needs plan that would include assistance to internally displaced persons and the provision of additional shelters in Odesa.

They also considered the issue of supporting heating and water supply for social institutions during the autumn-winter season.

Oleksandr Filatov expressed gratitude to international partners for their assistance, especially in restoring damaged homes.