Ukraine sends firefighters to France in first EU aid mission

Ukraine has, for the first time, deployed assistance as a provider under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, marking a milestone in its integration with European emergency frameworks.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the move reflects Ukraine’s growing role in coordinated international crisis response.

On July 31, a Ukrainian firefighting unit of 70 personnel was sent to France to assist in battling wildfires. Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ivan Vyhovskyi said the deployment was carried out within the framework of the mechanism.

Von der Leyen noted that this is the first instance of Ukraine delivering aid through the system.

“While defending itself against Russia's war of aggression, Ukraine is also helping protect lives across Europe. This is European solidarity. Every day, Ukraine shows it belongs in our Union,” she wrote.

Ukraine’s parliament ratified the agreement to join the mechanism in November 2023, paving the way for its participation alongside EU member states and partner countries.

The mechanism is widely regarded as the world’s largest coordinated system for international emergency assistance, bringing together EU nations and partner states including Norway, Iceland, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine.

By Tamilla Hasanova