Foreign Ministry slams Red Cross over comparison between Ukraine and Russia

The meeting took place on January 20 at the direction of Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. During the discussion, the Ukrainian side expressed deep disappointment over the public statement by the ICRC regional director on January 14, which, according to the ministry, effectively equated the responsibility of Russia as the aggressor state with that of Ukraine, which is defending itself and its citizens.

Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Ministry summoned the head of the ICRC mission

Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Ministry summoned the head of the ICRC mission

The ministry emphasized that such wording is unacceptable. Ukraine acts strictly within international law and strikes only legitimate military targets, exercising its right to self-defense under the UN Charter. The Foreign Ministry stressed that any attempts to equate the actions of a victim of aggression with those of the aggressor are immoral and distort the real picture of the war. Kyiv expects a clearer stance from the ICRC and accurate public communication regarding the causes of humanitarian suffering in Ukraine.

Separately, the Ukrainian side called on the committee to intensify efforts to secure unhindered access to Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians illegally held by Russia, noting that this should be one of the organization’s key priorities.

ICRC representatives acknowledged the inappropriateness of equating the responsibilities of the parties and agreed on the need to adjust their communication approach. Juan Pedro Schaerer assured that the ICRC team in Kyiv has a clear understanding of the real humanitarian situation and personally experiences the impact of Russian attacks.

After the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen dialogue and continue contacts, including visits and additional consultations to help the ICRC better understand the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and more actively work on access to prisoners and detained civilians.

Previously, the ICRC faced repeated criticism for its lack of full access to Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia.

Now, in official Red Cross statements, alongside Ukrainian cities, in particular Kyiv and Dnipro, Belgorod and Donetsk, which is under Russian occupation, are also mentioned.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha was among the first to criticize the Red Cross for the publication, which effectively put Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities on the same level as the situation in Russian territory.