If deployed, Ukraine would join Canada and Mexico firefighters in battling the blazes in the Golden States.
Ukraine has offered to send firefighters to help battle the raging wildfires in California.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pledged his support in a
video statement Sunday, saying 150 firefighters are prepared to deploy to the United States.
“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,” he said. “The situation there is extremely difficult, and Ukrainians can help Americans save lives. This is currently being coordinated, and we have offered our assistance to the American side through the relevant channels.”
The California National Guard responded to Ukraine’s offer and welcomed the assistance. California Gov. Gavin Newsom over the weekend
doubled the number of California National Guard (Cal Guard) members fighting on the front lines.
“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 Cal Guard wrote in a
post on X. “[The California National Guard] is proud of our 30+ years of working with Ukraine through the State Partnership Program. Together, we stand stronger.”
If deployed, Ukraine would join Canada and
Mexico firefighters in battling the blazes in the Golden States.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday
announced that 60 firefighters would be deployed to the state.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum
sent as many as 90 firefighters on Saturday.
“The humanitarian aid group is leaving for Los Angeles, California,” Sheinbaum wrote in a
post on X over the weekend, along with images of firefighters holding the flags of Mexico and California. “We are a generous and supportive country.”
Reinforcement from other states includes firefighters from Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Arizona, Washington, and New Mexico.
The additional support comes as fire crews attempt to contain the blazes ahead of another round of high winds this week.
Last week, Newsom declared a state of emergency amid the raging wildfires. He also demanded an independent investigation of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power the city’s water supply issues.
President Joe Biden pledged federal support for California for 180 days.
“I’m leaving this office very shortly, but it’s not about the politics. It’s about giving people some sense of security that we’re going to be able to get this under control, but it’s going to take time,” Biden said during a
briefing with officials.
Elon Musk also said that SpaceX is offering free
Starlink service to people in impacted areas to ensure communication and internet access.
Officials have confirmed the death toll in the Los Angeles wildfires has risen to 24 people, while dozens of others remain missing.
The United States recently pledged an additional
$500 million in military aid to Ukraine to help in its ongoing war with Russia.
