US Ally Hands Ukraine Cars Seized From Its Drunk Drivers

Trucks and cars seized by Latvian police from drunk drivers are being converted into military vehicles and sent to Ukraine's front lines to support the war effort.

The unusual initiative, which began earlier this year, has seen the Baltic nation transfer nearly 1,200 vehicles to Ukraine, providing essential support for both military and humanitarian efforts.

A policy enacted last year allows the government to confiscate vehicles from drivers caught with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.15, which is three times the legal limit. Within the first two months of the law's enforcement, over 200 vehicles were seized, quickly filling impound lots.

Faced with an overflow of confiscated cars, the Latvian government decided to donate them to Ukraine instead of selling them at public auctions.

"Each weekend, we deliver around 30 to 40 cars from Latvia to Ukraine," Reinis Poznaks, founder of the non-profit Agendum, told reporters. The group drives the vehicles up to 1,200 miles to hand over the keys.

Agendum's vehicles play an unsung role in Ukraine. Many are converted into ambulances to transport the injured, while others are utilized by the military on the front lines or for general logistics. The organization believes that each vehicle donated can save between 10 and 100 lives.

"There is a high demand for 4x4 vehicles capable of driving off-road and fast, ideally pick-up trucks. There are also needs for refrigerated trucks for the fallen heroes, mid-size trucks, and other items," noted the group on their website.

In addition to the repossessed cars, other vehicles are donated by individuals or companies in Latvia to support their ally.

The group is also looking for drivers. Volunteers are required to make trips from their headquarters near Riga to Ukraine at least twice a week, typically on Tuesday and Friday evenings, driving overnight through Poland.

Latvia used to only fine drunk drivers, but since late 2022, drunk driving has been re-classified as a felony and is now punishable with prison time. While typical penalties range from fines to loss of license, Latvia's unusual arrangement has also been successful in tackling the country's drunk driving problem, with authorities promising to provide the group with approximately two dozen cars a week.

The Baltic nation, a former Soviet republic that's now a member of NATO and the European Union, is one of Ukraine's most reliable supporters, having signed a 10-year security deal with Kyiv.

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