Yesterday at 23:53
March 20, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna spoke at the European Humanitarian Forum in Brussels, Belgium.
During the panel, the participants discussed humanitarian aid to our country in the context of russia’s ongoing full-scale war against Ukraine, as well as the next steps for the speedy recovery and reconstruction.
“Thanks to the assistance of the European Union, in particular the rapid and timely activation of the EU civil protection mechanism, as well as the support of all international partners, we were able to get through this winter period, minimizing the negative consequences for our citizens caused by the massive russian shelling of critical infrastructure,” the Deputy Prime Minister gratefully acknowledged. “However, we must remember that such support helped us survive in the darkest times, to stand as a country, but we need much more effort from the international community for post-war recovery.”
Olha Stefanishyna highlighted several priority areas where a consolidated approach and close cooperation of international partners with Ukraine was needed, namely: demining of Ukrainian territories, creation of effective mechanisms of social and psychological support for war victims, and attraction of investments for the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
“Ukraine’s needs today are related to the primary tasks of repelling military aggression and ensuring the restoration of a full life in the de-occupied territories. To do this, first of all, we must ensure humanitarian demining. Ukraine is currently the most mined country in the world. Therefore, to ensure effective and safe demining of the territories, we need to engage international expertise and be provided with specialized demining equipment and supplies,” the official emphasized.
“It is already obvious that Ukraine will win the war on the battlefield, as this is the only way to restore security and stability in Europe and the whole world. So I would like to reiterate the words of the President of Ukraine that the most effective assistance in solving humanitarian problems is to increase and timely provide military support to Ukraine. As soon as we are able to end the bloody war and repel the aggressor, we will end the suffering of the Ukrainian people,” said Olha Stefanishyna.
The Deputy Prime Minister also informed the audience about the creation of a network of centers for survivors in Ukraine, where all those affected by the war could receive comprehensive free psychological, legal and informational support. She also called on partners to join this initiative.
