February 2025, Ford Ranger HZS, Toyota Avensis
Departure from Prague
We departed from Prague on Thursday afternoon at 1 PM. Jirka picked up a Toyota Avensis and set off, while I went to the warehouse in Vernýřov to gather missing supplies. In the Vito, we transported: 4 generators, 3 Ecoflow units, 12 boxes of heating pads (240 pcs each), two camouflage nets, a set of used off-road tires, and fire extinguishers.
We met in Vysoké Mýto to refuel. During the journey, we discovered the Toyota was low on oil, so we topped it up and refueled. I called Vasyl to arrange an oil change at a service station, where they ordered the necessary filters based on the VIN. I was pleasantly surprised that virtually any part can be delivered to Zakarpattia by the next day, even on a Saturday.
The journey was smooth, with typical February weather—rain but no freezing—so we had no issues. We aimed for the Ubla border crossing, with an estimated arrival around midnight. In reality, we lost about an hour due to stops, adhering to speed limits, especially near the Slovak border where patrols are common. We were particularly cautious of wildlife near the Carpathians, where large animals are prevalent. Near the border, snow and ice appeared, prompting us to slow down. Before crossing, we stopped to organize documents and assign roles, marking our first solo border crossing.
Border Crossing
Our documents for the vehicles and materials were well-prepared in Prague, but I was still concerned about potential issues.
Jirka led with the Toyota, carrying only summer tires, while I followed in the Vito with the aforementioned materials. On the Slovak side, a young customs officer requested a declaration stating the materials were humanitarian aid—a document we hadn't been asked for before. Although our handover protocols mentioned the purpose, they lacked the word "humanitarian," leading to questions about items like Ecoflow units. Ultimately, he accepted the declaration intended for the Ukrainian side, which detailed everything. Regarding the vehicle export, he questioned the purchase price of 50,000 CZK, but we provided proof, and after some time, we proceeded without issues.
On the Ukrainian side, the process was even smoother. Thanks to electronic declarations, officials already knew who was arriving, in which vehicle, and with what cargo. They were thorough in verifying the cargo matched the declarations, inspecting box contents. For the vehicle export, they needed more details about Jirka, who was visiting Ukraine for the first time and wasn't in their system. Unlike previous experiences, they didn't inspect the VIN. They also inquired about the Vito's fuel level due to concerns about exporting cheaper Ukrainian fuel to the EU. The entire procedure on both sides took about 1.5 hours, even though there were no other travelers. We finally departed for Osij around 3 AM.
Arrival in Osij
Shortly after crossing the border, our navigation systems failed, causing delays as we stopped to confirm directions. The 140 km journey to Osij, estimated at two hours, took longer due to these issues.
Despite my poor sense of direction, I managed to lead us to Vasyl's place, feeling proud of this achievement. However, upon arrival, we found darkness and no one awake—Vasyl had waited until 2 AM before falling asleep. We eventually reunited and went to bed.
Preparation Day
Friday was dedicated to preparations. Vasyl needed to go to Uzhhorod in the morning, so we rested and, after an early brunch, visited a school to pick up a camouflage net, candles, and computers acquired for soldiers. After taking photos, we moved to Andrej's museum, where Jirka and I toured the exhibits and collected three nets made by volunteers.
We delivered the Toyota to the service station and retrieved the Ford. Then, we refueled the Vito and Ford and filled jerry cans for the journey.
Back home, we unloaded the vehicles, tested the generators, and reloaded the cars. It started raining and got dark, but we were fortunate with the weather overall.
After dinner and conversation, we went to bed, planning to depart at 8 AM. We woke to beautiful weather, which seems to be a pattern—it's as if Ukraine supports our mission by providing sunshine at the start of our trips. We picked up Andrej from the museum, collected the Toyota from the service station, stopped for treats for the soldiers from volunteers, and set off for central Ukraine. Vasyl led in the Vito, followed by Jirka and Andrej in the Toyota, with me bringing up the rear in the Ford.
Central Ukraine
Jirka adapted to Ukrainian driving styles. From Prague, we adhered to speed limits, but after crossing the border, we began driving through villages at 70 km/h instead of 50 km/h. In central Ukraine, we matched Vasyl's pace, overtaking slow vehicles safely but efficiently.
Jirka now drives like a Ukrainian :-).
The journey to central Ukraine is the easier part, essentially during working hours when driving equates to work; fatigue sets in by evening.
In Vinnytsia, we picked up another driver, Jura, who has two sons on the front lines. He had joined us on a previous trip and met one of his sons in Dnipro. Jura took over driving the Vito from Vasyl, and before reaching central Ukraine, Jirka and Andrej switched so Jirka could ride with me, and we alternated driving the Ford.
We refueled the vehicles from jerry cans to save on fuel costs. The Toyota was refueled at stations since we didn't have gasoline.
During the journey, we witnessed five serious accidents involving cars and trucks, likely due to weather conditions. While roads were dry, the shoulders were icy, and older vehicles suffered severe damage in head-on collisions. We were delayed at one such accident.
We passed memorials honoring heroes who sacrificed their lives defending their country.
Temperatures dropped, reaching around -10°C during a break 120 km before Dnipro.
The journey remained manageable. In the final stretch, we alternated driving the Toyota, and I resumed driving the Ford—covering substantial distances.
Regarding the cold: it was intense. After dark, I attempted to clean the windshield to record videos from the mount, but the washer fluid instantly froze, creating a white layer that obscured visibility. I had to find a small clear spot to navigate until the water evaporated—truly harsh conditions.
We visited our favorite eatery along the way.
Deliveries
We split into groups, with Vasyl and me heading toward Zaporizhzhia for a meeting with military leadership about a hygiene truck project for front-line soldiers. This project is in the planning stages, and we had scheduled our first material delivery en route.
We reached the first delivery point: the 65th Artillery Brigade near Robotyne, where we handed over Ecoflow units and fire extinguishers, meeting at a memorial.
Hygiene Truck – A New Project
At the 128th Artillery Battalion, we discussed detailed requirements for the hygiene truck with the leadership. Our colleague Jirka P. had prepared an initial proposal, which was reviewed during the meeting. We agreed on communication and contacts.
We met Jirka Pohlídal last year; he's a volunteer with the expertise to execute this project (cars and racing are his life; he runs a business suited for such projects). He's known for seeing projects through, has innovative ideas, and is motivated to help—exactly the kind of person we need.
We now have the information needed to advance the project. Meeting in person was beneficial; it's a significant endeavor for us.
The second delivery was to the 137th Independent Marine Battalion. Max, whom I met a year and a half ago on my first trip to Ukraine, arrived in an L200 we had previously provided—he praised it.
He took the wheel of the Ranger, and we explained its history: a former fire truck, never used off-road, repaired after an accident, repainted by my brother and me (we also provided extra paint for camouflage touch-ups, which he found amusing—though it might not be used). It has 70,000 km, was garage-kept, with an intact frame and fully functional drivetrain.
He started the vehicle, noted its smooth operation, and remarked it felt like a new car—clearly pleased.
We delivered Ecoflow units, a generator, new mud tires for the Ranger, a set of older tires for the L200, and trench candles from the school in Osij.
It was a very pleasant meeting. Max recounted events in Krynky, where they spent months exhausting Russian forces on the left bank of the Dnipro. They accomplished their mission, but many didn't return. We deeply respect the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. It's an honor to help, especially when our efforts yield such significant results.
We're acutely aware of the many people behind these efforts. I reflect on all the necessary steps and individuals who contributed. Our task was completed in minutes during the handover.
Just a few key contributions: Autoservis RADAC assisted with the Ranger's repairs, which would have cost tens of thousands of crowns, but they did it for free to support Ukraine—heartfelt thanks.
A last-day-of-the-year donation of 50,000 CZK from NeoVize Eye Clinic completed the fundraising for the Ford Ranger, a crucial contribution without which we would have struggled to finalize the vehicle—many thanks. Fundraisers on the Donio platform for generators, heating pads, and Ecoflow units were instrumental—thank you for enabling us to help.
The unit gifted us their flag—once again, it's an honor to assist.
At the same location, we conducted a third delivery to a new unit for us: the 155th Brigade of Saint Anne, a French brigade heading toward Pokrovsk. These units were trained in France and equipped with French gear. One soldier had worked in Ústí nad Labem for ten years and spoke some Czech.
We delivered camouflage nets from our volunteers, trench candles, trench stoves made in the Czech Republic (first batch of 68, partially funded by a Donio fundraiser), heating pads, and a generator.
It was a very pleasant meeting. The soldiers expressed gratitude for the assistance; we took photos together, adding more signatures and thanks to our flags.
We proceeded toward Kramatorsk, stopping at our usual eatery. I'm glad Jirka experienced it; this time, it was filled with soldiers, yet the atmosphere remained solemn—practically no one spoke; everyone quietly focused on their purpose.
Fourth Delivery – Kramatorsk
We delivered to the 154th Brigade, including unit 5006, responsible for radio communications. We handed over the Toyota Avensis with a spare set of wheels, three camouflage nets, a generator, and heating pads.
Fifth and Final Delivery – Kramatorsk (continued)
From nearly all the units, we received "gifts" in the form of war artifacts. These included munition casings—like those from Javelins or artillery shells—ammunition boxes, and this time even part of a drone wing with a wingspan of about 3 meters. The reason we collect such materials is to select items that can be transformed into artistic pieces, which we aim to auction in support of aid for Ukraine. Any materials that can't be used this way are donated to museums in Zakarpattia.
At each delivery, we receive thanks—and we always respond the same way: it is we who are grateful to the soldiers for their work in defending against evil. We’re fully aware that we did not earn our place of birth and that we could just as easily be in their shoes. If they do not succeed, we may face the same enemy ourselves one day.
We arrived at the final delivery two hours late. It began snowing, and in Kramatorsk, the side roads were already coated in ice. We needed to set off on our return journey immediately.
The Way Back
The return trip from the east was very challenging. In places, visibility was almost zero due to snowstorms.
We had the feeling of a job well done. Of course, many thoughts were swirling in our heads, but fatigue was stronger. One of us had to stay awake and drive while the others gradually fell asleep. Before that happened, we took a shot in remembrance—the third one for those who sacrificed everything in the fight for our freedom.
We came for a lesson in humility, and we got it. At least for a while, we’ll value more than others what we have. It's not insignificant, and it’s not something to be taken for granted.
In central Ukraine, we said our goodbyes to Jura and continued on toward Zakarpattia. Once we wrapped up the Zakarpattia leg of the mission, Jirka and I began our return journey. Before leaving, we were invited to dinner at Andrej’s—a welcome offer. The food and drink in Ukraine is excellent, and this was another confirmation of that. We said goodbye to our Ukrainian friends and headed for the border.
Originally, we planned to cross at Ubla, but in the end, we chose Vyšné Nemecké, where there was no queue. We saw buses being inspected and were checked by the same customs officers. The car was in complete disarray, so we unloaded everything onto tables for inspection. After crossing the final border, we headed home. We had considered stopping by Jirka P.’s place to discuss the hygiene truck, but since we were three hours ahead of schedule, we continued straight to Prague, arriving shortly after 6 AM.
Conclusion
Once again, we confirmed that our aid is meaningful and necessary. We’re already preparing for the next journey, as our warehouses are nearly empty and there are many unfulfilled new requests.
We’ll need help again—from both donors and volunteers. We hope that this travel log might motivate others to get involved. Our aid is targeted, going exactly where it’s needed, and we operate with transparent accounts—everything can be publicly verified, and our aid documentation is traceable.
If you share our values and want to help achieve our goal—supporting Ukrainian units in their effort to drive the aggressor out of Ukraine and secure a just peace—please join our activities. Whether it’s financial support, volunteering on aid projects (such as production), or any other necessary contribution, every role matters. The result could very well be another successful mission like the one you’ve just read about.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all donors and volunteers!
We continue to run additional fundraising campaigns for Ukraine support.
We greatly appreciate your continued support.
We endure, because we must. Because we want a better world for our children.
СЛАВА УКРАЇНІ! ГЕРОЯМ СЛАВА!
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!
