Latvian electricity company sends fleet of vehicles to maintain Ukraine’s energy network / Article

Latvia is continuing its support of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with a recent donation of 21 vehicles, valued at over EUR 100,000, delivered by Latvian Minister for Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis and AS “Augstsprieguma tīkls” (AST) representative Ilze Znotiņa, alongside volunteers from the “Twitter Convoy” organization.

Latvia Boosts Ukraine Energy Support

The donation from AST brings the total number of vehicles delivered to Ukraine by Latvian society and companies via Twitter Convoy to 3,402 units. The vehicles are intended to help restore Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has been repeatedly targeted during the Russian invasion.

“Ukraine’s power system is one of the main targets of the aggressor, as it directly affects the daily lives of millions of people,” said Minister for Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis. “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.”

Rolands Irklis, Chairman of the Management Board of AST, emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment, stating, “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.”

In addition to the vehicles, volunteers also delivered gifts prepared by employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for children in the Chernihiv region staying in social and psychological rehabilitation centres in Nizhyn, Khmilnyk and Chernihiv.

This year’s vehicle donations from AST included four-wheel-drive passenger vehicles and groundworks machinery. At the beginning of 2024, 22 vehicles – including truck-mounted lifts, passenger cars, trailers, off-road quad bikes, and other transport units – were donated, with an additional seven vehicles added later in the year.

AST previously sent high-voltage transmission equipment in autumn 2023, including 330 kV transformers, 110 kV circuit breakers, 110 kV disconnectors, 110 kV surge arresters, and over 50 tonnes of transformer oil, totaling 66 tonnes in weight. Earlier shipments included insulators and minibuses.