Red Cross pauses Ukraine field work for security reasons

The International Committee of the Red Cross was forced to halt their work in Ukraine on Monday (10 October) due to security concerns after Russia launched missiles at Ukrainian cities.

Russia struck all over the country, striking Kyiv capital with an intensity never seen since Russian forces attempted to capture the capital in the seven-month war.

Moscow claims the strikes were in retaliation to what it calls terrorist attacks.

"Our teams have halted operations today for security reasons," a spokesperson stated in an emailed reply to a Reuters query. There are approximately 700 staff at the ICRC in 10 locations throughout the country. They deliver aid and medicine to the millions of people who have been displaced by the ongoing war.

Later, a second spokesperson for the ICRC stated that field work was halted but aid workers could continue their desk work. He added: "As soon it's safe to go they will."

The Norwegian Refugee Council stated that it has halted aid operations to Ukraine until it is safe to resume.

Jan Egeland Secretary General of NRC said: "We cannot help vulnerable communities while our aid workers hide from a barrage bombs and fear of repeated attacks."

A spokesperson for UN Refugee Agency stated that operations were continuing, with staff sheltering during aerial raids.

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