Hennadii Zubko: Ukraine appreciates EU support and endeavors to deliver targeted assistance

The Ukrainian government together with the European Union and the EU member states are working to resolve humanitarian situation in Donbas, arising from the actions of militants. Today Dnipropetrovsk receives three cargo planes with humanitarian aid organized by the European Commission and the EU member states. It is designed to help Ukrainians who need it the most, including people living in areas controlled by the militants. Arrival of the goods was inspected by Vice Prime Minister - Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities Hennadii Zubko and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides.

The humanitarian cargo includes tents, blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothes. Assistance will also be delivered to Ukraine by land: it is expected that trucks with aid will arrive to eastern Ukraine in the coming hours. In total, 85 tons of humanitarian aid will be provided.

Hennadii Zubko has expressed his appreciation to the European Union and EU member states, which have provided humanitarian assistance, of active support of the Ukrainian people.

"It's very important that Ukraine and her people haven’t been left alone in such difficult times. We appreciate the support and, from my part, I will do everything in order to deliver the received help to the people who need it. The situation is difficult because it is hard to expect the adequacy from the militants who control some of the territories. However, work is being done. We have already conducted similar operations and people received food and essential commodities Hennadii Zubko said.

He has also informed that the distribution of humanitarian aid will be handled by partners of the European Community Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) - the UN, Red Cross and NGOs together with representatives of the SES and the EU.

Christos Stylianides has reported that the European Commission is ready to provide additional €15 million of humanitarian aid. This assistance will meet the basic needs of those who need it most in Mariupol and other areas affected by the conflict; needs of internally displaced persons and those who are going to come back home. Thus, urgent EU aid and early recovery assistance, including the contributions of the EU member states reached €95 million.

Hennadii Zubko along with the delegation visited the Dnipropetrovsk Center for IDPs and handed over humanitarian aid intended for internally displaced persons.

The Vice Prime Minister has informed that he will soon initiate a joint meeting with all humanitarian missions operating in Ukraine for the coordination of assistance work with IDPs. He has also proposed to hold a conference in Dnipropetrovsk region with representatives from all the regions to exchange experiences on issues of promoting adaptation to displaced persons and providing them with necessary assistance.