On Saturday 19 February, the European Commission announced that the EU was coordinating the delivery of humanitarian aid and essential equipment to Ukraine, “to support the civilian population”. The aid was on its way via the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism that same day.
“The aim is to support Ukraine’s efforts to prepare for all possible scenarios”, the institution said, citing “the threat of further escalation”.
In response to a request for assistance from the Ukrainian authorities on Friday 18 February, five Member States - France, Slovenia, Romania, Ireland and Austria - immediately offered essential supplies requested by Kiev.
“The EU stands in full solidarity with the Ukrainian people, also with concrete support. Once Ukraine asked for our assistance, we have been working around the clock to help the authorities”, commented EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič in a statement. Stating that this is initial aid, he added: “I expect more assistance in the coming days from other EU Member States”.
The following were provided:
- France: an advanced medical post capable of treating 500 casualties, 315 tents, 1,500 grounds sheets, 2,100 blankets and 300 sleeping bags, 500 hygiene kits, 25 dry latrines, 3,000 chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear gloves, 10,000 vinyl gloves, 50,000 surgical masks and 36 boxes of medicines, each capable of treating hundreds of patients.
- Slovenia: 10 diesel generators (6 kW), 1 million disposable masks, 250,000 pairs of gloves (latex and nitrile), 200 pairs of rubber boots.
- Ireland: 10,000 protective suits, 50,000 surgical masks, 2,583 litres of hand sanitiser.
- Romania: 5,000 packs of analgesics, the same number each of packs of anti-inflammatories and packs of antibiotics, and 840 litres of hand sanitiser.
- Austria: 50,000 litres of hand disinfectant, 9,000 litres of surface disinfectant, 50,000 safety goggles, 50,000 face masks and 20,000 non-sterile gloves. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)