Critical aid for Ukraine

Ventilators, bandages and syringe pumps are being sent to Ukraine as part of the second shipment of medical supplies and equipment donated by NHS Scotland.

More than 130,000 items urgently requested by the Ukrainian Government will be flown from Stansted Airport to Poland on Sunday for onward transport to Ukraine.

The latest medical aid – valued at about £1.2 million – follows an initial shipment earlier this week and is in addition to £4 million of humanitarian assistance for Ukraine announced by the Scottish Government on Monday, of which the United Nations children’s organisation UNICEF is to receive £1 million.

Together with other United Nations agencies, UNICEF is establishing a series of child-friendly safe spaces along key travel corridors in countries bordering Ukraine to provide critical support to children and families fleeing the conflict.

UNICEF is also working with the Ukrainian Government to ensure continuity of child protection services including plans for the safety and protection of children in institutional facilities.

Europe Minister Neil Gray said:

“We have watched in horror and anger as Russia’s illegal war of aggression has led to deplorable loss of lives, livelihoods and of homes.

“Scotland is not standing by as our fellow Europeans suffer. This latest substantial consignment of medical supplies helps address urgent needs identified by the Ukrainian Government as it continues to resist the invasion and protect its citizens.

“Meanwhile, our £4 million of humanitarian will assist efforts to support those – particularly children – who have been forced from their homes to seek safety.

“We will continue looking at all options to further support the people of Ukraine.”

Background

The best way to help the people of Ukraine is to donate funds to, or volunteer with, charities that are registered in Scotland, or the rest of the UK, that have an ongoing relief operation.

The Disaster Emergency Committee has launched an appeal specifically for Ukraine. Full details of which are available at Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal | Disasters Emergency Committee (dec.org.uk)

The Scottish Government has created a website to help Scots make donations in a secure and effective way.

More information on the UNICEF UK appeal can be found here: https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/donate-now-to-protect-children-in-ukraine/