A convoy of nine vehicles carrying medical equipment, digital devices, and bulletproof vests will depart from Mechelen on Thursday night to head for Lviv, a Ukrainian city twinned with the archiepiscopal town.
This initiative results from the collaboration between the local administration, police, fire services, and various businesses and organisations.
"We are not just bringing equipment but also a message of solidarity," said Mayor Bart Somers. "In Mechelen, we have always believed in international solidarity. This initiative comes from the wider Malinois community, from people, local businesses, and organisations."
Seventeen citizens will accompany the convoy, including councillors Greet Geypen, Arthur Orlians, and Abdrahman Labsir.
The mayor plans to travel to Ukraine on 24 June. There, he will inaugurate the UNBROKEN rehabilitation centre alongside the mayor of Bucha. This facility will be able to accommodate over 1,000 soldiers injured on the frontline each year.
Since the beginning of the conflict, Lviv has been a hub for humanitarian aid.
