Dear John, I'm Tania.

I never imagined I'd be writing you this message. And honestly, I also never dreamed of one day ever working with the ICRC here in Ukraine. Because, you see, that would have meant there was an armed conflict in my homeland.

When I joined the ICRC in the autumn of 2022, it was a time of deep uncertainty — the kind where every morning begins with calls to your loved ones, not to ask how they are doing, but to ask if they are still alive.

That was my reality.

But my work with the ICRC reminded me what "humanity" really means. I discovered that even in the darkest times, there are inspiring people. People like you, who refuse to turn away from suffering.

I’ve met those people in Izium, Kupiansk, Vovchansk, and Kharkiv. I’ve seen them at aid distribution points, in hospitals, and in shelters. People helping one another. People helping strangers. People who believe in the power of kindness, even when everything else feels broken.

And this is why I’m writing to you. To say thank you.

Because everything I saw there, every act of compassion, every moment of hope, is made possible because people like you believe in the power of humanity. Your solidarity and your generosity truly change everything for someone who has lost so much.

John, thank you for standing with us, for believing that even in darkness, kindness can live on.

With all my heart,

Tania

Communications Officer, ICRC, Eastern Ukraine