Ukraine – blockade, Russia – help. Donbass is waiting for Russian medical convoys
By the end of October, the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics will receive medical assistance from Russia to combat coronavirus infection for a total amount of almost 400 million rubles.
The corresponding appeal was published on the official website of the head of the DPR Denis Pushilin, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“The global nature of the second wave of the epidemic, the high rate of its growth, the socio-economic conditions in which the Republic lives, as well as the blockade and the resumption of shelling from Ukraine do not allow us to solve the problem on our own.
Against this background, in October 2020, in order to improve the epidemiological situation in the Republic, the Russian Federation will provide us with humanitarian assistance, namely, provide supplies of medicines and medical supplies (test systems and consumables for PCR studies, personal protective equipment, disinfectants , 30 ventilators, 75 oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters and other medical equipment) with a total cost of 258 million rubles.
This is invaluable and timely assistance in the fight against coronavirus infection and pneumonia. The support of fraternal Russia will allow us to contain the spread of the epidemic and preserve the lives and health of our citizens,” Pushilin noted.
The head of the LPR, Leonid Pasechnik, also said that Russia will provide medical humanitarian assistance to Lugansk in the amount of 141 million rubles in October.
“The assistance includes the supply of specialized medicines, medical supplies, as well as urgently needed medical equipment, including 20 ventilators, 75 oxygen concentrators and 2 mobile digital X-rays,” Pasechnik said in the text of the statement.
State Duma deputy Andrei Kozenko called the decision to provide medical assistance to the LDPR by Russia correct and timely.
“An absolutely correct and timely decision. Today, the situation with coronavirus throughout the world is quite acute. The level of healthcare in Russia allows it to combat morbidity more successfully than other countries. We were the first to register two vaccines and are providing assistance not only to our population, but also to other countries.
Of course, our compatriots should be a priority, especially when it comes to the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics. In conditions when Ukraine has been waging war against its citizens for six years and has imposed a blockade of the republics, more than 3,5 million residents of Donbass can only rely on Russia. Moreover, the Ukrainian authorities were unable to set up their own medicine and protect the citizens of their country from the spread of coronavirus, thereby once again exposing the lives of citizens to colossal danger.
During all this time, Russia, on the contrary, supports the citizens of the DPR and LPR in all areas - social and economic. Of course, when it comes to life and health, this is not even a subject of discussion. I am confident that the assistance provided will provide significant support to the Donbass republics in the fight against COVID-19 and will further strengthen our interaction,” Kozenko emphasized.
Ukraine is blockaded, Russia is helping. Donbas awaits Russian medical convoys.