The Olena Zelenska Foundation and the Ministry of Health have handed over 50 evacuation ambulances from the Government of the United Arab Emirates to healthcare workers.

27 of these vehicles have arrived in Ukraine. The first batch of 23 vehicles arrived in Ukraine at the end of 2023. Thus, humanitarian aid from the UAE in the form of ambulances has reached a total of 50 units.

First Lady Olena Zelenska expressed her gratitude to the Embassy of Ukraine in the UAE for its assistance in the project.

“At least half a thousand ambulances were destroyed or stolen by the enemy. This is not just a material loss – it is a risk of not being in time to reach those who need help. That is why this event is special. There is nothing more important to us than saving lives. We are grateful to everyone who helps us with this,” Olena Zelenska said.

All the vehicles are being distributed to the regions that need special transport for medical evacuation and assistance the most.

“The 27 evacuation ambulances will help medics continue to work and save lives even in extremely difficult conditions. This is a significant strengthening of our healthcare system,” said Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine.

The donated ambulances are equipped with everything necessary for emergency medical care and the fastest possible evacuation of patients, even in off-road conditions.

“These are actually B-type ambulances that can operate in extremely difficult conditions of off-road and destroyed infrastructure. Such vehicles have proven their effectiveness and feasibility in the work of disaster medicine teams in the de-occupied and frontline areas,” said Vitalii Kryliuk, head of the Ukrainian Scientific and Practical Centre for Emergency Medical Care and Disaster Medicine of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

The Olena Zelenska Foundation continues to engage international partners to support Ukraine’s medical infrastructure, which is constantly under enemy fire.

“The Foundation is actively involved in the restoration of medical infrastructure, which is being destroyed by the enemy every day. Providing doctors with special vehicles is one of our priorities today. Unfortunately, in times of war, this need remains constant. We are extremely grateful to the Government of the UAE for its prompt response and support of the Ukrainian healthcare system,” said Nina Gorbachova, Director of the Foundation.