Europe is sending Ukraine stockpiles of equipment and medicines it has amassed in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) emergency, the European Commission announced Monday.
Europe announced in April that it was building up its reserves of equipment and medicines in preparation for a potential CBRN crisis, under its RescEU emergency program.
Ukraine has now requested such supplies, which are currently hosted by Romania, Hungary, Sweden, Germany, Greece and Denmark. In total, the EU is sending €11.3 million worth of supplies to Ukraine.
It includes 300,000 specialized protection suits, 5,600 liters of decontaminants and 850 pieces of equipment for decontamination operations.
Additionally, the EU is donating equipment to hospitals in the war-torn country, which are in desperate need. The equipment includes patient monitors, infusion pumps and ventilators, and protective equipment for medical staff.
“Russia’s unjustified war and attacks on health care facilities have put Ukraine’s health systems under severe pressure,” said European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič.
Thirty countries have already donated supplies to Ukraine via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, “but given the immense medical needs caused by the ongoing war, we have mobilized the rescEU strategic reserves,” said Lenarčič, adding: “Medical equipment, and equipment tailored to chemical, biological or nuclear emergencies are on the way to Ukraine.”
“Hospitals and medical workers in Ukraine are working under fire, and we must do everything in our power to provide them the necessary tools to save lives,” he added.
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