Singapore to send 22 ambulances to Ukraine amid 'humanitarian crisis'
An ambulance speeds down a road near Serhiivka, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, on Aug 16, 2022. (File photo: AP/David Goldman)
SINGAPORE: Singapore will send a humanitarian assistance package comprising 22 ambulances to Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Tuesday (Sep 7).
This is in response to a request from Ukraine, with the package put together to support international efforts given the "humanitarian crisis and needs" in the country, the ministry added.
Ukraine is in the midst of a counteroffensive against a Russian invasion which has destroyed cities and left thousands dead since it was launched in February 2022. The Kremlin calls it a "special military operation".
Singapore last sent aid to Ukraine in June 2022. The package then included nine ambulances, two fire engines and an assortment of firefighting protective gear, rescue equipment, mine detectors and medical supplies.
In April last year, the Singapore Red Cross also committed its third tranche of aid to support Ukrainian refugees, bringing its total disbursement to S$3.66 million.
That tranche included medical and first aid supplies, medical equipment and medicine for rare diseases and hygiene products.
In December 2022, the Singapore Red Cross further supported the construction of 10 locally-designed modular houses to aid communities facing a harsh winter in Ukraine.
The houses can withstand freezing conditions and other shocks. The Red Cross also provided generators, medical equipment, and water and sanitation systems.
It also procured a mobile medical clinic for a regional branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society.
