Ukraine inaugurates rehab building named after Taiwan in Lviv

Taipei, June 12 (CNA) A rehabilitation building in Lviv, Ukraine -- whose reconstruction was funded by Taiwan -- was officially inaugurated on Thursday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

In a statement released Friday, MOFA said that the building, named the Taiwan Friendship Building, was opened inside the UNBROKEN Ecosystem, a humanitarian hub established to treat victims of the Russia-Ukraine War.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) attended the inauguration ceremony virtually, which was hosted by Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyy, MOFA said.

During his speech, Sadovyy thanked Taiwan's government and its people for their continued support of Ukraine during the ongoing war, calling Taiwan's help a gesture proving that "A friend in need is a friend indeed."

Sadovyy said the Taiwan Friendship Building represents not only the anti-authoritarian bond between Taiwan and Ukraine, but also the determination of their people to strive for hope.

Serving as a rehabilitation facility, the building features 55 hospital beds and has the ability to treat 27,000 patients a year, according to the mayor, who said it is expected to provide more comprehensive rehabilitation and medical services for victims of the war.

Addressing the event virtually, Lin praised Ukraine's resilience in defending the values of free democracies.

Lin said that as both Taiwan and Ukraine face the threat of authoritarianism, Taiwan fully understands the situation faced by the people of Ukraine and their needs.

Medical assistance has been the focus of Taiwan's support for Ukraine, Lin added, pledging that Taipei will continue to work with other international partners to support Ukraine and help it rebuild.

According to MOFA, Taiwan began helping Lviv to expand the medical complex in 2024. Its financial backing went into turning a seven-story building into the rehab medical facility.

In recognition of that assistance, the Lviv City Council decided to name the rehabilitation center after Taiwan.

Founded in 2022, the humanitarian-focused UNBROKEN Ecosystem provides medical care to patients and assistance to victims displaced by the war.

Currently, the ecosystem features 20 projects focused on humanitarian and medical efforts and continues to grow.

In addition to facilities like the Taiwan Friendship Building, the hub also features other specialized centers, such as ones that counsel survivors of Russian torture and captivity and others aimed at assisting displaced individuals and families.