Danish Red Cross in Ukraine

Respecting IHL is crucial—it ensures that even in war, there are ways to protect civilians and humanitarian aid workers.? Thank you to our Ukrainian colleagues for continuing to raise the importance of International Humanitarian Law.

Ukrainian families are preparing for a harsh winter "We all want it to be over, but it doesn't look like it is. I’ve lived here for over 40 years, and it’s heartbreaking to see how much my home has changed."?- Nadiya, a resident of Mykolaiv region. Nadiya's family is seriously preparing for the winter: they have stocked up on rechargeable flashlights and bought many candles.?Last winter, they experienced many power cuts, which made their life difficult. ‘We all depend on the internet to get the news. And when there is no power, it's as if life stops. As soon as the electricity comes back on, we immediately charge all our devices,’ says Nadiya. Together with her husband, Nadiya is stocking up for the winter: she buys potatoes, freezes meat, preserves, and pickles food. As winter approaches, many families in Ukraine, like Nadiya’s, are bracing for harsh conditions amidst ongoing challenges.?Last year’s?power outages left villages in darkness, making daily life a?cold,?uphill battle. This year, Ukrainian Red Cross, with the support of the Danish Red Cross, is providing critical winter assistance. This support helps communities like Nadiya prepare for the months ahead.

Massive missile attack on Ukraine leaves communities in darkness Last night, Ukraine faced one of the most severe missile attacks in recent months. Critical infrastructure was targeted across the country, causing widespread power outages. Odesa is among the hardest-hit regions, plunging into a complete blackout, leaving residents without electricity, heating, and reliable access to essential services. This blackout disrupts daily life for thousands. Families are struggling to stay warm, cook meals, and stay connected to vital information as temperatures continue to drop. For millions of Ukrainians, this is a grim reminder of the hardships of the winter.?Power cuts have already begun, and?the freezing weather adds to the struggle of everyday life. ? As winter approaches, Danish Red Cross remains committed to supporting our colleagues from the Ukrainian Red Cross in this challenging time.?Home Based Care program participants received cash assistance?to cover the increased costs during winter. Efforts are underway to?establish hybrid power sources for critical services and?distribute blankets, repair materials, 15.000 sleeping kits, and 4.000 PSS kits. ? Together with our Ukrainian partner, we?work to?provide?life-saving aid to the civil population during this critical winter period.

What happens, when the Youth come together? ? Ukrainian Red Cross Society facilitated?the “Youth on the Move” Forum,?to?bring together energetic young leaders, dedicated volunteers, and civic activists eager to make a difference. Participants delved into?how young people in Ukraine can contribute to build?an inclusive, empowering future that tackles?the?challenges facing young people?in Ukraine. ? The forum featured hands-on workshops and interactive sessions where participants engaged with?some of the elements from?Life Skills, Youth as Agents of Behavioral Change (YABC), SPRINT, and SexEd. Representatives from various NGOs joined to foster collaboration and enhance awareness of?humanitarian education programs. ? Through brainstorming, sharing insights, and peer support, participants worked together to develop innovative solutions.?As ideas were presented, one thing was clear:?The?Youth is highly dedicated to take an active part in civil society and work for the recovery of Ukraine.

This is the strength of partnerships across borders - we hope that this will be the beginning of a long journey on how to develop local, sustainable business models for charity

What does evacuation from the front line look like? Families with children, pets, and just two bags filled with essentials make their way cautiously?down the high steps from the train?to a crowded station.?Waiting on the other side, Emergency Response Teams scan the crowd, ready to offer a hand, carry bags, or help those who can’t step off the train on their own. ? Ukrainian Red Cross volunteers meet people from settlements closest to the front line in Donetsk region with warmth, compassion, and critical support.?These people have left their homes in search of safety, and the first sight they see after the exhausting journey is the kind faces of volunteers, there to help and care for them. This time, Emergency Response Teams helped transport 18 people. ? The volunteers do more than greet arrivals—they help them reach shelters, where food, water, and a chance to rest await.?For those unable to move independently, a special evacuation vehicle is there, donated by the Danish Red Cross before the?escalation. Now, it’s back in service, helping those who need it?the?most.?Every day, this car helps transport people with limited mobility, pensioners, and those in need of rehabilitation to hospitals or from evacuation. ? For 10 years,?Danish Red Cross has stood by our partner Ukrainian Red Cross, providing resources and support during times of crisis,?and we will continue as long as the needs are there.?

A heartfelt thank you to the 10 dedicated members of Engineers Without Borders for visiting Mykolaiv and sharing their expertise to support the city’s recovery. It was a truly productive trip. And we look forward to working even more together!

"I know that there is no one else to help these people except me" Imagine your daily commute takes you through a swift river high in the mountains. No matter the weather — be it snow, rain, or sunshine — you make this journey with a heavy bag on your back.?Calling in to take a day off isn’t an option because you know that missing a day means someone won’t get the food or medicine they need. ? This is the reality for Halyna, a social worker from the Chernivtsi regional branch of Ukrainian Red Cross. She lives in one of the most remote mountainous areas, and her daily routine is as demanding as it is vital. As she enters the home of one of her care recipients, she carefully opens the gate, tidies the house, and checks in on her well-being. They welcome her with warmth and gratitude, knowing that Halyna’s visits bring not only practical help but comfort and connection. ? Home-Based Care program, run by Ukrainian Red Cross with support from the Danish Red Cross, ensures that vulnerable people in the most isolated areas receive the care they need. Social workers like Halyna are often the only lifeline for these individuals, providing everything from household assistance to emotional support. Halyna’s dedication is a shining example of how compassion and commitment can?change?lives.

LEAVING HOME WITH ONLY BACKPACK ? ‘You go to bed thinking that you might not wake up again... That's why we decided to sign up for the evacuation lists ourselves because we have a child in the family,’ says Iryna. ? Iryna arrived in Chernivtsi by evacuation train with her daughter and two grandchildren. The situation in Donetsk region is difficult due to constant attacks and the proximity of the front line. Across the street from Iryna's house, the buildings are almost destroyed. At night, she says, it is impossible to sleep because of the constant explosions. ? ?‘It's very scary, it's impossible to stay there anymore. The city has problems with water supply and electricity.?Volunteers and local authorities deliver water (red. because the water system has been destroyed)' says Iryna. ? The frontline is approaching quickly, and the settlement where Iryna comes from is less than 30 kilometers from the line of fierce fighting. So she decided it was time to leave, as it was too dangerous to stay there. But her other daughter stays in the city. Iryna hopes that the family will soon be reunited. ? ?‘I was traveling with a train car full of people, and many of them were afraid because they did not know how they would be met, what to expect next, and how to start life from scratch. But now we are grateful to the volunteers for the warm welcome,’ says Iryna. ? Iryna and the other people brought by the train were met by Ukrainian Red Cross volunteers. At the meeting point in Chernivtsi, everyone could get food, warm up with tea, and receive psychological?first aid if needed. Afterward,?these people were transported to safe shelters far from the frontline. ? *For security reasons, Iryna asked that her face not be shown.

???TODAY WE CELEBRATE WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY Meet Angela, a dedicated volunteer supporting people with psychosocial support in the Ukrainian Red Cross Society in Hertsa, a small town close to the border with Romania. Angela joined the Chernivtsi regional organization of the Ukrainian Red Cross two years ago. This is a region that many have fled to from the ongoing conflict in other parts of Ukraine. Her journey has been inspiring: from starting as a volunteer, she grew into a volunteer instructor, and a leader in psychological first aid. Daily psychosocial support activities for children in Hertsa include creative workshops, informational sessions, and fun crafts like painting stones and creating pictures from plasticine?? What keeps Angela motivated? ??“When I see the smiles of children who want to return again and again, it motivates me to do more. Their moods change, they want to be here with us, and it’s heartwarming to witness,” Angela says. Angela also mentions the transformation of children who were initially shy or distant. ??"The first time they came to us, the children did not communicate much with their peers, and often they did not want to do anything, but with the help of the activities conducted by the Chernivtsi branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross, and after some time, they began to open up and even became leaders in some groups and volunteer assistants,” Angela says. Now these children are helping other children who are struggling to do something, who cannot do something with their own hands. And they even support each other when one of their peers is in a bad mood?? Angela’s dedication and passion are shining examples of how volunteers can make a real difference in the lives of children and youth! ?