Kyiv (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) and the Ministry of Social Policy signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday. The aim of the agreement is to provide financial support to vulnerable people affected by the armed conflict in Ukraine.

The ICRC will mobilize the budget of up to 1.9 billion UAH (59 million CHF) and the URCS the budget of up to 500 million UAH (15.6 million CHF) to provide emergency financial assistance in Ukraine to displaced people and vulnerable people living in areas affected by hostilities. The financial assistance will constitute 2,500 UAH per month (approximately 80 CHF) per person for a minimum period of one month.

“Every day we see people who left everything behind trying to reach safety, whose homes were damaged or destroyed.  The toll of violence on Ukrainian civilians has been enormous and we hope that financial support will help them during this incredibly difficult time,” said Pascal Hundt, the head of the ICRC delegation in Ukraine. “This is a first step to bring back some humanity and dignity in an environment where civilians are paying an enormous price.”

“Our staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly and will continue standing by the most vulnerable people in Ukraine. Providing cash assistance will enable people to make their own decisions on how they want to use the money they receive,” said Mykola Polishchuk, the president of the URCS.

The ICRC has been working in Ukraine since 2014 and is increasing its response to the humanitarian needs. The organization provides emergency assistance, supports hospitals, repairs water infrastructure and helps families separated by the conflict among other activities.

Founded in 1918, Ukrainian Red Cross Society works to ensure protection of human life, prevention and mitigation of human suffering during armed conflicts, natural disasters, catastrophes and accidents. It supports medical services of the armed forces and public healthcare service and assists public authorities of Ukraine in the humanitarian field.

For further information, please contact:

Oleksandr Vlasenko +380503484743, ovlasenko@icrc.org