The main German railway operator Deutsche Bahn, after the start of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, delivered humanitarian cargo to the war zone for free, but from January 1 of this year, the company stopped deliveries. According to RBC, this was reported by the German media, citing sources.
The promise of free transportation was made by the company’s cargo and logistics division, DB Cargo, stating that the transit of humanitarian cargo would be free until “further notice.” During this period, 1.3 thousand containers with food, water purification systems, generators, wheelchairs, hygiene products and other things were transported free of charge, which were transferred mainly by German companies. The transport company incurred costs of approximately 5 million euros. The German government also used the services of DB Cargo, sending humanitarian aid to Ukrainians 292 times as part of the German Food Bridge.
However, in December, DB Cargo sent a notice to the authorities that free transportation would soon be temporarily suspended. The company explained that they can bear the corresponding costs only up to a certain point. At the same time, sources report that the company has repeatedly appealed to the German Ministry of Transport with a request to finance transportation, but was refused. It has been argued that the transfer must be ordered by the German government in order to disburse the funds, a complex and time-consuming procedure that is not suitable for sending humanitarian aid to a war zone.
The Ministry of Transport told reporters that the German government is discussing the form and amount of support for the company to resume free transportation of humanitarian cargo to Ukraine. It is also reported that the German Ministry of Agriculture plans “soon” to provide transportation of food for Ukrainians.
Source: Rosbalt
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