With the war in Ukraine entering its fourth month, Ukraine’s brave defenders are using innovative tactics to protect their homeland from Russian occupation. Ukrainian soldiers have been repurposing trucks and buses to be used as ambulances, troop transports, refugee evacuation vehicles, and more on the front lines.
Ukrainian forces have used these commercial vehicles to great effect, enabling freedom of movement for civilians and the ability to rapidly transport lifesaving supplies to where they are needed most. Since June, Spirit of America has raised over $400,000 to purchase ten locally acquired compact pickup trucks for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These vehicles are currently being used to transport civilians, soldiers, and medical supplies to and from the frontlines. In an interview with Fox Business, the Territorial Defense Force Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Serhii Sobko, spoke about the impact of American assistance: “All Ukrainians are grateful to your country for supporting the defense of our country against Russian aggression…Our forces are incomparable with Russian forces, that’s why the assistance we receive from our partners is absolutely crucial.”
Spirit of America-purchased Mitsubishi L200s arrived in Ukraine on June 2, 2022. In total, ten pickup trucks were handed over to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Additionally, thanks to a $2.7 million donation from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Spirit of America purchased nine 50-passenger buses that were handed over to the Territorial Defense Forces on May 18th. In an interview with CNBC, Howard Buffett spoke about the urgent need to provide these vehicles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces:
“I believe we’ve got to support Ukraine in this fight…The purpose of supporting them with the buses is we’re trying to get civilians out from the east to the west safely, and trying to get supplies to the east is critical. [Spirit of America] is the only organization doing this.”
Thanks to the Howard G. Buffett Foundation’s generous gift, Spirit of America delivered nine 50-passenger buses to Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Forces.
We have identified 300 more vehicles that are urgently needed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Spirit of America is working closely with the US military and State Department personnel to meet the critical needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Ukrainian people need your support in their fight for democracy and freedom. Take Ukraine’s side. Defend freedom. Save lives.
