Latvian Fund Launches Urgent Campaign to Evacuate Wounded Ukrainian Soldiers
A new initiative, “Take me away!”, aims to provide critical medical evacuation and life-saving equipment to Ukrainian frontline units by February 24, the anniversary of the war.
The “Entrepreneurs for Peace” fund, a Latvian organization established in 2022 to support Ukraine, has launched a critical fundraising campaign focused on dramatically improving the speed of medical evacuation for wounded soldiers. The “Take me away!” campaign, initiated on December 17, seeks to provide transport, drones, and essential technological solutions to medics, enabling them to quickly and safely retrieve the injured from the battlefield.
The urgency of the situation is paramount. According to those involved in the effort, every minute lost on the front lines can mean the difference between life and death. Soldiers often endure hours, even days, in the trenches awaiting assistance that frequently arrives too late. “Take me away!” seeks to highlight this harrowing reality and galvanize immediate action.
The campaign’s inspiration stemmed from a deeply moving account of a wounded soldier’s prolonged wait for help. This experience is powerfully depicted in the campaign’s video, which features a new rendition of Latvian composer Ulda Marhileviča’s 1997 song “Request.” The composer explained that the song, always centered on themes of fragility and the need to be heard, now embodies a soldier’s fundamental plea for the right to live.
The challenges of providing timely medical care in Ukraine are immense. While NATO countries generally adhere to the “golden hour” principle – 10 minutes for initial first aid, one hour for qualified medical assistance, and two hours for specialized treatment – these standards are often unattainable in the current conflict. Intense fighting, the constant threat of drones, and widespread infrastructure damage severely impede access for medical personnel and the evacuation of the wounded.
Evacuation routes can stretch up to 20 kilometers, and the journey to a brigade medical company can take a full 24 hours or longer, depending on the tactical situation. During this extended period, the survival of injured soldiers hinges on effective pre-hospital care. “Every investment in accelerating evacuation directly translates into lives saved,” emphasized a senior official connected to the fund.
Military medical experts estimate that approximately half of all injuries on the Ukrainian front are acute, while the other half are caused by gunshot wounds and shrapnel. While bullet wounds and amputations represent a smaller percentage of cases, shrapnel injuries and massive bleeding demand the most rapid medical intervention. As one observer noted, while peace and calm prevail elsewhere, Ukrainian defenders in cities like Kupyansk, Pokrovsk, Slovyansk, and Kramatorsk are engaged in fierce battles for their homeland.
As of December 24, the conflict will have entered its 1400th day, with Ukrainian forces continuing to defend their nation against Kremlin aggression. “At this time, when the world hopes for a possible peace, we need help now,” stated Laura Skrodele, head of the “Entrepreneurs for Peace” foundation. “The cities are being bombed every day, and the wounded soldiers must be evacuated as soon as possible. We continue to fulfill our historic mission together!”
TV3 Group Latvija has pledged its support as the campaign’s primary media partner, building on its consistent commitment to Ukraine since the beginning of the war. According to Ginta Salmane, manager of TV3 Group Latvija, the organization has actively supported Ukraine through its editorial stance, content creation – including shutting down Russian television channels and broadcasting Ukrainian news programs – and on-the-ground reporting from the front lines. “As a media outlet, it is our duty not only to inform, but also to call the public to action,” Salmane said, “that is why we support the campaign of the ‘Entrepreneurs for Peace’ association ‘Take me’, ensuring its visibility on our platforms, so that everyone can support and help bring home the wounded Ukrainian soldiers safely.”
Funds raised will be allocated to acquiring evacuation vehicles, drones for locating casualties and mapping safe evacuation routes, and advanced equipment for frontline medics to provide immediate care.
Donations are welcomed from individuals, companies, and the Latvian diaspora. Companies can benefit from tax advantages through donation agreements. Contributions can be made online at www.aizvedmani.lv or directly to the “Entrepreneurs for Peace” fund’s account.
Established in 2022, the “Entrepreneurs for Peace” fund operates on a principle of providing targeted and practical support to Ukraine, collaborating closely with Ukrainian military and civil structures. The fund has already delivered significant aid, including transport, equipment, technology, and infrastructure restoration support, becoming a vital resource for Latvian entrepreneurs assisting Ukraine.
The “Take me” campaign was a collaborative effort involving Latvian creative professionals, military security and technology experts, communication strategists, and volunteers, all of whom contributed their time and expertise without compensation. A comprehensive list of campaign teams and partners will be released upon final approval. The campaign was created in cooperation with the creative agency “McCANN Riga” and the strategy agency “White Label.”
