Ukraine Crisis: Three-Month Update

Since the conflict in Ukraine intensified three months ago, families have faced unimaginable heartache. The American Red Cross has joined with our partners in the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network to provide critical aid for individuals and families coping with this destructive conflict — both in Ukraine and in nearby European countries. Since the conflict intensified in late February, more than 6 million people living in Ukraine have sought refuge in nearby countries, and up to 18 million people need humanitarian assistance.

The American Red Cross response to the conflict is highlighted in a new 3-month update. “We are providing financial support and deploying humanitarian experts to help lead the delivery of sorely needed relief and comfort for people coping with traumatic displacement and heartbreaking losses,” said Koby Langley, senior vice president, service to the armed forces and international services for the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross has already spent or committed $50 million dollars to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Red Cross national societies and implementation partners to advance their work in Ukraine and surrounding countries.

“Our contribution is funding vital aid delivered by the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network,” Langley said, noting that these funds ensure the distribution of critical care items and provide first aid and emotional health services to those who need it most. “Our workers are serving warm meals, providing shelter and ensuring that families can stay connected amid the turmoil,” he said.

In addition to contributing funds, the American Red Cross has also sent highly trained humanitarian experts to the region. In Poland, Moldova, Hungary and Romania, Red Crossers are providing critical assistance in information management, relief distribution, cash assistance programming, geographic information systems (GIS), communications and leadership. These on-the-ground experts are working alongside local teams, including the Polish Red Cross, Moldovan Red Cross, Romanian Red Cross and other local humanitarian actors.

As the conflict continues and families navigate their next steps, the Red Cross will be there to meet the immediate and long term needs of those who need it most. To learn more about the global Red Cross and Red Crescent humanitarian network, and how we are working together to help people facing the devastating impacts of this crisis, please visit redcross.org/Ukraine.