The Russian Federation was the first to extend a helping hand to the young Republic, did not leave our people in distress at the most difficult times, and created conditions that stabilized the socio-economic situation in cities, towns and districts. Since August 12, 2014, the Donetsk People’s Republic has been receiving regular humanitarian aid from the Russian Federation, DPR Minister for Civil Defense, Emergency Situations and Disaster Management Alexey Kostrubitsky claims.

“96 humanitarian convoys with a total weight of more than 45 thousand tons arrived in the Republic during the whole period, they included foodstuffs, baby foods, medications and medical goods, building materials, equipment, seeds, fertilizers, etc.

Humanitarian aid that comes to the Republic is distributed by the State Commission during meetings, which representatives of DPR ministries and agencies attend too,” the Minister noted.

In 2015, humanitarian products were distributed among social canteens, schools and pre-school institutions, as well as among vulnerable groups of our citizens. Since March 2016, humanitarian food packages with baby foods were distributed among families with children aged 0 to three. 1,396,782 children’s packages have been distributed over the entire period.

In addition, medications and medical equipment that Russia gave as humanitarian aid are also distributed by the State Commission during meetings and are transferred to DPR medical institutions.

The social and critical infrastructures of the Republic have been restored thanks to the humanitarian aid in the form of construction materials.

Since the proclamation of the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Russian Federation has provided invaluable help for the development of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Engineering, rescue and other equipment was delivered from Russia as humanitarian aid. In addition, Russia gave us 54 units of special equipment: fire tankers and ladders, articulating boom lifts, rescue equipment, vehicles for explosive ordnance disposal and special operation vehicles. We also received self contained power units (gasoline and diesel stations) and fire power pumps intended to provide for the vital needs of DPR facilities and populated localities.

“We use all the equipment to promptly fulfill tasks of protecting the population and territories of the Donetsk People’s Republic from natural and technological emergencies.

I shall note that the Russian Federation made a very significant contribution at all the stages of the formation of the Donetsk People’s Republic and gave the residents of Donbass invaluable help,” Kostrubitsky emphasized.