Cologne's Blue-Yellow Cross: Ambassador announces new aid for Ukraine!

Cologne's Blue-Yellow Cross: Ambassador announces new aid for Ukraine!

A bombed-out ambulance standing in a Blue-Yellow Cross donation warehouse in Cologne-Raderthal symbolizes the devastating effects of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, recently visited the camp and praised the tireless work of the volunteers, many of whom have fled Ukraine themselves. On Friday morning, a convoy consisting of three trucks and two low-loaders set off for Ukraine loaded with urgently needed relief supplies. Around 70 volunteers packed for Ukraine, on a public holiday, which underlines the determination and commitment of the citizens of Cologne.

Cologne and Dnipro, the twin city, have had an official sister city relationship since August 2024, which should remain in place even in times of war. “It is important that our support continues beyond this difficult time,” emphasized Cologne Mayor Andreas Wolter in his report on active assistance. He made it clear that two-thirds of the bus fleet in Dnipro was destroyed by the Russian attacks. In total, the Blue-Yellow Cross has so far delivered two fire engines, 30 rescue vehicles and five KVB buses to Dnipro.

Comprehensive help for those injured in war

Blue-Yellow Cross support goes beyond food and clothing. Since autumn 2022, around 11,000 power generators as well as medical supplies such as hospital beds, baby boxes, drinking water containers and school bags have been procured and delivered. The war-caused need for medical care and prosthetics for those injured in war is a priority. Linda Mai, the association's chairwoman, pointed out the importance of long-term relationships, which are essential for post-war reconstruction.

In addition, a cooperation between the municipal clinics in Cologne and the Mechnikov Hospital in Dnipro is being supported, which is supported by the Society for International Cooperation with 400,000 euros over two years. This initiative is intended to sustainably improve medical care for the affected population.

Commitment across city boundaries

The relief measures are also reflected in the cooperation with the shipping company Emons GmbH and the Cologne waste management company, which became active in support at the beginning of May. As part of the first aid delivery, medical resources such as mobile X-ray and ultrasound machines and defibrillators were sent to Dnipro. Mayor Borys Filatov's digitally transmitted message of thanks to Cologne's mayor, Henriette Reker, also underlines the appreciation for the support from Germany.

Measures to support Ukrainian refugees and those affected by war are constantly increasing. The number of town twinnings between Germany and Ukraine has increased from 70 to 250, 44 of them in North Rhine-Westphalia. This shows that solidarity and support for Ukraine is not waning, but remains high.

As the Federal Minister of Health, Prof. Karl Lauterbach, emphasized, Germany has a “special moral obligation” towards refugees and injured people. The Ukrainian guests and friends should receive the same medical care as those with statutory health insurance. This commitment is a further step towards inclusive and humanitarian support for Ukraine.