A Latvian initiative focused on using cars confiscated from drunk drivers for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has sparked a heated public debate. The reason was a statement by the organization's representative Berzinš, who called on citizens to "drink more," because in his words this indirectly supports Ukraine.
"Drink and support Ukraine. That is our slogan. If a person has no sense, he drinks. And he sacrifices," said Berzinš. His remark quickly attracted attention from the media and the public, primarily because it can be perceived as an inappropriate promotion of excessive alcohol consumption and a trivialization of drunk driving.
According to Berzinš, the organization arranges repairs of vehicles that have been confiscated by the state from drivers caught driving under the influence of alcohol. The cars are often damaged from traffic accidents or police pursuits, and therefore basic servicing and repairs are necessary before they are sent to Ukraine. The vehicles are then handed over to the Ukrainian armed forces, which use them primarily for logistical and support purposes.
According to published figures, 187 vehicles have already been sent from Latvia to Ukraine this year through this method. The program uses property forfeited to the state following a final decision by the relevant authorities and represents one form of Latvian aid to Ukraine.
The principle itself of using confiscated property to support a country defending itself against Russian invasion is viewed positively by part of the public. However, the form of communication surrounding the initiative has caused controversy. Critics point out that the slogan may come across as an advertising message promoting alcohol consumption, even though drunk driving is among the most serious causes of traffic accidents.
Road safety experts have long warned that even small amounts of alcohol significantly reduce a driver's ability to react to emergency situations. Any public communication that could be interpreted as downplaying this risk is therefore, in their view, problematic.
The statement by the Latvian representative has thus opened a broader discussion about the boundaries of public campaigns and the ethics of communication in wartime. While the goal of helping Ukraine remains a priority for many European countries, the way it is promoted should, according to critics, respect the basic principles of public safety and social responsibility. Calls that can be interpreted as encouraging risky behavior may, in their view, overshadow the humanitarian or military purpose of the initiative itself and provoke unnecessary controversy.
gnews.cz - GH