Japan funds batch of 14 pickups for Ukrainian rescuers

The Japanese government has financed 14 specialized Toyota Hilux Double Cabin vehicles, armor protection, and radios for Ukrainian rescuers.

The special vehicles were sent to rescuers as part of the UN development program in partnership with the Japanese authorities.

What is the problem?

Ukrainian rescuers have been working in extreme conditions since the beginning of Russia's large-scale war

They keep performing the same missions, but the scope and complexity of the work have changed, especially regarding rubble removal and evacuation of civilians.

The volume of tasks for pyrotechnics has increased drastically. The total area of mined territories in Ukraine due to Russian hostilities is 174,000 square kilometers, which is twice the size of Austria.

The staff of pyrotechnic units has increased from 600 to 1000 people, with this number constantly increasing. Certain specifics have also been implemented, such as evacuating and providing medical assistance.

The war has increased the number of panic attitudes among citizens, which Ukrainian psychologists have learned to work with.

The rescuers also gained vast experience in the engineering field. They learned to handle engineering machines after the Russian explosions. They mastered work with explosive items they had never even found before.

What is the solution?

This equipment was provided as part of the UNDP project "Emergency Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Debris Removal" and is funded by the Government of Japan, the statement said.

How does it work?

The de-occupied territory of Ukraine is densely mined. Russian forces mined the majority of positions, so Ukrainian pyrotechnics have a lot of work ahead of them.

Armor protection, vehicles and equipment quickly fail and always need to be updated. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation on the territory of our country, Japan has repeatedly supported the pyrotechnic crews of the State Emergency Service, Ukraine's Interior Ministry added.

The practice of converting Toyota Hilux pickups for rescuers is quite popular in the world..

Previously, Ukrainian rescuers received eight similar vehicles and special protective equipment for demining areas within the framework of the project.

The Japanese government also finances the transfer of military vehicles to the Ukrainian army.

The state also intends to transfer about 100 trucks to Ukraine. Later, the media reported Japan was negotiating the supply of artillery shells to the United States to replenish supplies for the AFU's counteroffensive.