The Red Cross response to the Ukraine crisis

The Red Cross is providing humanitarian aid, including psychosocial support and essentials such as food and fuel. 

Last updated: 24 February 2025

Since the conflict escalated in February 2022, each day has brought devastating consequences to millions of families across Ukraine and the wider region.  

The level of humanitarian need in Ukraine is staggeringly high.  Over 40,000 people have been killed or injured, and millions more have fled their homes. 

Freezing weather conditions have heightened the suffering for those living amid the conflict.

Donate to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal


A volunteer in Red Cross uniform faces away from the camera, looking at debris and a fire truck

Shelling caused devastation in winter 2023. PHOTO: Ukraine Red Cross

Ukraine in numbers

  • 10 million people have had to leave their homes to seek safety elsewhere. 
  • More than 192,000 people displaced from Ukraine have arrived in the UK.  
  • 60 Red Cross and Red Crescent societies from around the world have been involved in the humanitarian response, including 13,000 volunteers.
  • More than 40,000 people have been killed.
  • Nearly 20,000 people have been injured.
  • 14.6 million, 40% of Ukraine’s population, remain in need of humanitarian assistance.

Red Cross and Red Crescent movement response

Our priority is to assist people during this time of heightened tension. 

The Ukrainian Red Cross (URCS) is the leading humanitarian charity organisation in Ukraine. Since the onset of this conflict, the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement has been supporting vulnerable people impacted by the conflict.

In Ukraine, the Movement has supported: 

  • 2.9 million people with food assistance
  • Over 1.6 million people with clothing and household items
  • 18 million receiving basics such as blankets, hygiene items, food and water
  • Over 1.6 million people with access to adequate heating 
  • 384,000 people to be trained in first aid 
  • 397,000 people with transportation or evacuation 
  • 3000 people with livelihood support for food production 
  • Over 2000 people have with education support, including childcare and summer camps


How the British Red Cross has supported during the conflict

  • Our phone line has answered over 83,000 calls.
  • We’ve provided emergency cash-based assistance to 68,000 people, with £3.1 million distributed in total.
  • Over 23,000 SIM cards have been distributed, helping people to stay in touch with their loved ones.   
  • Our refugee services have helped over 3,800 Ukrainians (including dependants) in the UK who are struggling with accommodation, food, basic supplies, and access to welfare benefits.  

Donate to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal

Supporting Ukrainian refugees in the UK

Since the start of the conflict, the British Red Cross has supported more than 192,000 people displaced from Ukraine who have arrived in the UK.  

The British Red Cross offers support for Ukrainian nationals in the UK. We have up to date information and advice on the following:

 

Find out how you can support people affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

How to help those affected by the Ukraine crisis

The best way to help is to donate the Red Cross Ukraine crisis appealSending money allows us help with whatever is needed, source things locally, and transport items quickly. 

Find out more information on how to support and fundraise by visiting our how to help Ukraine page.