A fully-equipped fire engine has been successfully delivered to Semenivka, a city in Ukraine’s Chernihiv region, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated Kent-based aid organisation, Kent With Ukraine (KWU). This donation comes as Ukraine continues to face the challenges brought by the ongoing conflict following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

The fire engine, painted in bright orange and red with “FIRE” clearly displayed on its front, is now actively serving Ukrainian firefighters on the ground. The initiative is spearheaded by Gravesend borough councillor Jordan Meade, founder of KWU, who has personally made several trips to Ukraine to deliver aid and support local communities affected by the war.

Councillor Meade expressed his gratitude towards the volunteers from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) who were instrumental in transporting the vehicle. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he highlighted that the donation is intended to make a tangible difference on the ground and provide immediate support to Ukrainian emergency services.

The fire engine was secured through FireAid, a UK-based organisation that provides essential equipment and relief during global disasters. Claire Hoyland, Head of Development and Partnerships at FireAid, praised the contribution of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for donating the fire engine along with the critical onboard equipment, ensuring it was fully operational upon arrival.

This humanitarian gesture aligns with global efforts to support Ukraine and comes amid high-profile peace talks between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida. While diplomatic negotiations continue, local initiatives like KWU’s fire engine donation provide immediate assistance to communities directly impacted by the conflict.

Looking ahead, KWU has announced plans for further emergency aid missions in the coming year, aiming to deliver more supplies and resources to cities in Ukraine that remain in urgent need of humanitarian support.