By KYIV. Jan 11 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The Pyrotechnic Units of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine received from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the government of Japan a batch of special demining and protective equipment worth $195,000 (UAH 7.2 million).
The UNDP said in a press release circulated on Wednesday that the delivery includes mine detectors, portable and car radio stations, body armors, and helmets.
The handover ceremony took place on the premises of the State Emergency Service in Kyiv with the presence of Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine Kuninori Matsuda Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States Ivana Zivkovic.
"For UNDP, the long-standing partnership with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine is a priority in overcoming the challenges of war and supporting fast and safe recovery of Ukraine. Thanks to the strategic support of the Government of Japan, which was one of the first donor countries to provide essential funding, we can reinforce Ukraine’s capacity to ensure safe returns for its citizens," Zivkovic said.
According to the Interior Ministry, about 30% of the territory of Ukraine is contaminated by explosive objects.
"The clearance of mines, unexploded ordnance, and debris containing toxic substances is essential as a first step toward recovery and reconstruction, " Matsuda said.
He expressed his hope that "the equipment that the Japanese government will provide through UNDP will contribute greatly to the reconstruction of Ukraine, and the day will come soon when the people of Ukraine can live in peace."
Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine Serhiy Kruk thanked the ambassador and added, "We will never give up trying to protect the safety and integrity of our people. Having the proper tools to do our work makes us more effective at doing that."
Previously, as a part of "Emergency Explosive Ordnance Clearance and Debris Removal" project with financial contribution from Japan, UNDP delivered shockproof glasses, protective knee pads, and elbow pads, tactical cargo stretchers, laptops, printers, GPS navigators, laser rangefinders, compasses and binoculars to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. UNDP has also trained recovery teams and local authorities on handling explosive ordnance and hazardous waste while removing debris.
