UN News Today 16 February 2026 |

Ukraine: Ongoing energy attacks threaten renewed displacement as winter deepens

Ongoing Russian attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine continue to affect the lives of millions across the country, the UN migration agency (IOM) said on Monday.

As of January 2026, Ukraine hosts 3.7 million people displaced by conflict. 

Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, over 4.4 million people have returned from displacement, including more than one million from abroad. 

However, not all those who returned have been able to go home: 372,000 people remain displaced within Ukraine, many living in temporary or damaged shelters.

With winter temperatures plunging to -20°C (-4°F) and emergency power outages continuing nationwide, families are facing mounting hardship. 

Across key return areas, households report acute shortages of power banks, generators, and materials for housing repairs, with unmet needs exceeding 90 per cent in some frontline regions. 

Since the start of the war, IOM has supported up to 6.9 million people inside Ukraine, as well as millions more across 11 neighbouring countries. 

IOM is now urging the international community to scale up winterisation, housing repairs, livelihoods support, and integrated mental health and psychosocial services, particularly in frontline and high-return areas.

Without timely and adequate assistance, the UN agency warned that continued energy disruptions could trigger further displacement and undermine recovery efforts for millions of Ukrainians who have already endured years of war and loss. 

WHO confirms two cases of recombinant mpox strain in UK and India

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed two cases of a recombinant strain of the mpox virus (MPXV) in the United Kingdom and in India. 

Mpox—formerly known as monkeypox—is a viral disease related to smallpox, though it is usually much milder. 

It spreads mainly through close physical contact, including sexual contact, and occasionally through contaminated materials like bedding or clothing. Most people recover within a few weeks, though severe cases can occur in people with weakened immune systems.

WHO said both patients had recently travelled abroad, experienced mild illness, and have since recovered. Health authorities reported that no additional infections were detected after contact tracing.

WHO stated that, with only two cases identified so far, it is too early to know whether the new variant spreads differently or causes more severe illness. Both individuals showed typical mpox symptoms, which include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes or lesions.

The UN health agency’s risk assessment for mpox remains unchanged: the overall risk is considered moderate for men who have sex with men and others with multiple sexual partners, and low for the general population.

UN Secretary-General urges unity and compassion ahead of Ramadan

As Muslims begin the holy month of Ramadan, the UN chief António Guterres has called on people around the world to embrace the values of peace, compassion, and solidarity. 

In a message marking the occasion, Mr. Guterres described Ramadan as a sacred time of reflection and prayer, symbolising a vision of hope and peace shared across humanity.

He acknowledged, however, that for many people living in areas affected by conflict, hunger, and displacement — including Afghanistan, Yemen, Gaza, and Sudan — this vision remains far from reality.

The UN chief urged the global community to bridge divides, deliver life-saving aid, and uphold human rights and dignity for all, stressing that compassion and unity must guide action in the face of growing global challenges.

He expressed hope that the Holy Month would inspire collective efforts to build a world that is more peaceful, generous, and just for everyone.

Charlotte Frantz, UN News