Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko discuss support for Ukrainian rescuers in times of war with the European Commission

Mobilisation of resources to support the activities of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, which performs extremely difficult tasks in a full-scale war. This was discussed during an online call on 21 June between Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, and Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, with Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management (DG ECHO).

"After russia increased the number of massive missile attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, the need for additional equipment for rescue operations, immediate elimination of the consequences of fires, damage and other harm caused by missile attacks has grown enormously. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of vital needs to address the urgent situation. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine must be capable of responding promptly and providing assistance to civilians, as well as carrying out demining activities. With this in mind, today we would like to discuss the possibility of allocating funding for the purchase of fire, rescue and other special equipment, including domestically produced equipment, to provide SES units with all the necessary tools to help them act quickly and save as many lives as possible," Olha Stefanishyna said at the beginning of the meeting.

In his turn, Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko said that the SES has already lost about 1,000 pieces of special equipment as a result of russian aggression. Despite the unprecedented assistance from international partners, the SES needs for special equipment remain urgent.

"At the same time, I would like to note that the production of special equipment in Ukraine is actively developing. The existing production capacities are sufficient to consider purchasing the necessary equipment from Ukrainian manufacturers. This is the so-called industrial patriotism. We highly appreciate the contribution of European institutions to strengthening the capacities of Ukrainian rescuers, including within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and look forward to continuing our cooperation," said Ihor Klymenko.

The interlocutors discussed ways to meet Ukraine's needs with the help of the EU's existing instruments, including relevant funds, as well as by using the proceeds of frozen russian assets.

"I believe that when a country is a victim of military aggression, it needs immediate support, of course, in the military, but also in the civilian sphere, because the victim of aggression must be able to protect the civilian population," the European Commissioner stressed.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to the Commissioner for the EU's continued support for Ukraine in the face of russian aggression.