Volodymyr Zelensky Offers To Send Aid To Fight California Fires?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he’s prepared to send 150 firefighters to help fight the destructive California fires.

“Today, I instructed Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs and our diplomats to prepare for the possible participation of our rescuers in combating the wildfires in California. The situation there is extremely difficult, and Ukrainians can help Americans save lives,” Zelensky said.

“This is currently being coordinated, and we have offered our assistance to the American side through the relevant channels. 150 of our firefighters are already prepared,” he added.

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Today, I instructed Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs and our diplomats to prepare for the possible participation of our rescuers in combating the wildfires in California.

The situation there is extremely difficult, and Ukrainians can help Americans save lives.

This is… pic.twitter.com/1yiIiOz8bi

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 12, 2025

Zelensky’s announcement follows Ukraine receiving tens of billions of dollars from the United States.

Per France 24:

The United States under President Joe Biden has been Kyiv’s biggest wartime backer, providing military aid worth more than $65 billion since Moscow’s invasion in February 2022.

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Incoming president-elect Donald Trump has promised to resolve the conflict in “24 hours” once in office, raising fears in Ukraine that it will be forced to make major concessions in exchange for peace.

Ukrainian President Zelensky offers to send 150 Ukrainian firefighters to California.

Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/cc49DfcTCp

— AF Post (@AFpost) January 12, 2025

“Ukraine’s offer of support to California during these devastating wildfires is nothing short of extraordinary. President Zelenskyy’s leadership and the preparation of 150 Ukrainian firefighters are a testament to the power of global partnerships,” The California National Guard wrote.

“@TheCalGuard is proud of our 30+ years of working with Ukraine through the State Partnership Program. Together, we stand stronger,” it added.

Ukraine’s offer of support to California during these devastating wildfires is nothing short of extraordinary. President Zelenskyy’s leadership and the preparation of 150 Ukrainian firefighters are a testament to the power of global partnerships. @TheCalGuard is proud of our 30+… https://t.co/hRZ1VOsWiu

— The California National Guard (@TheCalGuard) January 13, 2025

Zelensky’s offer also follows Donald Trump Jr.’s criticism of the Los Angeles Fire Department for previously sending equipment to Ukraine.

“Oh look of course The LA fire department donated a bunch of their supplies to Ukraine,” Trump Jr. said.

Oh look of course The LA fire department donated a bunch of their supplies to Ukraine https://t.co/1XVA15f6oI

— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 8, 2025

“If deployed, Ukrainian firefighters would join those sent by Canada and Mexico, who have already converged on the Los Angeles area to help fire departments from around the state,” The Guardian noted.

Firefighters from Mexico just arrived at LAX. They’ll be joining 14,000+ personnel already battling the #PalisadesFire.

California is immensely grateful to our neighbors’ support in the fight against the wildfires in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/qchedlXYK1

— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 11, 2025

From The Guardian:

Firefighters managed to make progress on several smaller fires in southern California over the weekend, but two big blazes, the Palisades fire and the Eaton fire, are yet to be contained after burning for six days straight.

The wildfires have reduced entire Los Angeles neighbourhoods to ash, killing at least 16 people, and forcing more than 150,000 to evacuate. The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, said the fires could be the most devastating natural disaster in US history.

Strengthening winds threaten to expand the swath of destruction through Los Angeles in the coming days.

On Saturday morning, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on X: “The humanitarian aid group is leaving for Los Angeles, California,” alongside photos of firefighters holding the flags of Mexico and California and standing on the runway in front of two planes. “We are a country of generosity and solidarity,” she added.

Newsom thanked Mexico in a message on X posted on Friday after the deployment was announced. “California is deeply grateful for President Sheinbaum’s support as we work to suppress the Los Angeles wildfires,” he wrote.

Crews from California and nine other states are part of the ongoing response that includes nearly 1,400 fire engines, 84 aircraft and more than 14,000 personnel, including those from Mexico.

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This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.

View the original article here.