In 2025, the Russian Red Cross organised resort treatment for more than 2,800 residents of the Belgorod and Kursk regions who were affected by shelling. Medical resort vouchers were given to people who were injured, lost their homes or were forced to leave their homes.
Treatment and rehabilitation were provided at health resorts in the Krasnodar Territory and Tver Region. The programme was implemented in stages: 31 trips were organised for the residents of the Belgorod Region, and 10 trips to three recreation centres were organised for the victims from the Kursk Region. Beneficiaries could undergo a range of medical procedures and join psychological rehabilitation activities.
“The opportunity to temporarily stay away from the emergency zone, feel cared for and at peace helps affected individuals restore their health and emotional state. For many people who have survived shelling, even a short respite in a safe place is an important step towards recovery. We see how several weeks of medical treatment, a calm routine and work with psychologists help people gradually regain sleep, relieve tension and cope with the effects of stress. It is for the sake of such changes that we continue to develop this programme together with regional governments," said Pavel Savchuk, President of the Russian Red Cross and member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation.
The governments of the Kursk and Belgorod regions compiled lists of beneficiaries based on the extent of need and medical indications. Special attention was given to those who had serious injuries, lost their homes or experienced serious health problems as a result of shelling in the border areas.
The selected health resorts meet strict safety requirements, environmental criteria and comfort level set by the authorities of the respective regions and the Russian Red Cross. Each recreation centre has been rigorously examined to ensure that it provides comprehensive health improvement facilities, necessary medical care and psychological support.
“On behalf of all residents of the Belgorod Region and on my own behalf, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Russian Red Cross team for their timely assistance and for organising health trips for Belgorod residents affected by the shelling. The residents from the border area were able to recover and relax, and experience a lot of positive emotions. In these difficult times, the opportunity to undergo rehabilitation in a safe place and receive qualified medical and psychological assistance has been a huge support for people. We greatly value our partnership. Together, we will overcome any challenges," emphasised Vyacheslav Gladkov, Governor of the Belgorod Region.
“Our residents in the border areas are a special responsibility. They are people who desperately need to feel that even if they have lost their homes or suffered serious injuries, they are not alone. We are here for them, and we are doing everything we can to help them forget the horrors they have experienced as quickly as possible. The support provided by the RRC in organising medical treatment and recreation for people is a truly invaluable contribution to bringing them back to peaceful life. More than 800 Kursk residents have rested at the health resort, so the health and smiles of each of them show that we can cope with any challenges," said Alexander Khinshtein, Governor of the Kursk Region.
The funding for health resort treatment for residents of the Kursk and Belgorod regions in 2025 was provided by the Russian Red Cross Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. The accommodation services were provided by GAUK MOSGORTUR (State Autonomous Institution of Culture of the City of Moscow “Moscow Agency for the Organisation of Recreation and Tourism”).
The Russian Red Cross has continuously provided all necessary assistance to residents of the border areas, supplying victims with food and hygiene kits, clothing and footwear, technical rehabilitation equipment, food and pharmacy vouchers, and other targeted support. The programme of health and wellness holidays and health resort treatment complements this set of humanitarian measures aimed at preserving the health and well-being of citizens.
