DUBLIN – The Irish Defence Forces have confirmed the donation of 34 military vehicles and three de-mining robots to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as part of Ireland’s continued commitment to providing non-lethal aid. The equipment, transported in two convoys, has arrived at a coordination hub in Rzeszów, southeastern Poland, where the official handover is taking place.
The donation is a key component of Ireland’s contribution to the European Peace Facility (EPF), the European Union’s mechanism for financing peace-building and military support projects. The vehicles, which include ambulances, minibuses, trucks, and 16 Ford Rangers, were transported by the Defence Forces Transport Corps, with the first convoy arriving on September 5 and the second on September 12.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris confirmed the delivery, stating that the donation is a “practical example” of Ireland’s support for Ukraine. “It is imperative that we continue to stand firm in the face of ongoing Russian aggression and support Ukraine in whatever way we can,” Mr. Harris said. “The vehicles being donated are suitable to Ukraine’s needs and their handover will be confirmed in Poland by the Defence Forces and the Ukrainian Armed Forces.”
In addition to the vehicles, three Reacher Robots will be donated to the Demining Coalition, a non-lethal aid group for Ukraine in which Ireland is a participating member. The coalition operates under the framework of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein format, established by the United States.
Mr. Harris also addressed the possibility of sending Irish troops on peacekeeping missions to Ukraine. He stated that while he is open to the idea, it could only be considered in the event of a peace agreement being reached, as Irish Defence Forces personnel would not be deployed to an active warzone.
The Department of Defence confirmed that the donated vehicles are currently being replaced, and the donation will not impact the operational capacity of the Defence Forces. An application for partial reimbursement of the value of the donation will be submitted through the European Peace Facility. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ireland has committed at least €350 million in non-lethal military support to the country.
