Latvia sends Ukraine 187 vehicles seized from drunk drivers

Latvia has handed Ukraine 187 vehicles seized from drunk drivers this year, LSM reports. The government is due to decide next week whether to transfer a further 21 vehicles.

Several charitable organisations deliver the confiscated vehicles to Ukrainian soldiers and medics, including the charity association Tavi draugi. Quad bikes are particularly sought after at the front, while minibuses provide essential support for medics evacuating the wounded.

Tavi draugi carries out minor repairs because the vehicles are often damaged while their drivers are fleeing police. Only vehicles that are still drivable are sent to the front or to doctors.

“We receive offers every two weeks and assess which vehicles are suitable. We repair and send them. We do not decide who drinks, but we focus heavily on jeeps, vans and station wagons. We fix minor faults,” said Kaspars Bērziņš, a representative of Tavi draugi.

“Our slogan is: ‘Drink and support Ukraine.’ If someone has no sense and drinks, they should donate,” Bērziņš said.

He also described the ironic case of an almost new SUV confiscated from a Russian citizen and delivered to Ukraine.

“There was a reckless resident of St Petersburg. We received a three-year-old jeep and delivered it to the Ukrainians. It is doubly satisfying to return it to them,” Bērziņš said.

Jeeps and other off-road vehicles are sent to the front, minibuses to hospitals and station wagons to firefighters. “Vehicles are needed all the time. They are a short-term resource, not even really a donation. A vehicle may work for one day,” Bērziņš said.

According to information held by the State Agency of Provision, the Cabinet of Ministers has ordered the transfer of 187 vehicles to Ukraine this year. If the government approves the additional 21 vehicles next week, the total will rise to 208.