Ukrainian American Community Joins Largest Humanitarian Ambulance Convoy for Ukraine

The largest humanitarian convoy since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion has delivered dozens of ambulances, specialized vehicles, and medical equipment to Ukraine. The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) joined the international initiative “Mission No. 17,” organized by Ukraine Focus.

This was reported by The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America.

As a result of tremendous efforts, Mission No. 17 successfully delivered its largest convoy to date: 42 ambulances, 5 SUVs, 3 passenger vehicles, and 1 pickup truck, along with critically needed medical supplies for frontline medics and emergency responders in Ukraine. A total of 60 volunteers from nine countries participated in the operation.

The ambulances, collected from across Europe, were first transported to Commercy, France, and then moved to the mission’s staging area in Frankfurt, Germany. After being fully equipped and prepared, volunteer drivers gathered in Frankfurt on May 19 to begin a journey of more than 1,850 kilometers to Kyiv.

Volunteers from the United States, Canada, England, France, Germany, New Zealand, Poland, Scotland, and Sweden traveled thousands of kilometers across Europe, making scheduled stops in Dresden (Germany), Kraków and Radymno (Poland), before crossing into Ukraine on May 22.

On May 25, the convoy arrived in Kyiv, where volunteers officially handed over all 51 vehicles to representatives of Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Forces near the iconic Motherland Monument.

“This mission demonstrated the extraordinary power of international solidarity,” said Tamara Olexy, Director of UCCA’s National Office and coordinator of the organization’s #SupportUkraine humanitarian initiative. 

“Every ambulance delivered means lives saved. We are incredibly proud to stand alongside Ukraine Focus and volunteers from around the world who continue supporting Ukraine in such meaningful and tangible ways.”

Andriy Futey, UCCA’s Special Representative in Ukraine and one of the mission participants, emphasized the importance of sustained international support for Ukraine. “These vehicles are more than transportation; they are lifelines,” said Futey. 

“Every ambulance and support vehicle delivered through Mission No. 17 will directly assist Ukrainian defenders and emergency responders working under extremely difficult conditions. The dedication of volunteers from around the world sends a powerful message: Ukraine is not alone.”

Olexy also expressed special gratitude to the leadership and support team of Ukraine Focus, whose efforts made the mission possible. 

“We are especially grateful to Brock Bierman, head of Ukraine Focus, whose leadership and unwavering commitment continue to make these missions possible,” she said. “A special and heartfelt thank you also goes to Carol Cummings for her extraordinary logistical coordination and behind-the-scenes support, which helped ensure the smooth execution of this large-scale operation from start to finish.”

Having participated in three previous missions, Tamara Olexy served as one of the leaders of Mission No. 17, coordinating a team of eight Ukrainian-American volunteers: Olena Boyko, Bohdan Boyko, Anna Kalynych, Yaroslav Kuzemchak, Khrystiyan Kuzemchak, Yevhen Holuka, and Andriy Futey.

“The scale of this convoy was unlike anything I had seen before,” said mission participant Yaroslav Kuzemchak. “It was incredibly emotional to see dozens of vehicles arriving in Ukraine at the same time. We know these ambulances will immediately make a difference for Ukrainian defenders and civilians.”

Dr. Anna Kalynych, who donated defibrillators for the mission, emphasized the importance of continuing humanitarian assistance. “Medical equipment is urgently needed throughout Ukraine,” she noted. “Even small donations can have life-saving impacts on the front lines and in emergency medical care.”

Dr. Petro Lenchur donated an ECG machine for the mission, while Dr. Yevhen Holuka provided additional medical supplies.

UCCA expressed its gratitude to all volunteers and donors who dedicated their time, resources, and energy to ensure the success of Mission No. 17.

“Ukraine’s resilience continues to inspire the world,” Futey added. “As long as assistance is needed, UCCA and our partners will remain committed to supporting the Ukrainian people.”