Press release
Donation of Defence Forces ambulances and vehicles to Ukraine
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The first of four convoys of Irish ambulances and recovery and transport vehicles arrived in Poland today (Friday) ahead of their donation to Ukraine.
Operation Carousel, led by the Defence Forces Transport Corps, will facilitate the safe movement of thirty Defence Forces’ vehicles to the International Donor Coordination Cell in Rzeszów, Poland as part of Ireland’s European Peace Facility contribution. The operation of fifty-four personnel, will see the vehicles moved over four convoys which will arrive in Poland over the next month.
The donation is part of Ireland’s non-lethal aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces following Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Speaking ahead of the convoy’s arrival, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin said:
“Ireland remains steadfast in support for the people of Ukraine following the illegal and immoral invasion by Russia and we will continue to provide what support we can as Ukraine defends itself against ongoing aggression.
"The donation of these ambulances and transport vehicles is a practical and concrete measure to show that support and is fully consistent with our position of providing non-lethal aid.”
In March 2024, following consultation with the EU, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces agreed a donation of 30 vehicles for Ukraine through the International Donor Coordination Cell in Rzeszów, Poland.
The vehicles will be conveyed in four separate convoys over a period of approximately a month from mid-June to mid-July.
The planned donation consists of: 20 x Ford Ranger, 4 x Scania 8X8 DROPs, 3 x Iveco 8X8 DROPs, 1 x Iveco 8X8 Recovery Vehicle and 2 x Mercedes Sprinter Ambulances.
An application for partial reimbursement of the value of this donation is expected to be made via the European Peace Facility (EPF) in the coming weeks once delivery is completed.
The convoys are travelling by ferry to Dunkirk, before moving through Belgium, Germany and on to Poland.