2023-05-27 16:00:30
Help with demining underpins Austria’s unconditional solidarity with Ukraine
Vienna (OTS) – The Russian war of aggression once morest Ukraine, which has been going on for more than 15 months and violates international law, has caused an acute humanitarian emergency nationwide. The situation has worsened dramatically due to the systematic destruction of vital infrastructure by Russian attacks. Large parts of the country are life-threateningly contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war. In order to alleviate the acute humanitarian emergency in Ukraine, the Austrian federal government is providing 2 million euros from the Foreign Ministry’s Foreign Disaster Fund (AKF). This is used to finance demining equipment for Ukraine.
“The fact remains: no Austrian soldier will set foot on Ukrainian soil to clear mines as long as it is a war zone. We help with financial support for demining and are providing €2 million to support the ITF in demining.”
leads Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
Since the beginning of the Russian aggression, the civilian population in Ukraine has been suffering from landmines and explosive remnants of war, which are banned worldwide. These life-threatening obstacles prevent people across the country from accessing essential infrastructure. At the same time, they make it more difficult to use agricultural land. Around 10.6 million people in Ukraine are dependent on demining assistance. With more than 250,000 km² of Ukrainian national territory, the area in Ukraine contaminated by landmines is around three times the size of Austria.
“Since the beginning of Russia’s brutal war of aggression, which violates international law, Austria has been on the side of the attacked within the framework of military neutrality. Being neutral doesn’t mean that we sit back and look the other way. Austria has already taken its responsibility towards the Ukrainian population seriously. The Republic of Austria is now supporting Ukraine in a further step with two million euros for demining. We are thus making a contribution to protection once morest life-threatening mine explosions and helping Ukrainian children to be able to attend kindergartens and schools once more. And we are strengthening food safety by allowing farmers to plant their fields once more,” explains Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler.
The 2 million euros will go to the International Trust Fund (ITF), which was founded as an aid organization for demining. The ITF is internationally renowned and active worldwide in demining and clearing explosive remnants of war. In coordination with the Ukrainian civil protection agency, the so-called State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the ITF is to make mine detectors available for humanitarian demining in Ukraine.
“Russia’s brutal war of aggression in Ukraine has been raging for over 15 months. Since Day 1, the Austrian government has stood firmly on the side of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, who are victims of Russian aggression on a daily basis. We will continue this commitment – for as long as necessary. This also applies to civilian demining: With our renewed help, we are making an important contribution in the fight once morest these hidden death traps, which are banned worldwide,”
emphasizes Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.
In addition to the 2 million euros for the International Trust Fund, Austria has been supporting the “Support Program for Ukraine” within the framework of the OSCE in the area of humanitarian demining since last year.
Questions & contact:
BMEIA
press department
+43(0)501150-3320, F:+43(0)501159-213
abti3@bmeia.gv.at
1685205917
#Austria #finances #demining #equipment #Ukraine #worth #million #euros
