"The situation there is extremely challenging, and Ukrainians can help Americans protect lives," he said.Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning. More: Zelensky says Ukraine ready to trade captured North Koreans for Ukrainian prisoners It came after Donald Trump Jr.

Amid efforts to contain the fiery blazes sweeping through Los Angeles, some internet users called out the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) for donating surplus equipment to Ukraine, implying that the donations have hindered ongoing firefighting efforts.

Long before wildfires would singe the greater Los Angeles area, fire departments in Los Angeles County were sending equipment to Ukraine. The donations were called out Wednesday by Donald Trump Jr. and other social media users.

Yes, the Los Angeles County Fire Department donated surplus equipment to Ukraine in March 2022. On March 17, 2022, the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD) announced it was donating “surplus” equipment to help first responders in Ukraine.

Canada and Mexico have sent firefighting crews to help battle the blazes in the Los Angeles area, and Ukraine also has offered assistance. But social media posts misleadingly claim "$00,000,000" in "foreign aid" has been offered to the U.

Investigators are yet to complete their probe and reveal results, but the Palisades fire, the largest of three blazes still burning, may have been started by the reigniting of a New Year's Eve firework, according to evidence reviewed by The Washington Post.

Employee raises and other expenses are expanding the Los Angeles Fire Department's budget. At the same time, the agency has had to scale back operations in recent months.