
TheRedCrossappealed on Tuesday for more than $270 million to help people caught up in the Ukraine conflict, fearing that millions are rapidly being plunged into extreme suffering.
The International Committee of theRedCross(ICRC) and the International Federation of theRedCrossandRedCrescent Societies (IFRC) said the humanitarian situation in Ukraine is rapidly deteriorating.
"To respond to this sudden, massive need, the two organisations together are appealing for 250 million Swiss francs ($273 million, 243 million euros)," the joint movement said.
The ICRC is appealing for 150million Swiss francsfor its 2022 operations in Ukraineand neighbouring countries.
"The escalating conflict in Ukraine is taking a devastating toll. Casualty figures keep risingwhilehealth facilities struggleto cope," said ICRC director-general Robert Mardini.
Meanwhile, the IFRC appealed for 100 million Swiss francs to support nationalRedCrossSocieties to assist an initial two million people in need.
RedCrossteams on the ground are trying to provide life-saving help including basic aid items, medical supplies and shelter.
"The needs of the people affected by the conflict are increasing by the hour," said IFRC secretary general JaganChapagain.
"I call for global solidarity to ramp up the assistance to people suffering because of this conflict."
Watch |Gravitas: Russia's Ukraine invasion: How Ukrainians are fighting back