Concerns about possible misuse or disappearance of aid donated to Ukraine occasionally arise in society. In the TV24 program "Uz līnijas," Major of the National Armed Forces and Zemessardze staff officer Janis Slaidins explained how the transfer of aid to Ukrainian military personnel takes place in practice.
Slaidins acknowledged that there have indeed been individual cases of misuse of aid in the past, but emphasized that, in his experience, the aid is delivered directly into the hands of Ukrainian soldiers. He explained that it is impossible to deliver aid across the border without official registration in the Ukrainian system.
According to him, Ukrainian units themselves sign for the received equipment — whether it be drones, vehicles, or other gear. All aid is assigned to specific units.
Slaidins noted that the Ukrainian commanders he knows are grateful for the support received, and he can assert that the aid reaches exactly where it is intended.
At the same time, he acknowledged that any reports of aid disappearing provoke a painful reaction in society, as people donate money and items with the confidence that the support will reach the Ukrainian military.
The conversation also included Latvia's national hockey team defender Arvils Bergmanis. He pointed out that it is important for people to understand where their donations go. He emphasized that there is not always the opportunity to personally deliver aid to Ukraine, which is why people often donate, trusting that the support will reach its destination.
