Ukrainian Red Cross Supports Children of the Heroes of Ukraine at National Team Match in Valencia

The Ukrainian Red Cross, in partnership with the Central Directorate for Civil-Military Cooperation of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Association of Football, and with financial support from the Swedish Red Cross, facilitated the participation of children of the Heroes of Ukraine in the football match between the national teams of Ukraine and Sweden, held on 26 March in Valencia, Spain.

During the official ceremony before the match, 13 children led the players from both teams onto the field. This symbolic gesture expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s Defenders for their courage in protecting the country and honoured the memory of those who gave their lives for Ukraine. It was a mark of respect for fallen Defenders and a reminder to the international community of the high price Ukraine continues to pay for freedom.

“We want these children and their families to feel the care, attention, and support of society. Initiatives like this provide children with precious moments of joy while also showing gratitude to those who have given everything — their lives — for our country,” said Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross.

“Supporting the families of our servicemen and women is not a one-off effort but a consistent, targeted activity of the Central Directorate for Civil-Military Cooperation of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This event was part of the nationwide social project ‘My Country – My Team’, which aims to bring together the sports community, society, and the armed forces to support the children of Ukraine’s Defenders. At the same time, initiatives like this, implemented with partners, help to remind the world of the true cost of Ukraine’s freedom,” said Colonel Oleksandr Kutkov, Head of the Central Directorate for Civil-Military Cooperation of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“The Ukrainian Association of Football uses international matches as a platform to draw attention to the war in Ukraine. Despite the restrictions set out in UEFA and FIFA regulations, the UAF engages all available formats of interaction. In particular, during home matches, the majority of places in the player escort programme are allocated to children affected by the war. This offers them an opportunity to take part in the matchday experience on the pitch alongside the players and to become part of the event at the stadium,” said Olena Balbek, Head of Strategy and Sustainability at the UAF and CEO of the UAF Foundation.

The Ukrainian Red Cross provided organisational support for the trip, accompanied the delegation, and ensured safe and comfortable conditions for the children abroad. The organisation places particular emphasis on supporting the families of Defenders, helping children who have experienced loss feel cared for, supported, and part of a community.

The Ukrainian Red Cross will continue to support initiatives aimed at assisting the families of fallen Heroes of Ukraine, veterans, and the most vulnerable.