The Ukrainian Red Cross takes part in a high-level meeting on winter preparedness

Maksym Dotsenko, President of the Ukrainian Red Cross, took part in a high-level meeting on humanitarian response this winter, convened at the direction of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and chaired by Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

The meeting was also attended by Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko, government representatives, representatives of donor countries and international humanitarian organisations. The Ukrainian Red Cross was the only Ukrainian civil society organisation represented at the meeting.

The main focus was strengthening coordination between the government, international partners and humanitarian organisations to ensure a timely response to potential challenges this winter, particularly those arising from Russian attacks on critical infrastructure.

Participants discussed priority humanitarian needs, preparedness for potential local emergencies, support for water and electricity supplies, and the need to mobilise funding quickly to respond to emerging needs.

The Ukrainian Red Cross continues to coordinate its work with government authorities and international partners to strengthen preparedness and ensure that people receive the assistance they need in the event of emergencies this winter.