Convoy No. 49: Obstacles at the Border

Relief missions to Ukraine are anything but routine, even in 2026—they remain a massive logistical challenge every single time. Our latest Convoy No. 49 proved this more clearly than ever.

Despite bureaucratic hurdles and days of delays, we made it: the essential goods have finally reached their destination.

When Bureaucracy Slows Down Aid

Our team was originally scheduled to be on the road much earlier. However, new transport regulations for second-hand textiles in Poland forced us to make a last-minute change of plans. With a 10-day delay, we finally set off on April 9th.

The drivers (Peter and Uwe)

To bypass the new hurdles in Poland, we chose what we thought would be a viable alternative route through Hungary. In hindsight, it was a decision that demanded a lot of strength from our drivers, as the convoy came to a standstill once again at the Hungarian-Ukrainian border.

An entire day was spent waiting, undergoing inspections, and facing unnecessary friction. The Hungarian authorities subtly implied that we intended to sell the relief goods in Ukraine ... an accusation that many aid organizations are unfortunately facing at this border right now.

The consequence: Part of the cargo had to be completely unloaded and inspected before the convoy was allowed to continue its journey.

April 13th: Finally at the Destination

Finally arrived. The unloading begins.

Trotz der Umwege und der Grenz-Strapazen konnte der Konvoi am 13. April die Ankunft in Berestyn verzeichnen.

Unter anderem hatte der Konvoi folgendes geladen:

-          Despite the detours and the ordeal at the border, the convoy recorded its arrival in Berestyn on April 13th.

The convoy’s cargo included:

• Three diesel generators

• Over a ton of medical supplies

• Clothing

• Another 200 kg of our trench candles

• Three trailers, which will help distribute our donations and other aid locally

• Furniture for a school in the Berestyn region that is set to open this summer and which we are supporting.

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A huge thank you to all donors and the team for keeping their cool despite the 10-day delay and the difficulties at the border!

Handing over donations. It’s always a moving moment, and one for which people are happy to make time in person.

A huge thank you to all donors and the team for keeping their cool despite the 10-day delay and the difficulties at the border!

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