Kyiv, 28 October 2022 — In Ukraine, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, most of the efforts of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) have been aimed at responding to the consequences of the military hostilities, such as missile and drone attacks, and saving the lives of Ukrainian citizens, who are often buried under the rubble of collapsed buildings.  The number of emergencies in which the State Emergency Service is involved is increasing exponentially as the war drags on.

To help the SES units respond to the crises to the best of their abilities, the UN Development Programme, with financial support from the Government of Japan, recently procured and provided a large shipment of special equipment, including shockproof glasses, protective knee pads and elbow pads, tactical cargo stretchers, laptops, printers, GPS navigators, laser rangefinders, compasses and binoculars. Japan was one of the first donor countries to provide essential funding to support first responders, including those working to support mine action and debris removal.

Manal Fouani, acting UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, said expanding the capacities of crisis response for search and rescue and demining of the State Emergency Service is one of the top priorities of the strategic partnership with Japan, which has provided several much needed emergency equipment for rescuers. "The support of international partners is extremely important to increase the stability and ability of the State Emergency Service to perform its most important function – to save lives quickly and effectively eliminate danger," she said. "UNDP expresses its gratitude to the Government of Japan for its strategic cooperation and support for the people and Government of Ukraine.”

Embassy of Japan states that Japan takes very seriously the fact that many civilians have been losing their lives or suffering in various parts of Ukraine as a result of Russian aggression, and we continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and support the Ukrainian government and people.

Media enquiries:  Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org