War in Ukraine: what Belgium is doing to help
(@BelgaImage)
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, its people and its military need support more than ever. And despite the smallness of our country, Belgium helps Ukrainians, on the spot but also those fleeing the country, in different ways.
In recent days, the federal government had already delivered the armament, protective equipment and tons of gasoline. 300 soldiers were also deployed in Romania as part of the NATO Response Force. But the support continues.
It was nice to learn that in addition to yesterday’s agreements, Belgium is sending us another 3,000 machine guns and 200 anti-tank grenade launchers. Thank you @alexanderdecroo for your leadership.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 27, 2022
I spoke with the Romanian President @KlausIohannis about our joint EU and NATO response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Belgium will claim 300 soldiers in Romania as part of the NATO Response Force in order to protect NATO’s eastern flank.
— Alexandre De Croo 🇧🇪🇪🇺 (@alexanderdecroo) February 28, 2022
Since a country’s accession to the European Union is a long and demanding process, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo explained that Belgium could help Ukraine in other ways. ” We shall then cooperate with theUkraine according to objectives. We must grasp this outstretched handUkraine, but if we want to do it quickly, we have to find another form of partnership. »
Health aid
This Tuesday, medical resources were sent by the FPS Health for an amount of 3.4 million euros: medicines, equipment, syringes, gloves… All this within the framework of the European Civil Protection Mechanism. The delivery will be coordinated by the European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Center (ERCC).
Still in the field of health, 150 hospital beds have been made available to the European Commission: 30 in intensive care, including 15 for burn victims and 120 others in hospitalization. They are obviously intended for war victims “but can also accommodate patients whose treatment has been interrupted by the war”, specifies the ministry.
The free train
For Ukrainian refugees traveling in our country, SNCB trains are now free. They can apply for a ticket to use our railways free of charge simply by presenting a passport or identity card.
All the countries around us, but also Poland and Austria have taken the same measure, making it easier for Ukrainians to travel to Western Europe.
An emergency number for drivers
Many Ukrainian truck drivers present in Belgium no longer have contact with their base because of the war. They might run out of money or food.
For this reason, the Transport and Logistics Social Fund (FSTL) has set up an emergency number (+32 2 / 421.10.55) where drivers in need of money, a meal or even a roof can ask for help. ” It is not always easy to contact them. We ask Belgian drivers and other drivers to remain vigilant “, specifies the FSTL.
Note that this special line is also open to Russian or Belarusian drivers, who find themselves in the same situation. ” We really don’t want drivers to have to spend weeks trying to survive in their cabin, without food or drink and/or the ability to wash up. »