The UAE, through its Aid Agency, has signed a cooperation agreement with the Olena Zelenska Foundation to support foster families and orphanages in Ukraine. Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, emphasized the UAE's commitment to helping vulnerable communities globally and its solidarity with the people of Ukraine, especially women and children in need of special care.
The initiative, which involves a contribution of US$4.5 million, is the second phase of the project. In the first phase, the UAE constructed fully equipped residences for Ukrainian foster families to provide a secure environment for children who have lost their parents. Over 1.2 million people, including one million women and children, have benefited from these efforts.
Al Hashimy highlighted the UAE's ongoing diplomatic initiatives and successful mediations between Russia and Ukraine. The UAE has facilitated 12 mediations, resulting in the exchange of 2,883 captives between the two countries. The country remains dedicated to pursuing a peaceful resolution to the conflict, advocating for diplomacy, dialogue, and de-escalation.
Al Hashimy, alongside Sultan Mohamed Al Shamsi, Vice Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, signed the cooperation agreement with the Olena Zelenska Foundation. The agreement aims to provide additional support for foster families and orphanages in Ukraine, reflecting the UAE's steadfast commitment to international humanitarian efforts.
Since the onset of the crisis, the UAE has sent relief aircraft carrying over 1,015 tonnes of medical, food, and relief supplies to Ukraine. The aid packages included 50 ambulances, more than 4,500 electric generators, 7,500 laptops for educational support, and 10,000 school bags. Additionally, the UAE dispatched two relief ships to Romania to further assist those affected by the conflict.
