Ukraine Receives a Donation of 21 Vehicles Worth Over EUR 100,000 from AS 'Augstsprieguma tīkls'

The Minister for Climate and Energy, Kaspars Melnis, and Ilze Znotiņa, Member of the Management Board of Latvia’s transmission system operator AS “Augstsprieguma tīkls” (AST), together with other volunteer drivers of the “Twitter Convoy”, have delivered AST-donated vehicles to Ukraine. Continuing its support for the restoration of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and the strengthening of the country’s independence, AST donated a total of 21 vehicles to Ukraine at the end of the year, with a total value exceeding EUR 100,000. As a result, the total number of vehicles donated by Latvian society and companies and delivered to Ukraine by the association “Agendum” (“Twitter Convoy”) has reached 3,402 units.

“Ukraine’s power system is one of the main targets of the aggressor, as it directly affects the daily lives of millions of people. If we are able to help mitigate the damage caused by the aggressor, we must do so, because innocent people continue to suffer every day from the consequences of this inhumane invasion. Ukrainians are heroically resisting overwhelming force, and we must continue to support them, as Ukraine is fighting for universal values that are also important to us,” said Minister for Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis.

“Since Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, AST has been providing support for the restoration of Ukraine’s energy system. Alongside equipment and materials, we also donate vehicles to assist in eliminating the consequences of destruction. Attacks by the aggressor continue, particularly against the energy system, therefore we will continue to support Ukraine and encourage everyone to provide assistance until Ukraine’s victory. We recognise the contribution of "Agendum", the Minister for Climate and Energy and his team, as well as AST colleagues, for donating their time to deliver the vehicles to Ukraine,” emphasized Rolands Irklis, Chairman of the Management Board of AST.

The association “Agendum” organizes the transportation of vehicles and the handover of donations to the direct recipients of assistance. “On roads in Ukraine heavily damaged by military operations, four-wheel-drive vehicles are particularly valuable, and demand for them remains extremely high. Therefore, AST’s donation is both highly significant and very timely. The emotions experienced by both the coordinators of the "Agendum" and Ukraine’s defenders upon confirmation of this generous donation are beyond words. To date, more than 3,400 vehicles have been delivered to Ukraine as part of 215 convoys. We extend our sincere gratitude to Latvian state institutions, generous residents of Latvia who donate vehicles as well as funds for vehicle repairs and fuel, and to our volunteer Twitter Convoy drivers who dedicate their time and personal effort to delivering vehicles to Ukraine. While the level of transport donations has declined over time, Ukraine’s needs have not diminished. Therefore, I encourage everyone to continue supporting Ukraine, which is fighting for the freedom of us all,” said Laura Pliča, Coordinator of the association “Agendum”.

Together with AST vehicles, volunteer drivers of the “Twitter Convoy” also delivered gifts prepared by employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of a Christmas charity campaign for children in the Chernihiv region staying in social and psychological rehabilitation centres in Nizhyn, Khmilnyk and Chernihiv. The gifts include products made by Latvian entrepreneurs and artisans: board games, toys, winter clothing, healthy snacks, sweets and more. The gifts have already been delivered to Lviv by the “Twitter Convoy” and will be further distributed to children with the support of the Embassy of Latvia in Ukraine.

AST’s vehicle donations this year include both four-wheel-drive passenger vehicles and groundworks machinery. At the beginning of 2024, AST donated 22 vehicles, including truck-mounted lifts, passenger cars, trailers, off-road quad bikes and other transport units. At the end of the year, the donation was supplemented with an additional seven vehicles.

In autumn 2023, AST sent high-voltage transmission equipment to support the restoration of Ukraine’s energy system, including 330 kV transformers, 110 kV circuit breakers, 110 kV disconnectors, 110 kV surge arresters and more than 50 tonnes of transformer oil, bringing the total weight of the support shipment to 66 tonnes. Previously, AST had also delivered a shipment of insulators and minibuses to Ukraine.

About JSC "Augstsprieguma tīkls"

AST, the Latvian electrical power transmission system operator, ensures uninterrupted and secure transmission of electricity throughout Latvia. Its vision is to become the leading transmission system operator in the region through the efficient and successful implementation of development-oriented changes. AST has 68.46% shareholding in the capital of the operator of the natural gas transmission and storage system JSC “Conexus Baltic Grid”.