UK to provide £16 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine

10.06.2023 18:00

Ukrinform

The UK Government is to provide GBP16 million to address widespread needs in Ukraine, including to support those affected by the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam, which has affected 42,000 people in the Kherson area, and continuing Russian attacks.

That's according to the government press service, Ukrinform reports.

This builds on Britain’s existing humanitarian support of GBP220 million which is allowing partners, such as the Ukraine Red Cross, to help evacuate civilians affected by the flooding.

Alongside this the UK-led Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine has already delivered two specialist rescue boats, search and rescue equipment, and trauma medicine to Kherson to assist the ongoing rescue operations by the State Emergency Services.

Funding will support aid organizations in the area who are currently assisting people affected by the flooding with rapid response equipment, shelter and essential supplies, as well as in areas affected by fighting and communities who have been displaced.

Beyond the immediate rescue efforts, this funding will help to respond to the ongoing impacts from flooding, including waterborne infectious diseases, loss of livelihoods and risks from landmines.

The funding will consist of GBP10 million of support to the Red Cross Movement, GBP5 million to OCHA and GBP1m to IOM.

The UK is also providing a package of rescue boats, community water filters, water pumps and waders to help State Emergency Services of Ukraine responders deal with the ongoing impact of the flooding. Equipment is expected to start arriving in Ukraine by next week.

“Flooding from the destruction of Kakhovka dam is having an untold impact on over 32,000 people living in Kherson, and thousands more in the surrounding area,” said UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. “The UK is leading the way in providing support to those desperately in need. Our funding is playing a vital role in helping Ukrainian services and aid organisations evacuate people and get help to those in need.”

This aid package is part of the UK’s total support for Ukraine which so far totals GBP1.5 billion in economic and humanitarian support, which has paid for the delivery of more than 11 million medical items as well as food supplies, ambulances, shelter kits.