EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Observes Ukrainian Red Cross Work in Kyiv

Representatives of the Ukrainian Red Cross, led by Director General Maksym Dotsenko, met with the European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib. Together with the delegation, they visited a residential care home for older people in Kyiv, which had recently received generators from the organisation.

Alongside the Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration, Maryna Khonda, and the care home’s director, the delegation was briefed on the facility’s operations and current needs. Visitors toured the premises, including a section of the building damaged in a recent attack, and were shown the living conditions of the residents. Special thanks were expressed for the generators, which ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the facility.

Particular attention was given to the Ukrainian Red Cross’s activities. Maksym Dotsenko outlined the organisation’s work during the full-scale war, including its partnership under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM), the management and deployment of generators, and the provision of psychosocial support to beneficiaries.

The delegation also attended a psychosocial support session for older people, conducted by the Ukrainian Red Cross team, spoke with participants, and observed the practical impact of this assistance.

Visits like this allow international partners to see first-hand how humanitarian initiatives are implemented on the ground and how their support contributes to providing dignified living conditions and essential aid to those most in need.

These generators are part of the large-scale international support the Ukrainian Red Cross receives from the EU. In total, 447 generators have been delivered from the European Union’s strategic reserves (#rescEU) under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, to support communities most affected by recent attacks on energy infrastructure.