What began as a simple act of solidarity in February 2022 by the residents of Paris’s 15th arrondissement has transformed into a lasting humanitarian bridge between France and Ukraine.
More than two years after the start of the large-scale invasion, the 200th truck departed yesterday from the Embassy of Ukraine in Paris, carrying material support to Uzhhorod, Ukraine, which will then be redistributed according to the needs of the regions most affected by the war.
To mark this event, the team from Stand With Ukraine Europe was invited by Ukrainian Ambassador Vadym Omelchenko, accompanied by Ukrainian Consul Serhii Esaulov, to the Embassy of Ukraine in France, located in Paris’s 7th arrondissement.
During the event, Vadym Omelchenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to France, emphasized the significance of this moment:
“This 200th truck is a strong testament to the solidarity and support of France toward Ukraine in these difficult times. Since the start of the large-scale war, the SAFE association has demonstrated exceptional humanitarian capacity, sending supplies and essential goods to meet the vital needs of those most in need.”
This convoy, destined for the Kharkiv region, includes medical and surgical supplies as well as generators.
Several representatives of associations that contributed to the success of this cross-border initiative were present to witness the truck’s departure, including Catherine Duplessy of the SAFE association. As the initiator of the partnership with the Uzhhorod Medical Aid Committee for Ukraine, she highlighted the importance of civil society mobilization:
“Now more than ever, it is necessary to demonstrate the determination of civil society, which is mobilizing for democracy, peace, and freedom.”
In these times of war, donations play a crucial role. Jean-Luc Guery, representing Ambulanciers sans Frontières, reminded everyone of the importance of donations, noting that their initiative has delivered 97 ambulances to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Similarly, Jeanne-Emmanuelle Hutin, journalist at Ouest-France, highlighted the efforts of the Ouest-France Solidarités association, which raised €3,000,000 for Ukraine thanks to contributions from readers, associations, and local authorities.
Sylvie Ceyrac, Deputy Mayor of Paris’s 15th arrondissement, highlighted the municipality’s commitment:
“From the start, the 15th arrondissement’s city hall sent nearly 45,000 masks, 200 liters of hand sanitizer, and 500 pairs of medical gloves.”
Finally, the international solidarity NGO Électriciens sans Frontières made a remarkable contribution to the humanitarian effort. Charlotte Pendry, emergency project manager, shared:
“The Russians are specifically targeting energy and water infrastructures. Our mission is to ensure that the Ukrainian population has sustainable and reliable access to electricity.” Russian bombings have led to electricity rationing and outages lasting up to eight hours a day across the country, making it urgent to send aid.
This collective effort demonstrates the power of international solidarity in times of crisis, reminding us that every act, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement for peace and Europe.
⇒ You too can help send humanitarian aid by truck by donating to SAFE at:
https://www.helloasso.com/associations/association-safe/collectes/urgence-ukraine
