The rail industry has joined together to send more than one million items to help the people of Ukraine.
UK Rail for Ukraine is a cross-industry initiative set up in early February.
The first train has left the UK on a special DB Cargo service, which is bound for Ukraine.
The service is carrying more than 1,500 tonnes of aid, food, hygiene and medical products.
Items have been donated by a wide range of businesses and organisations.
24 shipping containers are on the 500-metre train, with the aid being labelled in three languages to assist when it arrives in the Ukraine.
Whilst no further UK Rail for Ukraine services are scheduled currently, those wanting to donate large quantities of physical items are being asked to email Tony Gillan on Tony.Gillan@deutschebahn.com
Ambassador Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraine's Ambassador to the United Kingdom said “I am expressing my gratitude to the UK Railway industry and everyone who contributed to the UK Rail for Ukraine initiative. We greatly appreciate your support during such challenging times.
“Despite the complexity of the logistic routes, the industry managed to organize a delivery directly to the places of greatest need in Ukraine.”
“In addition to the humanitarian aid gathered by volunteers from different businesses and organizations, UK Railway facilitated the delivery of 21 powerful industrial generators purchased by the Ukrainian Embassy which are imperative for Ukraine's energy sector.”
Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Transport of the United Kingdom said “The UK Rail for Ukraine initiative is playing a great role in delivering humanitarian aid from across the country.
“Our exceptional railway network has come together and is working hard to deliver vital supplies to support the inspirational Ukrainian people.”
“The UK continues to stand with all those fleeing Putin's barbaric invasion.”
Sir Peter Hendy CBE, chair of Network Rail, said “We have all seen the vital role the railway has played in Ukraine, delivering people to safety, and vital supplies to the front line. Britain's railway is now playing its small part in supporting the inspirational people of Ukraine.”
Andrea Rossi, Chief Executive Officer of DB Cargo UK said “Across Europe, DB Cargo is already leading the way in delivering humanitarian aid by rail to the Ukraine, having recently developed the first rail bridge to the war-torn region.”
“Here in the UK, we are pleased to be able to support the ongoing aid effort to deliver essential supplies to ease the suffering of the Ukrainian people impacted and displaced by the atrocities that are unfolding.”
David Horne, Managing Director at London North Eastern Railway (LNER) on behalf of train operators said “We are proud to be working alongside the wider railway family in providing support to the people of Ukraine, including our railway colleagues.”
Trent Smyth AM, Executive Director at The Chief of Staff Association said “The initiative shown by the railway industry is truly impressive. We are proud we could play our part in bringing the right people together to help make this possible.”
Chris Docker, Managing Director of Symposium Consulting, said “What the UK rail industry has achieved will start to make a real difference to those in Ukraine, but this could not have been achieved this without remarkable local support. Those individuals have our thanks and my personal commitment to build on this initial momentum.”
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