The Ukrainian Red Cross co-organised the Second International Scientific and Practical Conference on Biological, Chemical, and Environmental Threats in Wartime, which took place at Lviv State University of Life Safety

Today, in the context of full-scale war, Ukraine faces not only military threats but also complex humanitarian and security challenges on a daily basis — ranging from damage to critical infrastructure and the environmental consequences of shelling to chemical, biological, and radiological risks. This is precisely why strengthening the civil protection system, inter-agency cooperation, and the preparedness of response services are critically important for protecting the population and ensuring an effective response.

Representatives of the Department of Civil Protection and Civil-Military Cooperation of the Ukrainian Red Cross took part in the academic session of the conference, where, together with experts and specialists, they discussed responses to biological and chemical threats, medical and biological safety, the environmental consequences of war, the functioning of civil protection systems, as well as modern approaches to the coordination of emergency services.

Particular attention was paid to the practical component. Representatives of the Lviv regional branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross took part in demonstration exercises on managing the consequences of a medical and biological emergency, during which participants practised interaction and response protocols in conditions as close to reality as possible.

For the Ukrainian Red Cross, this marks another step towards strengthening preparedness for the risks posed by the war, developing inter-agency cooperation, improving response mechanisms on which the safety and support of the population depend, and ensuring an effective response to the consequences of the war.

The event was held with the support of the German Red Cross.