France wildfires: Ukraine sends 70 rescuers

Ukraine said Friday it had sent 70 rescuers and 15 specialised vehicles to France to help fight forest fires that have sent hundreds of thousands of people fleeing.

“This morning, Ukrainian rescuers set off for France to help combat forest fires,” Ukrainian Interior Minister Ivan Vygivsky said on social media.

Vygivsky said the team's experience dealing with the consequences of Russian drone and missile strikes meant it was equipped to work in extremely challenging conditions.

The prefect of Gironde, described as the French region worst hit by the fires, said Thursday had offered some hope in the fight against a massive wildfire west of Bordeaux.