Latest news on the Ukraine crisis and the Red Cross response across Europe
How the Red Cross is helping people affected by the current situation in Ukraine, inside the country, in bordering nations and in the UK
Latest news on the Ukraine crisis: last updated 9 June 2023
The latest news on the situation in Ukraine
It's been over a year since the conflict in Ukraine first escalated. During this time, the country has changed drastically.
Countless homes, schools, hospitals and important infrastructure have been destroyed. Millions have fled, leaving everything they have ever known. Tragically, thousands of people have died or been injured. The scars are deep, but Ukrainian people remain strong.
In early June 2023, a dam called the Nova Kakhovka dam in the Kherson region of Ukraine was destroyed. In one of the most damaging incidents affecting civilian infrastructure since February 2022, the destruction of the dam has put the lives of thousands of civilians at risk.
Alongside the local emergency services, Ukrainian Red Cross volunteers are already rescuing people and supporting urgent evacuations, particularly for those with limited mobility. Eight hundred people have now been evacuated, including around 70 people with reduced mobility.
How has the damage from the Nova Kakhovka dam affected communities?
After the dam was destroyed on Tuesday, 6th June, 94 per cent of irrigation systems in Kherson, 74 per cent in Zaporizhzhya and 30 per cent in Dnipro regions were effectively left without a water source.
It is expected that the destruction of the Kakhovka dam will result in severe damage to agricultural systems. Dozens of villages could be flooded - in some areas the water level has already increased by up to eight metres and over 16,000 people are currently estimated to have been impacted. Hundreds of thousands have been left without drinking water.
Surrounding villages have been submerged, and in cases of flooding, there is always a high risk of diseases spreading. Even following the return of the water levels to normal, it is expected that water pollution and potential health risks in the region will be very high.
Local and international Red Cross teams have been supporting people in Ukraine for years - even before the frightening events of the past 12 months. This means, from the moment the violence escalated, Red Cross staff and volunteers were able to be there.
And they’ve been working around the clock ever since. They’ve been putting your generosity into action, supporting people in Ukraine, as well as countries that people have fled to, including here in the UK.
Thanks to donations from the British people - as well as the time and dedication of thousands of staff and volunteers - teams from our Movement have so far supported over 14.5 million people impacted by the conflict in Ukraine.
Red Cross impact in Ukraine
Over 14.5 million people have received vital support from Red Cross teams.
In total, 59 Red Cross and Red Crescent societies from around the world have been involved in the humanitarian response. More than 124,000 Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers involved in the humanitarian response.
- 10.6 million people have been reached with improved access to clean water.
- Over 1 million people have been reached with health support, such as first aid, medical and mental health support.
- Around £179 million has been distributed to over 1.2 million people, supporting families with basic needs, rental assistance, and shelter.
- Over 1.8 million people have received shelter support
- Over 800,000 people on the move have been supported, including at service points, and help with transport and evacuation.
- Around 4,000 families have received news about the whereabouts of their loved ones.
As the conflict enters its second year, need in Ukraine is still great.
The Red Cross is already planning for the months ahead, working alongside local partners and authorities to support those who need us most.
The Red Cross on the current situation in Ukraine: "People need our support"
Latest on the Ukraine Crisis Appeal
Volunteers from the Ukrainian Red Cross Society speak about the support they are providing to people across the country during the crisis
DONATE NOW
The situation is still incredibly tense, dangerous and distressing. People have taken shelter in basements, but often lack the most basic supplies such as food and water and and at times have been unable to go out because of the shelling.
How is the Red Cross helping people who have fled Ukraine?
Latest figures from the UN show that 8 million Ukrainians have been displaced and are currently living in Europe due to the conflict, with even more still displaced from their homes within the country.
Red Cross teams in eight nearby and bordering countries including Poland, Moldova, Slovakia and Romania have been supporting people on arrival in each country.
Red Cross support in Poland
Polish Red Cross teams have been providing round-the-clock health care and psychosocial support, as well as distributing food and basic aid items to people arriving from Ukraine. The Polish Red Cross has also sent food and medical tents to Ukraine.
Red Cross support in Slovakia
At the border crossing point in Ubla, the Slovak Red Cross put up tents for people arriving from Ukraine.
They provided first aid, transporting people with disabilities and setting up restoring family links services for people looking for family.
Red Cross support in Romania
The Romanian Red Cross deployed volunteers from branches along the border to distribute food, water, basic aid items and hygiene products to people in need.
Thousands of SIM cards were distributed so that people could keep in touch with their loved ones.
Red Cross support in Hungary
Meanwhile, the Hungarian Red Cross established information and first aid points along the border and provided food and hygiene items. More than 3,000 volunteers have supported people since, with hot drinks and food, resting areas, healthcare and information. The Hungarian Red Cross has also sent 25 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Red Cross support in Moldova and Lithuania
In Moldova, volunteers and staff have been at all border crossing points offering everything from tea and warm food to baby's nappies. Volunteers are also helping at reception centres, helping with food preparation and child-friendly spaces.
The Lithuanian Red Cross has mobilised close to 7,000 volunteers. They have been collecting clothing, bedding materials, blankets and other household items – enough to fill 37 trucks and eight buses – and has delivered them to Ukraine. Every branch of the National Society is involved in distributing humanitarian packages to people arriving in Lithuania.
Red Cross support in Russia
Russian Red Cross teams have delivered more than 200 tonnes of aid including clothing, hygiene kits, baby products and household items. They are providing psychosocial support, and have opened a mental health support hotline. They have also been helping to reunite family members.
How is the British Red Cross supporting refugees from Ukraine in the UK?
The British Red Cross is the biggest provider of support for refugees in the UK.
Our teams across the country have now assisted more than 50,000 people since their arrival, welcoming many people at train stations and airports, sharing information packs and helping people find emergency accommodation.
Over the last year, we've helped reunite Ukrainians with family members, distributed 19,000 SIM cards, and provided £2.7m emergency financial assistance to over 50,000 people. Our dedicated phone line has answered almost 70,000 calls.
As the conflict continues in Ukraine, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement remains committed to reaching as many people in crisis as we can. Together, we are the world's emergency responders and your support means we can reach anyone, anywhere, with the help they need to get through it.
How can I support people in Ukraine?
We launched the Ukraine Crisis Appeal to support the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross, the ICRC and other Red Cross and Red Crescent partners working in border countries, reaching people with food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care.
Your donation could go a long way to help people who need it:
- £5 could provide 600 chlorine tablets to ensure that families have access to clean, safe water
- £10 could provide a hygiene kit to a family of five, giving them supplies to stay healthy for a month
- £20 could provide a kitchen set to a family forced to flee their home
- £85 could provide 10 tarpaulins that can provide shelter
- £210 could provide a fully equipped first aid kit, including supplies, to a first aider treating the wounded.
The Ukrainian Red Cross and ICRC have been working hand in hand with affected communities through almost eight years of conflict, and this will not stop now.
You can visit our Ukraine country page for more information on Ukraine, or this page for answers to any questions you may have about donating and fundraising.
Are you a Ukrainian national in the UK?
We have information on family visas, the Ukrainian family scheme and claiming asylum in the UK.
Other ways to support
- You can donate to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal
- Pledge that Every Refugee Matters
- Look after your wellbeing as well as other people's
Learn more
- About the red cross emblem
- About international humanitarian law
The Red Cross has never needed you more
Whether it’s Ukraine, Afghanistan, or here in the UK, there has never been a more important time for the British Red Cross – and every member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – to be there for people in crisis.
DONATE NOW