Official statement

Regarding the statement by the Security Service of Ukraine about the detention of a displaced person from the Luhansk region who tried to “legalize” himself as a volunteer of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society.

We categorically condemn and deem unacceptable collaborationism in any form. We stand firm in our principles and are outraged that the name and the longstanding work of our Society have been misused.

As for the detainee: he was on probation for the position of coordinator of one of the Society’s projects. He provided all the necessary work documents according to the legal requirements, including the IDP certificate.

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society will run an additional documents check among employees and volunteers in light of the discovered facts and will provide full support to the investigation. Our selection process for employees and volunteers who wish to join the Society will be improved.

We remind you that the Ukrainian Red Cross Society – is the country’s largest humanitarian organization. We work exclusively on the Ukrainian government-controlled territories and have provided help to more than 10 million people since the start of the full-scale invasion. Every day, 1,500 employees and 8,000 volunteers work to help Ukrainians affected by this war.