A flight with 32 tons of medical supplies to Poland for redistribution to Ukrainian hospitals will take place on March 28.

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the American West Coast Ukrainian diaspora and their friends are pooling together resources to launch medical air freight flights out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA) to Poland for ground distribution to Ukrainian points of need. The first flight of 32 tons of medical supplies to Poland for redistribution to Ukrainian hospitals on March 28, 2022, is the first aid flight of a promised many.

Below is a list of goods going to Ukraine courtesy of a statement by the Port of Seattle:

In its latest report, the World Health Organization (WHO) lays out the clear public health dangers to Ukraine, such as at least 2,685 civilian casualties, including 1,035 deaths between February 24 and March 23. More than 300 healthcare facilities are in areas experiencing active hostilities. The WHO states,

"Leaving the health system vulnerable to infrastructural damages and severe disruptions of critical services. WHO has verified 64 attacks on health care since 24 February, resulting in 37 injuries and 15 deaths. Further attacks are being verified."

The WHO also issued a statement stating such supplies can save hundreds of lives. With explosive weapons going off, traditional supply lines cut, and millions seeking refuge from Putin's War on Ukraine, the need for medical air freight relief from the rest of the world to provide medical care in Ukraine is genuine.

Igor Markov, Ph.D. director of Nova Ukraine, explained why air freight was so necessary at a Port of Seattle media event:

"Typical container shipping to Ukraine by sea took two months before the war. Currently, the urgent need for medical supplies requires the use of cargo planes. We are able to get supplies to hospitals in two weeks or less."

Other aviation efforts to send humanitarian aid to Ukrainians are ongoing. For instance, European airlines easyJet and WizzAir are conducting relief efforts while Iberia sends tons of aid to Ukrainians. Furthermore, multiple US airlines are matching donations by passengers to give to aid organizations. Air Canada loaded and flew to Poland a 787 Dreamliner full of Canadian aid for Ukraine. Finally, Boeing has given at least $2 million in aid.

On the other end of the aviation spectrum, small drones are being loaded up with medical supplies to circumvent Russian blockades of Ukrainian cities. Ward Carroll interviewed Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly, on YouTube below about those efforts:

Perhaps some of these aid supplies flown by big airliners will have to hitch a ride on relatively small Draganfly drones to get to aid workers.

Are you inspired to donate to Ukraine by these efforts? Have you donated to Ukrainian aid efforts? Please share in the comments below: