The Ukrainian Red Cross launches a project to support volunteer fire brigades through the involvement of war veterans
A working meeting was held yesterday in Khmelnytskyi between the Ukrainian Red Cross and representatives of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the Khmelnytskyi region, the Training and Methodological Centre of the State Emergency Service, the NGO Zakhyst, and 37 local communities.
The meeting focused on the development of volunteer fire brigades and the involvement of war veterans. In the current wartime context, communities are often the first line of defence. Volunteer fire brigades not only respond to fires but also assist victims in emergencies and support people in crisis situations.
The initiative places particular emphasis on involving war veterans. This provides them with an opportunity to apply their skills while supporting their social reintegration after military service. The project includes:
- provision of equipment and protective gear for volunteer fire brigades;
- training in fire safety and emergency response;
- development of retraining and social integration programmes for veterans;
- public awareness campaigns to attract new volunteers.
Currently, 156 communities across four regions of Ukraine have joined the initiative: Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, and Ternopil. In the Khmelnytskyi region alone, 45 volunteer fire brigades have already been established. This region is also the first to integrate war veterans into the work of these brigades. The necessary equipment for the brigades is expected to be delivered by the end of the year.
During the meeting, participants agreed to strengthen cooperation between authorities, civil society organisations, and local communities to build a more resilient and responsive community safety system.
The Ukrainian Red Cross, in partnership with others, continues to work towards ensuring communities are protected and that veterans have new opportunities to fulfil their potential in civilian life.
The meeting was held as part of a project implemented with the support of the British Red Cross and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
