Wales is donating a specialised airport fire truck to Kharkiv Airport in Ukraine in response to an appeal for international assistance.
Kharkiv Airport was forced to pause operations in February 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Two months later the airport was the victim of a Russian missile attack that rendered one of its fire trucks damaged beyond repair.
As the city rebuilds and recovers from the destruction caused by the conflict, Kharkiv Airport has asked its international allies for assistance in replacing its damaged fire truck.
A capital asset renewal programme found that St Athan Airfield in southern Wales contains a surplus of fire trucks. Following discussions with the supplier of these specialist airfield vehicles, it was agreed that the surplus vehicle at St Athan meets the needs of Kharkiv Airport. Economy Minister Vaughan Gething has authorised the donation on behalf of the Welsh Government.
Announcing the donation at St Athan Airfield, Gething said: “I’m proud that Wales is able to play its part and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and of the welcome so many have offered to those fleeing war.
Our friends at Kharkiv Airport have asked for help and I am pleased that we are able to assist with this donation. This replacement fire truck will enable the airport to continue to serve the community and assist in the reconstruction and recovery of the city of Kharkiv.”
The UK Ministry of Defence will help with the transportation of the fire truck.
Image: Welsh Government
