Zelensky Wants To Spend At Least US$600,000.00 In Taxpayer Funds For California Firefighting Shameful Public Relations Effort- Someone Must Say No To Him… And Quickly
Would not 150 firefighters serve more effectively by remaining in Ukraine protecting its citizens, taxpayers, from attacks on their homes, schools, railway stations, houses of worship, and businesses?
The government of Ukraine should not spend precious funds for a shamefully transparent public relations effort where the government of Ukraine would focus first upon promoting images on social media applications and conducting interviews, and reminding members of the United States Congress that despite many occasions where the government of Ukraine has not expressed appreciation for United States taxpayer funds delivered to Ukraine, this would be an example of gratitude.
With the government of Ukraine continuing to complain about the necessity for additional funding for military equipment, additional funding to repair the electrical grid, additional funding for railways, and additional funding for social services, an absurd focus by Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine (2019-2025; term extended due to martial law), to allocate Ukraine taxpayer funds and United States taxpayer funds for a political stunt.
Sending 150 firefighters from Ukraine to Los Angeles, California, would cost at least US$300,000.00 in roundtrip airfare; approximately US$200.00 per day for housing and meals and incidentals- that is US$30,000.00 per day. If the 150-member firefighting brigade spends only ten (10) days in California, the cost would be approximately US$600,000.00.
There are more prudent ways to spend taxpayer funds. Unfortunately, President Zelensky is always focused on the optics, the production, the presentation, the theatrics.
Kyiv Independent
Kyiv, Ukraine
13 January 2025
'Ukrainians can help Americans protect lives' — Zelensky says Kyiv ready to send firefighters to California
Ukraine is preparing to send rescuers, including 150 firefighters, to the U.S. state of California to help combat the wildfires that have devastated the region in recent days, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 12. Wildfires have ravaged the city of Los Angeles in the past week, killing at least 16 people, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents, and destroying or damaging over 10,000 structures.
"Today, I instructed Ukraine's Interior Minister and our diplomats to prepare for the possible participation of our rescuers in combating the wildfires in California," Zelensky said in his evening address on Jan 12. "The situation there is extremely challenging, and Ukrainians can help Americans protect lives. This matter is being worked out, and through appropriate channels, we have offered our assistance to the American side. We already have 150 firefighters prepared."
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and a team of diplomats are looking into the situation, the ministry said. Zelensky's offer of assistance comes three days after Donald Trump Jr., son of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, responded to the Los Angeles wildfires by blaming Ukraine on social media. "Oh look of course the LA fire department donated a bunch of their supplies to Ukraine," Trump. Jr. said in a post on X on Jan. 8.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department sent surplus materials to Ukraine back in 2022, following Russia's full-scale invasion. The aid included boots, hoses, body armor, and medication.
The donation did not likely impact the response to the current crisis, which has been exacerbated by strong winds, personnel issues, and water shortages.
Kyiv Post
Kyiv, Ukraine
13 January 2025
Zelensky offers Ukrainian firefighters to aid wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles
In a gesture of international solidarity, Zelensky has offered to send 150 Ukrainian firefighters to Los Angeles, California, where raging wildfires have left a trail of destruction and dozens dead. Over the past week, the fires have claimed at least 24 lives, destroyed entire communities, and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate. Local authorities warn that conditions may worsen due to strong winds expected in the coming days.
“The situation there is extremely difficult, and Ukrainians can help Americans save lives,” Zelensky said in a video post on Sunday. He noted that he had already instructed the Minister of Internal Affairs to coordinate efforts and prepare the firefighters for deployment. “Our rescuers are ready, and the aid is currently being coordinated with US officials,” he added. Zelensky’s offer comes as the United States remains Ukraine’s largest wartime ally, having provided more than $65 billion in military aid since the Russian full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
While US President Joe Biden has reaffirmed his support for Ukraine, incoming President-elect Donald Trump has suggested he could resolve the conflict in “24 hours” once in office. Trump’s comments have raised concerns in Kyiv about potential pressure to negotiate peace on unfavorable terms.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles County Fire Department chief Anthony Marrone expressed gratitude for international offers of assistance but emphasized that local efforts have so far managed to contain the worst of the blazes. “We have received significant reinforcements, including dozens of water trucks, but the coming days will be critical,” Marrone said. Strong winds, with speeds of up to 70 mph (113 kph), could spread the fires into previously unaffected areas, posing a renewed threat to densely populated neighborhoods.
Zelensky’s gesture reflects Ukraine’s broader strategy of maintaining and strengthening ties with key international partners. Despite being embroiled in a full-scale war, Kyiv has continued to extend diplomatic and humanitarian assistance around the world during times of high need despite the challenges facing Ukraine from the ongoing war.
