How the Ukrainian Red Cross Has Evolved Over Three Years of Full-Scale War

Over the past three years of the full-scale war, the Ukrainian Red Cross has undergone significant transformation. Its activities now encompass not only humanitarian aid, but also infrastructure restoration, social support, and psychological rehabilitation. Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross, discusses the organisation’s challenges, achievements, and future.

“This is a Completely Different Red Cross”

— The full-scale war has now been ongoing for three years. What are the key achievements of the Ukrainian Red Cross during this time?

— First and foremost, it’s growth. When I joined the Red Cross in 2018, it was completely different. Now, the organisation has expanded 12-13 times in terms of the number of projects, programmes, and staff. In 2018, we had 400 employees; now, we have almost 5,000. We have started doing things we never even imagined before: restoring infrastructure, building housing, and installing power grids. The most important thing is to make a difference in the lives of the people we help.

Staffing Challenges and Team Motivation

— Charitable organisations often talk about staff shortages. How are things on your end?

— It certainly exists, and there’s no denying it. Many Ukrainians have left the country, including highly qualified specialists. However, we strive to create conditions that attract people who want to work with us. For us, it’s not just about providing a job; it’s about involving people in a shared mission and fostering a sense of responsibility.

Transparency and Funding

— Where do the Ukrainian Red Cross’s funds go, and are you audited?

— Our budget is significant, but it is insufficient to cover all humanitarian needs. The main expenses include social assistance, medical services, support for internally displaced persons (IDPs), and infrastructure restoration. We undergo regular audits. These include external audits from the Big Four accounting firms, programme-specific audits from donors, and internal audits. This is crucial for maintaining our reputation and the trust of our international partners.

Cooperation with the State

— What projects has the Ukrainian Red Cross implemented in collaboration with the state?

— One of the largest initiatives was the ‘Prykhystok’ project, which involves payments to families who have sheltered internally displaced persons (IDPs), amounting to more than three billion hryvnias. We also collaborate with the Ministry of Veterans on the support hotline, and, together with the Ministry of Health, we are working on the restoration of medical facilities, including paediatric cardiac surgery at Okhmatdyt. In total, we have more than 29 memoranda with government agencies.

Helping the Military and Working in Frontline Areas

— Do you help the military?

— The Ukrainian Red Cross does not supply weapons or ammunition. However, we cooperate with the military within the framework of international humanitarian law. We support medical units, assist in evacuating the bodies of the deceased, and provide aid to the families of military personnel.

— Do you have any losses among your volunteers?

— Unfortunately, yes. Six of our volunteers have been killed during the war. They were among those who stayed in the most dangerous areas to help people. The protection of humanitarian workers during this war has not been as effective as it should be, which remains a serious challenge for the entire international community.

Future and New Projects

— How have the needs of Ukrainians changed over the three years of war?

— Initially, our focus was on emergency response: providing food, hygiene, and temporary housing. Now, we are shifting more towards integrating people into communities, offering retraining, providing psychological support, and assisting veterans. Ukraine must be prepared for reconstruction, and we are already laying the groundwork for that.

— What are your plans for the near future?

— Next year, we will launch our new five-year strategy. We will invest more in social services, civil protection, and preparing communities for potential threats. Our rehabilitation programmes, support for veterans, and mental health initiatives will also continue.

— What is your main message to Ukrainians?

— We will win. Ukraine will become stronger. We must build a future for our children here, in our country. I believe in the bright future of Ukraine and encourage everyone to contribute to its creation.

Article by: Humanitarian Media Hub.