The UK is set to provide £2 million in vital food supplies for
areas of Ukraine encircled by Russian forces, Foreign Secretary
confirmed today.
The announcement comes following a direct request from the
government of Ukraine, with the UK funding a rapid donation of
dried food, tinned goods and water.
Warehouses in Poland and Slovakia are being readied to supply
these goods to the government of Ukraine from early next week.
Around 25 truckloads will then be transported by road and rail to
the local Ukrainian communities in greatest need.
It is estimated over 12 million people are currently in need of
humanitarian assistance across Ukraine, with the actual figure
likely to be much higher.
This rapid donation is essential, with the window to reach towns
and cities already encircled, as well as those at high risk,
closing.
Foreign Secretary said:
This vital donation of food and supplies will help support the
Ukrainian people in the face of Russia’s barbaric invasion.
Our teams are working day and night with our Polish and Slovakian
friends and the government of Ukraine to ensure those at most
risk get the essential supplies they so badly need.
Alice Hooper, FCDO Humanitarian Adviser said:
The need on the ground in Ukraine is clear, with so many people
in encircled areas trapped in basements without access to food or
water. Nearly 6 million children remain in Ukraine, many
sheltering inside buildings which are coming under attack.
We are working with partners at the borders to ensure these vital
UK supplies reach the places they are needed most as quickly as
possible.
Access to food, water and cooking facilities for those trapped by
Russian advances is becoming increasingly difficult, with people
taking refuge in basements from shelling.
This latest donation comes as part of the £400 million committed
by the UK, with £220 million of this on humanitarian aid. The
Foreign Secretary today announced the allocation of the first
tranche of this funding, which will be shared amongst trusted
humanitarian delivery partners on the ground, including:
- £25 million to the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR to support
surrounding countries to receive and care for refugees from the
conflict
- £20 million to the UN Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the OCHA-managed Ukraine
Humanitarian Fund (UHF), to provide coordinated lifesaving
humanitarian assistance, protection and basic services to those
remaining in Ukraine
- £10 million to International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies to deliver healthcare and water, sanitation
and hygiene provision amongst other support
Background
-
The UK announced nearly £400 million of
aid for urgent economic and humanitarian
support since the invasion. This includes a £220
million package for aid agencies on the ground to provide
medical supplies and basic necessities, saving lives and
protecting vulnerable people.
-
UK bilateral food assistance will support efforts by the UN
World Food Programme and Red Cross to scale up alternative
food assistance while maintaining the safety and security of
staff on the ground.
