Brussels donates ambulances to Ukraine
The Brussels fire brigade is sending four ambulances to Ukraine in its third transfer of equipment since the invasion by Russia. “The donation is a new step in Brussels’ solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who are still severely affected by the war,” said spokesperson Walter Derieuw.
The brigade donated two ambulances to Ukraine in 2022, with then-secretary of state Pascal Smet and Brussels mayor Philippe Close driving the vehicles to Kyiv themselves. In 2024, a second aid campaign followed with a donation of three ambulances, two fire engines and other equipment.
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“With this donation, we not only want to save lives, but also send a clear message of solidarity,” said Brussels secretary of state Ans Persoons. “We are offering support to Ukrainian emergency workers who continue to care for others in the most impossible circumstances.”
Direct contact with the fire departments in Kyiv and Kharkiv is often difficult due to the war and language barriers, but regular visits by Brussels delegations have ensured a strong bond and cooperation between the two cities.
“The challenges are considerable: in addition to the logistical organisation, there is also a lot of administration involved in this type of transport,” Derieuw said.
“But thanks to the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders, we are able to bring this to a successful conclusion. We know from our contacts that our Ukrainian colleagues are extremely grateful to us.”
Drone attack
Meanwhile, a Russian drone attack on Sunday night damaged a combined heat and power plant near Kyiv. “The enemy knows very well that it is bombing civilian infrastructure,” said a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Energy ministry.
The exact location was not specified but Ukrainian Telegram channels report that it was the Trypillja power plant south of the capital, which has already been attacked and damaged several times. Later, the ministry reported that the power distribution was functioning.
The nighttime drone attacks also killed two people in a village near Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine, according to the public prosecutor’s office. The Ukrainian Air Force counted 142 Russian drones, 112 of which were destroyed.
Medics help a woman injured in a Russian missile attack in Vyshneve, north-central Ukraine, January 2024 © PHOTO VOLODYMYR TARASOV / UKRINFORM VIA ZUMA PRESS WIRE
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