The Belgian Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten wants to speed up the process of sending energy generators to Ukraine after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in the occupied region of Kherson.
Van der Straeten told VRT's Radio 1 that she wants B-FAST to purchase generators using part of the €92 million aid package for Ukraine, which was announced by the Belgian Government in early May.
She explained that they are "essential in keeping hospitals running, but also to supply electricity to Ukrainian families and schools" in the region of Kherson, which is now flooded and without electricity since Russian troops destroyed the Kakhovka dam.
If Van der Straeten's colleagues approve the proposal in government on Friday, these will be the latest generators sent by Belgium to Ukraine, with 135 having been delivered last year to help Ukrainian families through the winter.
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However, one caveat concerning the Minister's proposal may be the role B-FAST will play in delivering the generators, as the emergency response team are unable to enter conflict zones.
On Thursday, the Development Cooperation Minister Caroline Gennez proposed that a B-FAST team be sent to Kherson, an idea that was described as "impossible" by a spokesperson for the emergency unit.
