The United Nations needs $4.2 billion this year to provide humanitarian aid in Ukraine and to refugees who have fled, say representatives during a press conference in Geneva, but fear a likely shortfall as the Gaza war dominates global attention. Russia's war in Ukraine is set to enter its third year in February. "40 percent of the population will need humanitarian assistance this year. That's 14.6 million people," says UN aid chief Martin Griffiths he launches the plan in Geneva. "They need your help, they need your funding. Because humanitarian aid remains the lifeline without which they will perish," he adds. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES