'Christmas convoy' carrying €2 million worth of generators and critical aid supplies delivered to people of Kyiv by NATO & US veterans in landmark moment

An international humanitarian “Christmas Convoy” worth approximately €2 million, consisting of more than 50 cars and light trucks, much-needed energy generators and other critical humanitarian supplies has arrived in Kyiv.

The convoy is one of the most significant private donations in support of the Ukrainian war effort and ongoing humanitarian crisis. Due to Russia’s continuing attacks on critical civilian infrastructure, more than half of Ukraine’s electricity network has been damaged or destroyed, leaving millions of Ukrainians without electricity.

The 50-car convoy was driven mostly by NATO and United States veterans, many of whom are Purple Heart recipients, a United States military decoration awarded to those wounded in action.

The donated items include more than 50 SUV cars and light trucks, 75 energy generators, 250 wood-burning stoves and other critical winter equipment.

One of the key figures leading the Christmas Convoy is Joe De Sena, the CEO and founder of Spartan Race endurance events, the world’s premier obstacle course race.

I spoke with Joe over a mobile phone after several attempts to connect. I asked him what inspired him and his fellow veterans to bring these donations to Ukraine,

“This humanitarian mission is showing the rest of the world that when a bully picks on any of us, they’re picking on all of us,” said De Sena, who is a long-term investor in Ukraine. “The Spartan Race community is 10 million strong and spans 50 countries - this is a show of our solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and it’s an incredible feeling when humanity stands together against things that aren’t right. I could not have done this without the astounding support of our incredibly generous donors, our allied partners and veterans, and the Spartan community.”

Joe is clear that the spirit of his Spartan Race organisation mirrors the determination of the Ukrainian people, and that like-minded people working together can make a difference. From philanthropists and big companies donating humanitarian aid, to US and NATO veterans, some of them disabled in other conflicts, all working together to stand up to an aggressor and ensure free Ukraine survives. He thinks there is a turning point in the conflict, and that things will be very different in 6 months' time. He does not believe that there is such a determination on the Russian side.

Even as we were speaking, he was receiving text messages of support and offers of help from all over the world.

US Army veteran Kemar Ebanks, a Fellow at the Special Operations Transition Foundation (SOTF), drove one of the vehicles departing from Rzeszow in Poland during the 2-day journey to Kyiv. When asked why he travelled all the way from Fayetteville, North Carolina to participate in the convoy, he said:

“Winter has already arrived and there is still an acute lack of generators in the country following Russia’s relentless and barbaric attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure. With this latest donation, we hope to help keep essential facilities in Ukraine running this winter. We also want to show that veterans understand the hardships the people of Ukraine are enduring, and we are doing whatever we can to help in the fight for freedom.  At Christmas time, when we celebrate goodwill between people, we wanted to give real support on the ground to the Ukrainian people. This is what the spirit of Christmas means to us.”

Welcoming the aid from Joe De Sena and the veterans, Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine said: "I know you really inspire a lot of people. By your example, your life, but also by today's actions. We see that you came not only to support us, but also brought things that are so necessary for our heroes today".

The Christmas Convoy is conducting its humanitarian relief mission in partnership with the Slovakian non-profit ‘Aroo,’ which is experienced in providing humanitarian assistance to conflict zones, most notably in the provision of protective equipment, medical supplies, and other various special materials. The convoy was funded by generous Western benefactors and was organized by leaders, friends, and supporters of the Spartan Race community.

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