70 rescuers, 15 pieces of equipment, two weeks in France: Ukraine’s rescuers just came home from their first-ever EU civil-protection mission

Ukraine dispatched 70 rescuers and 15 pieces of specialized equipment to France for their inaugural civil-protection mission under the EU's framework, combating devastating wildfires that engulfed the country. Interior Minister Ivan Vyhivskyi announced their departure from France, where they had spent nearly two weeks assisting in the containment efforts alongside teams from several nations.

The Ukrainian rescuers, alongside their French, Slovak, and other international counterparts, tackled dozens of emergency calls, surveyed extensive land areas, and diligently extinguished smoldering embers beneath the surface. Their actions, which involved a unique blend of wartime tactics and firefighting techniques, underscored the camaraderie among the rescuers, who, despite speaking different languages, shared a common mission and profession.

The deployment marked a significant shift in Ukraine's role, transitioning from receiving aid from Europe to actively contributing during crises. Vyhivskyi highlighted the team's experience, noting that during the ongoing war, Ukrainian rescuers responded to numerous emergencies following Russian attacks, often in challenging circumstances. Yet, they remained steadfast in their readiness to support their allies.

Upon their return home, the Ukrainian rescuers were greeted by local residents in France, who displayed their appreciation by hanging a banner that read “one thousand thanks” to honor the firefighters' service. This gesture served as a poignant acknowledgment of the mutual respect and gratitude between the nations.