Red Cross Humanitarian Workers Killed in Deadly Eastern Ukraine Shelling

• Sep 12, 2024

Three International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) workers lost their lives, and two others were injured in a devastating strike in eastern Ukraine, the ICRC reported. The attack occurred during a strike operation in Viroliubivka village, located north of Donetsk city, where the ICRC team was preparing to distribute essential supplies, including wood and coal briquettes.

The ICRC has not yet identified who was responsible for the attack but condemned the incident as “unconscionable.” The organization expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its colleagues and emphasized the tragic impact of the strike on humanitarian efforts. Mirjana Spoljaric, the ICRC president, stated, “I condemn attacks on Red Cross personnel in the strongest terms. Our hearts are broken today as we mourn the loss of our colleagues and care for the injured.”

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly accused Russia of orchestrating the shelling, labeling it “another Russian war crime.” In a social media post, Zelensky shared an image of a white truck engulfed in flames, clearly marked with the Red Cross logo, to illustrate the attack. He remarked, “Today, the occupier attacked the vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross humanitarian mission.”

The ICRC emphasized that its vehicles are easily identifiable and regularly operate within the frontline region of Donetsk. Despite these precautions, the attack still targeted the aid distribution site, raising serious concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers in conflict zones.

Ukrainian officials confirmed the shelling in Viroliubivka and reported that the attack occurred while workers were unloading supplies. This tragic incident highlights the increasing dangers faced by humanitarian organizations operating in war-torn areas.

The United Nations had previously warned in February of a rise in attacks against aid and humanitarian workers in Ukraine. According to the UN’s humanitarian mission to Ukraine, 50 workers were killed or injured in the country in 2023 alone, including 11 who lost their lives while on duty. These figures underscore the escalating risks and the urgent need for better protection of those providing essential services in conflict zones.

The ICRC continues to call for the safety and protection of all humanitarian personnel. The organization remains committed to delivering aid and support to those affected by the ongoing conflict, despite the significant challenges and dangers involved.

As the situation in eastern Ukraine remains volatile, the international community watches closely, advocating for the cessation of attacks on humanitarian missions to ensure that aid can reach those in desperate need without further loss of life.