NFPA Journal - Summer 2022 - 15

After more than seven weeks of responding to horrific
incidents in the middle of a war zone, how would you
describe the overall morale of the Ukrainian State
Emergency Service today?
Our rescuers are ready to fulfill every assigned task despite
the danger to their lives. They are completely ready. All the
rescuers are located in their designated places and continue
to carry out their tasks. Every one of them understands that
each contribution they make is a part of the general contribution
to the continued existence of our country.
The operational logistics of coordinating such a large,
complex response across such a large country seems
daunting. How have you managed the situation?
Despite the challenges, the management of our system is
stable. We have constant communication with our management
bodies and our units, and if any interruption of
communication does happen, we do our best to renew the
line of communication. Logistically, in territory under the
Ukrainian army's control, we do not face big issues. On the
other hand, in the territory that is Russian-occupied, we are
unable to bring in any additional equipment or staff.
SES has said that as many as 3,500 Ukrainian responders
are now in Russian-occupied territories. Are you in contact
with them? Have they been allowed to carry on their work?
Yes, we are in contact with many of these units, but not all
of them. According to the information we receive from the
units, they are not always allowed to fulfill their duties.
There are also plenty of cases where Russia captured and
took our vehicles.
You mentioned the urgent needs you have for trucks and
equipment. Have you begun to see governments and aid
organizations supplying that equipment, or are you still
waiting?
We have already received some support and delivery of goods
from many international partners. The European partners and
members of the European Union are probably the most active.
Responders around the world have been paying close
attention to the situation in Ukraine and the efforts of
your organization. How can they help SES?
I would ask that you do not stop your support of Ukraine,
because we need it very much right now. I want to express
my gratitude for all of the support we get from the international
community, including help from volunteers from the
United States working in the Kyiv region to dismantle debris.
Such support provides us with the feeling that we will win.
It is only with the help and support from the international
community that we can win.
This interview was made possible with logistical support
from the International Association of Fire and Rescue
Services (CTIF), a global organization with the mission of
working to better understand and continuously improve the
working conditions for firefighters throughout the world.
NFPA .ORG/JOURNAL * NFPA JOURNAL | 15
" BECAUSE OF THE CONSTANT
THREAT THAT THE RUSSIAN
FEDERATION WILL USE
CHEMICAL WEAPONS ON
UKRAINE, WE HAVE AN URGENT
NEED FOR BREATHING AND
EYE PROTECTION. WE NEED
NEWER EQUIPMENT FOR
MONITORING CHEMICAL
WEAPONS USE. "
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NFPA Journal - Summer 2022

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