UAE sends 30 tonnes of emergency medical and relief aid to Ukraine

This is the fifth plane that the Emirates has sent to help civilians affected by the conflict

The UAE also sent two planes carrying relief aid to Ukraine on March 17, on the orders of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Photo: Wam

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The UAE on Sunday sent a plane carrying 30 tonnes of emergency medical supplies for Ukrainian civilians in need.

This is the fifth plane that the Emirates has sent to help people affected by the conflict in Ukraine, said state news agency Wam.

The latest aid comes in addition to two aircraft that were sent by the UAE on March 17 after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, ordered the emergency relief flights to support 85,000 people fleeing the conflict.

The planes carrying essential aid departed from airports in Dubai and Sharjah.

This consignment, which was transported as part of the collective efforts of the UN and charitable organisations, will help about 50,000 people.

On March 7, the UAE sent another plane with 30 tonnes of aid to Ukraine. A few days before that, the Emirates announced that it would provide relief aid to affected civilians worth $5 million, in response to an urgent appeal by the UN.

More than 4.1 million refugees have fled Ukraine to date.

According to the UN refugee agency, more than half of those escaping the violence have gone to Poland, where 2,384,814 refugees are registered.

Hungary has admitted 374,535 to date, and Slovakia has offered sanctuary to 292,039. Figures show 350,632 people have left Ukraine for Russia and 11,821 for Belarus.

Romania has taken in 623,627 refugees, and Moldova 390,187.