Switzerland donates rescue equipment to Ukraine’s emergency services

The package includes 30 debris-clearing machines and 30 fire pumps worth $6,47 million to support emergency services in managing war-related infrastructure destruction and civilian assistance.

Nov 1, 2024 - 18:00

Switzerland donates rescue equipment to Ukraine’s emergency services

switzerland donates rescue equipment ukraine's emergency services rubblestone-clearing donated ukraine

Switzerland has delivered humanitarian aid to Ukraine, transferring specialized rescue equipment to support emergency services in war-affected regions, according to RBC-Ukraine.

Switzerland maintains its neutrality by not supplying weapons to Ukraine and prohibiting third-country weapon transfers to combatants. Discussions are ongoing about potentially lifting re-export weapon restrictions, yet the country continues to provide only non-lethal humanitarian and financial aid to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.

RBC-Ukraine reported that Swiss Ambassador to Ukraine Felix Baumann officially transferred 30 debris-clearing machines and 30 fire pumps, valued at 5.6 million Swiss francs ($6,47 million).

“We are continuing our cooperation with the State Emergency Service,” Baumann stated during the equipment handover. “These machines will help emergency response services assist people often trapped under debris from infrastructure attacks.”

The equipment transfer follows a March partnership memorandum between Switzerland and Ukraine’s emergency services, which includes vehicle and spare parts provisions, training for rescue workers, and plans to construct a logistics hub for the technical service division in Kyiv Oblast.

Switzerland has previously provided similar equipment, with the Swiss Development Agency and Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sports having transported nearly 1,200 tons of humanitarian assistance since the war’s beginning.

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