Thirty-four vehicles belonging to the Irish Defence Forces have arrived at a co-ordination hub in Rzeszów, southeastern Poland, and are due to be donated to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
In addition, the Defence Forces will donate three robotic units to clear mines and other explosive devices in Ukraine.
The vehicles, which include ambulances, minibuses, trucks and 16 Ford Rangers previously used by the Defence Forces, make up Ireland's latest donation of non-lethal aid to Ukraine.
It forms part of Ireland’s contribution to the European Peace Facility (EPF), a European Union financing mechanism for peace-building projects.
RTÉ News understands that the vehicles and de-mining units will be handed over to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Rzeszów today.
The Defence Forces Transport Corps transported the vehicles from Ireland to southeastern Poland in two convoys, with the first convoy arriving on 5 September.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris said: "It is imperative that we continue to stand firm in the face of ongoing Russian aggression and support Ukraine in whatever way we can.
"This donation is a practical example of that support, reflecting Ireland’s provision of non-lethal aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces following Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
"The vehicles being donated are suitable to Ukraine’s needs and their handover will be confirmed in Poland by the Defence Forces and the Ukrainian Armed Forces," said Mr Harris.
The three Reacher Robots will be donated to the Demining Coalition, one of two non-lethal aid groups for Ukraine, of which Ireland is a participating member. The other is an IT Coalition, focused on improving Ukraine's cybersecurity.
Both groups operate within the framework of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein format, established by the United States at the start of the war under the Biden administration.
It groups together more than 50 countries to mostly co-ordinate arms supplies and military training for Ukraine.
RTÉ News understands that the 34 vehicles are currently being replaced by the Defence Forces, and the donation will not have an impact on operational capacity.
An application for partial reimbursement of the value of the vehicles will be made through the European Peace Facility (EPF).
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ireland has committed at least €350m in non-lethal military support to Ukraine.
