Donations from Latvian residents in deposit packaging have transformed into ground drones to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers

Thanks to the donations from Latvian residents in the Deposit Packaging Operator (DIO) deposit machines, two ground drones produced in Ukraine have been delivered to the defenders of Ukraine, specifically designed for the evacuation of injured soldiers from the battlefield. "At the end of last year, we set ourselves the goal of raising funds specifically for ground drones, which are a new and highly potential technology. Even now, being in Ukraine and visiting brigades, we see that ground drone technology allows us to save those who are injured.

We are really talking about thousands of soldiers. Until the end of the year, there is an ongoing campaign where anyone who goes to deposit empty containers can choose the functionality – to donate. And everyone can see that their donated containers, which have reached the deposit machines, have now been transformed into ground drones," said Laura Skrodele, director of the foundation "Entrepreneurs for Peace," to the Skonto media group.

Both drones will soon embark on their first missions. In conditions where enemy drones are constantly operating on the battlefield, the evacuation of the injured is particularly dangerous. Remote-controlled ground vehicles allow the injured to be transported to a safer location without risking additional human lives. The ground drones purchased in Ukraine are built on an extended quad bike platform, equipped with all-wheel drive and an armored capsule for transporting people.

The drone's payload capacity allows for the evacuation of a person weighing up to 200 kilograms, while with a full fuel tank, they can cover distances of up to 200 kilometers. Such vehicles are produced in Ukraine, taking into account real combat conditions and the needs of soldiers. From deposit packaging to assistance at the front The Latvian deposit system provides residents with the opportunity to donate the deposit fee received for returned packaging to support Ukraine.

Thus, the small donations of many people collectively become significant funding for practical assistance to the defenders of Ukraine. "The gratitude of Ukrainian soldiers is addressed to every Latvian resident who continues to help. This support is not just financial — it gives Ukrainian defenders the opportunity to carry out their tasks more safely and to bring injured comrades back from the battlefield," adds Laura Skrodele.