The life of a Polish van in Ukraine.

The aid van which served us so well in Ukraine has been causing problems. Bohdan, as we named him, really according to the law, could only stay in Ukraine for  6 months max.

We were unaware of this, when we left it in Odesa on our departure. It was left at the Mitsubishi garage in Odesa, where as usual, they carried out the required repairs for free. The idea was to leave the van locally, so it could be used for transport etc.

The problem started at the Ukrainian border crossing. The Polish organisation and our great friend Tomasz, who delivers aid to Ukraine, was effectively accused of vehicle smuggling, i.e. bringing vehicles. illegally into Ukraine. Total rubbish but unfortunately, Tomasz, had his work cut out, persuading them otherwise. 

So we had to get the van out of Odesa, back to Poland. Not that easy, I'm in Sicily, Fiona in Argentina.

So we spoke to our friends in Ukraine to try and get someone to take the van, first to Lviv and then Krakow, a journey of nearly 1200 kilometres.

But as usual, after several failed attempts, a solution was found. Many people were involved in organising this, and the details are too boring. But I want to thank all who helped get the Bohdan back to Krakow. Special thanks go to Alek at the Mitsubishi garage, and Ihor in Lviv for doing the logistics. What now, the future of the van? We shall see. I think it's fair to say, it will see more action in due course. I have thoughts of returning to Ukraine, timings remain open.

The other significant change is the way aid is taken into Ukraine. Unfortunately, it has become a lot more complicated. There has to be a much stronger IT and paper trail for all aid brought into Ukraine. Where it's going and exactly to whom; the person receiving it has to document receipt. If they are not the final recipient, then more paperwork. The Polish organisation was held up at the border for 8 hours trying to bring in aid.

I'm aware why Ukraine is bringing in these procedures. It's being done to stop humanitarian aid, 'vanishing,' so to speak, due to the high level of corruption. However, unfortunately, it's having a detrimental effect on some donors, who have basically said to me that they can't be bothered anymore and will look elsewhere to help. This would not directly affect what we did, as we did it internally in Ukraine, but you never know what would happen at the checkpoints.

Back in Ukraine the war continues, with civilians killed every day. The situation is very difficult in Kherson area, with constant danger of shelling. UNICEF centres are still open and we often think of the people there, adults and children, but for me, especially, the children. Their childhood is being taken away from them. We were sent a short video of two young children singing jingle bells for us. 

With Christmas in mind we would like to send our best wishes to everyone. For many it will be very hard, but we don't forget.

Also, to families and friends who supported the journey and the work we carried out, Merry Christmas.