The Ukrainian Red Cross and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine strengthen cooperation in civil protection

As part of efforts to enhance cooperation in the field of civil protection, the Ukrainian Red Cross and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) held a large-scale joint training exercise in the Rivne region. During the event, first responders and emergency response team volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross from five regions practised coordinated actions for effective emergency response.

Participants trained at four simulation sites, practising rescuing people trapped under debris, responding to chemical and radiological incidents, extinguishing fires resulting from road accidents, and operating a decontamination station for affected individuals.

The event was attended by Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross; Volodymyr Demchuk, Deputy Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine; Oleksandr Koval, Head of the Rivne Regional Military Administration; as well as leadership and volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross and heads of local communities from across the region.

During his opening remarks, Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross, stated:

“Our cooperation with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine is an example of unity that saves lives. Together, we are developing joint training platforms, strengthening community resilience, and supporting those who are first to respond to emergencies. Today, the Ukrainian Red Cross is integrated into the territorial subsystems of the Unified State Civil Protection System in 20 regions. We have become part of the national response mechanism and plan to complete full integration at the regional level by May 2026.”

Volodymyr Demchuk, Deputy Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, added:

“Such exercises are not only about practising technical skills but also about strengthening coordination between the structures that, in a critical moment, must act as one team. We are grateful to the Ukrainian Red Cross for its support, equipment, training opportunities, and continuous readiness to help.”

As part of the event, the Ukrainian Red Cross and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine signed an agreement on the joint use of the SES training ground in the Rivne region. This decision opens up new opportunities for the systematic training of volunteers and emergency workers, as well as for conducting regular exercises and simulations at the site.

During the event, a modular training unit was also handed over. It will serve as a space for training activities and coordination during exercises. In addition, 95 sets of firefighting equipment were provided to volunteer fire brigades from local communities across the Rivne region.

Together, we are stronger.