“We have been working closely with the National Police of Ukraine to improve the service that is being delivered to rural areas and mid-sized towns. Since 2015, we have played an active role in providing advice and training that led to the creation of response units in such areas. The vehicles we are donating complement our efforts to date. These Nissan Patrols will help ensure that difficult terrain and weather conditions present less of an obstacle when the police are called,” said EUAM Head of Mission Kęstutis Lančinskas.

The vehicles will be used in remote regions to reach mountain villages or support the fight against illegal amber mining. Better police coverage of remote areas will also help develop tourism in these regions.

The donated Nissan Patrols were previously in use in the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and have become available as that Mission is downsizing. The vehicles have been serviced to be fully operational in Ukraine and can be used in all conditions, including extreme weather such as snow, ice and heavy rain.

The Nissan Patrols were handed over in Kyiv by Kęstutis Lančinskas to the Chief of the National Police of Ukraine Serhii Knyazev in the presence of the Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov. The cars will in the coming days be taken to the regions they are destined for and put into service immediately.