As part of the SYLA project, the Ukrainian Red Cross visited communities in the Kharkiv region to discuss emergency preparedness
Representatives of the Ukrainian Red Cross, together with representatives of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and partners from the Danish Red Cross, the German Red Cross, ACTED, and IMPACT, conducted a monitoring visit to communities in the Kharkiv region.
During the visit, participants learned about practical measures being implemented at the community level to strengthen emergency preparedness.
In particular, they observed an emergency response simulation exercise, attended a public awareness session on preparedness for risks and emergencies, and visited a volunteer fire brigade in the Bezliudivka community.
Special attention was given to a working meeting in the Starovirivka community, which brought together representatives of territorial communities, volunteer fire brigades, and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU). Participants discussed current challenges in emergency response, progress in project implementation, community needs, and further steps to strengthen local response capacities.
The meeting also included a presentation of the results of a comprehensive assessment of risk and emergency preparedness capacity conducted by the project partners.
The visit concluded in Kyiv with a series of working meetings involving representatives of the Ukrainian Red Cross, including volunteers from emergency response teams, as well as the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. Participants reflected on their response to the energy crisis at the beginning of 2026, discussed lessons learned, current challenges, and opportunities for further cooperation in the field of preparedness and emergency response.
The SYLA project aims to strengthen local emergency response mechanisms and is implemented by the Ukrainian Red Cross in partnership with the Danish Red Cross, the German Red Cross, ACTED, and IMPACT, with financial support from the European Union.
