The Ukrainian Red Cross Shares Humanitarian Experience at the International “Humanity in Crisis” Discussion in Helsinki

Recently, Illya Kletskovskyy, Deputy Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross, paid a working visit to Helsinki, the capital of Finland, where he took part in the “Humanity in Crisis” discussion event.

In his speech, he shared the Ukrainian Red Cross’s experience responding to the full-scale war and highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by millions of Ukrainians.

“Ukraine is suffering not only from attacks but also from the daily impact of war on everyone’s lives — children who wake at night to the sound of explosions, people who have lost their jobs or homes,” said Illya Kletskovskyy. “Access to basic medical care has become much more difficult as the system is extremely overloaded. This affects not only physical health but mental health as well.”

He also emphasised the vital role of volunteers and civil society in Ukraine, recognising them as the driving force behind evacuations, first aid provision, and the distribution of humanitarian aid.

During the visit, Illya Kletskovskyy expressed gratitude to our Finnish partners and the people of Finland for their ongoing support and assistance to Ukraine:

“We are deeply grateful for all the support. It is incredibly important for us to know that we are not alone.”

The meeting formed part of a wider dialogue on the challenges faced by humanitarian organisations worldwide and provided a platform to strengthen international partnerships. The Ukrainian Red Cross continues to share its experience, build collaborations, and work tirelessly for people, even in the most difficult conditions.