Latvian drivers once again became car sponsors for Ukraine

In accordance with a decision made by the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia, another batch of 27 cars, which were confiscated from individuals found driving under the influence of alcohol, is being sent to Ukraine. This year, the Latvian Parliament swiftly approved amendments to the Law on Support for the Civilian Population of Ukraine. These amendments enable the free transfer or return of state-owned vehicles to the Government of Ukraine as part of Latvia's broader effort to support Ukrainian society in its struggle against Russian aggression.

The practice of confiscating vehicles from drunk drivers in Latvia serves as a means of aiding Ukraine. These confiscated cars are considered the property of Latvia, which has the discretion to transfer them to Ukraine, especially given the need to augment Ukraine's vehicle inventory.

Latvia. Confiscated Cars Find New Purpose

According to information from Delfi, these confiscated vehicles will be distributed among various departments and organizations in Ukraine. The breakdown includes 13 cars allocated to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Kharkiv Regional Blood Donation Center, and the military administration of the city of Skadovsk. The remaining 14 vehicles will be assigned to units of the National Guard of Ukraine, the State Border Service of Ukraine, and the military administration of the cities of Chornobaivka and Kherson.

The list of vehicles to be sent to Ukraine comprises various makes and models, including:

• Volvo XC70 (2007, estimated market value 4,550 euros)
• MAN 14.232 (1995, 803 euros)
• Mitsubishi Outlander (2006, 2,500 euros)
• Nissan X Trail (2003, 210 euros)
• Honda Accord (2008, 3,290 euros)
• BMW 530 (2007, 5,250 euros)
• Opel Vivaro (2006, 3,999 euros)
• Mazda 3 (2004, 1,000 euros)
• Ford Galaxy (1998, 180 euros)
• Volkswagen Golf (2015, 7,990 euros)
• Ford Mondeo (2004, 1,500 euros)
• Nissan X Trail (2008, 4,550 euros)
• Mercedes Benz Vito 109 (2006, 2,800 euros)
• Audi Q7 (2011, 16,900 euros)
• Volvo XC70 (2015, 12,950 euros)
• Toyota Avensis (2006, 2,700 euros)
• Volvo V50 (2007, 2,800 euros)
• Mazda 6 (2003, 155 euros)
• Audi A6 (2002, 180 euros)
• Volkswagen Passat (2012, 6,500 euros)
• Chrysler Town&Country (2006, 1,750 euros)
• Volvo XC70 (2007, 4,550 euros)
• Chevrolet Cruze (3,450 euros).

Ukraine will also receive the following:

• Quad Bombardier Outlander MAX 810 XT (2009, €6,900)
• Schmitz SPR 24 semi-trailer (2006, €1,500)
• Schmitz SPR 24 semi-trailer (2007, €1,700)
• Krone SD semi-trailer (€3,550).

It's worth noting that this isn't the first instance of Latvia providing Ukraine with confiscated cars at no cost. The first batch, consisting of eight cars confiscated from drunk drivers, arrived in Ukraine on March 8, 2023. Over the duration of the Parliament's enacted law, nearly a hundred cars have been sent to Ukraine as part of this support initiative.

The Law "On Support for the Civilian Population of Ukraine" permits the free transfer of Latvian state-owned vehicles to the Government of Ukraine, with the aim of mitigating the effects of emergencies related to conflict in Ukraine and extending support to Ukrainian society. In November of the previous year, changes to the Penal Code came into effect, introducing criminal penalties for operating a vehicle or undergoing driving instruction with an alcohol concentration in the exhaled air or blood test exceeding 1.5 parts per million.