Street scene in Kosacha Lopan after liberation from Russian invaders in September
Image: picture alliance/dpa/Ukrinform
Two fire brigade rescue vehicles, power generators, building heaters and frost-proof drinking water tanks: after a fundraising campaign, the writers’ association PEN Berlin was able to bring relief supplies to Kharkiv.
Dhe writers’ association PEN Berlin handed over two fire brigade rescue vehicles complete with several power generators and other equipment in Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine on Saturday. The writer and peace prize winner Serhij Zhadan received the urgently needed relief supplies, the writers’ association said in Berlin. PEN Berlin spokesman Deniz Yücel and co-initiator and publicist Liane Bednarz were there.
“It was important to me that this action made a difference beyond morale and the gesture of solidarity – technically,” explained writer Ralf Bönt, one of the initiators of the aid transport. Yücel emphasized: “Because the Russian aggressors are attacking infrastructure, we are trying to deliver mobile infrastructure as far as we can.” Bednarz called for support for the “impressive freedom fight” of the Ukrainians.
The relief effort was financed by private donors and corporate donations. Around 167,000 euros had been received for this by the beginning of January. The promotion will now be extended until February 23. Then a second transport to the Ukraine should start.
In addition to fire brigade vehicles and generators, building heaters and frost-proof drinking water tanks were also handed over. In the Kharkiv region, the infrastructure has been largely destroyed by Russian attacks. The first location will be Kosatscha Lopan.
