For several years, Ukraine has been grappling with a complex political and security situation, marked by an armed conflict in the east of the country and considerable economic challenges. In this context, the French state, in collaboration with its European and international partners, has actively worked to support reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Ukraine. However, the persistent conflict raises major concerns regarding the security and health of employees on the ground or traveling within the country. This article examines the security situation in Ukraine and offers advice for better supporting your employees in a risky environment.
Security Situation in Ukraine
On the ground, clashes are primarily concentrated in the south and east of Ukraine. Despite this, cities like Kiev and Lviv, located in the west, appear relatively spared from the conflict. However, these areas are not immune to security challenges, notably due to the increase in Russian aerial attacks, including missile strikes and the use of drones. These attacks, sometimes targeting civilian infrastructure such as residential buildings, can have dramatic consequences for inhabitants, as evidenced by an incident on January 23, 2024, in Kiev, where two people lost their lives and many others were injured.
During periods of intense bombardment, water, electricity, gas, and communication cuts are frequent, disrupting daily life and weakening the country’s resilience. The use of warning sirens becomes necessary to protect civilians, even though it leads to significant disruptions as aerial strikes remain unpredictable and dangerous.
Although Ukraine’s anti-missile defense system is overall robust, it has vulnerabilities and faces a decline in international support for military aid, even as anti-aircraft ammunition and ground-to-air interceptors are crucial for protecting Ukrainian airspace.
Medical Situation
Regarding the medical system, despite the damage sustained, it continues to function almost normally in government-controlled regions. Although 20% of doctors have been lost due to the conflict, personnel transfers have occurred to mitigate the impact. Hospitals are well supplied thanks to foreign donations, but there remains a shortage of ambulances, many of which are mobilized for military support. A curfew is in effect from midnight to five in the morning, with only ambulances allowed to operate during this period. In case of serious emergencies, the state emergency intervention number (103) is available to direct individuals to designated hospitals.
French Activity in Ukraine
Despite the ongoing conflict, French companies remain engaged in the reconstruction of Ukraine, supported by strong French and European political backing. Before the outbreak of the conflict, Ukraine was home to 160 French companies in various sectors such as banking, retail, industry, renewable energy, digital, and healthcare, making France the country’s primary foreign employer, with 30,000 employees. Although many French expatriates have left Ukraine, numerous French companies continue their operations there. Moreover, there is a gradual resumption of short-term international business travel.
Recommandations for NGOs in Ukraine
Security Recommendations:
Restrict essential travel to Kiev and the provinces of Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Ternopil, and Zakarpattia. It is preferable to postpone all travel to other regions of the country.
Ensure that travelers are informed about security and health risks and know how to adopt appropriate personal security measures, including reacting correctly in case of alarm sirens activation.
Develop and implement emergency plans to cope with potential crises.
- Maintain close contact with local authorities and security services for updates on the security situation.
Use the Air Alert application to stay informed about aerial strikes by location.
Medical Recommendations:
- Encourage vaccination of employees against common and recommended diseases.
- Due to the highly specialized nature of the medical system, doctors may lack a comprehensive view; repatriation may be necessary at times.
- Ensure easy access to healthcare for employees by identifying reliable medical facilities in areas where the company operates.
The level of health care varies according to the region of the country. Medical facilities are limited outside the major cities. Doctors and nurses may not speak English , and not all hospitals have translation facilities.
In the event of serious injury or illness, evacuation may be necessary and very costly. That’s why it’s a good idea to take out repatriation assistance insurance, which covers the cost of hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation.
What insurance for Employees travelling to Ukraine
Insurance coverage for individuals in Ukraine is quite limited. Only a few specialized companies offer underwriting capacities, sometimes at high rates. Currently, the following insurances can be provided:
- Medical Repatriation Assistance: Medical repatriation insurance can be obtained for travelers on short-term missions and for expatriates in Ukraine. Medical repatriation in Ukraine is only feasible by road to reach a neighboring country (Poland, Romania) and then continue repatriation by air. The on-site conditions are decisive for logistical feasibility, and personnel safety remains a priority.
- Emergency Medical Expense Insurance: It is also possible to subscribe to insurance that covers emergency and unforeseen medical expenses. Comprehensive health insurance for long stays (over 12 months) is currently more difficult to obtain.
- Accidental Death or Disability Insurance: This insurance is available with a war risk extension to cover accidents resulting from acts of war (bombing, mine explosion, etc.). The insured individual must not take an active part in the conflict. The budget is closely linked to the requested death benefit.
- Crisis Management Insurance (Kidnapping, Threats, Extortion): This insurance is also possible for both short and long-term missions. The budget is strongly influenced by the guaranteed financial amount and the locations of the employees.
These insurances are available within a group plan and are subscribed by the employer.
Finally, the occupied Ukrainian territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea are excluded from all these guarantees.
The security situation in Ukraine remains very deteriorated and volatile throughout the country. No part of the country is safe from strikes or military operations. The whole of the country remains a war zone. Our advice is, of course, to limit travel to Ukraine. Your safety is greatly compromised. If you are going to Ukraine, plan your trip carefully and take out comprehensive insurance.
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