216 Buses and Trams: Czech and Slovak Support for Ukraine’s Cities Amid Russian War

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Czech and Slovak cities have provided systematic support to Ukrainian municipalities. A tangible result is the donation of 216 public transport vehicles, now helping to maintain basic mobility in war-affected regions.

Public transport is a core service in any modern city. In peacetime, it ensures daily travel to work, schools and services. In wartime, its importance multiplies, enabling hospitals, public authorities and supply chains to function, helping residents move to safer districts and preserving at least a basic rhythm of daily life.

Recognising this, Czech cities and Bratislava, together with their municipal transport operators grouped in the Association of Czech Public Transport Companies (SDP ČR), have sent 216 vehicles to Ukraine since 2022. These were vehicles withdrawn from regular service at home but still fully operational. The support was not symbolic: the equipment was ready for immediate deployment. Vehicles are provided by cities as owners, while transport companies handle technical inspections, preparation, administrative procedures and handover. The assistance is coordinated in cooperation with Ukrainian partners, local transport undertakings and humanitarian organisations.

"Public transport is the backbone of a functioning city, and in wartime this is even more true. We are proud that Czech and Slovak cities were able to offer concrete and rapid assistance where it is genuinely needed. These are not symbolic gestures, but real vehicles transporting thousands of people every day," said Martin Chval, Executive Director of SDP ČR.

Prague Leads, Regional Cities Follow

Prague has provided the largest share of vehicles through Prague Public Transit Company, donating 76 vehicles since 2022. This year alone, the city of Chernivtsi received 15 SOR NB 12 buses, while five additional buses of the same type were sent to Sumy. In previous years, Prague also transferred trams, articulated and standard buses, and trolleybus equipment to cities including Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Bucha, Khmelnytskyi and Bilohorodka.

Other regional cities have played a significant role. Plzeň donated 36 vehicles, Ostrava transferred 25 T6A5 trams to Konotop and seven Solaris buses alongside humanitarian supplies. Brno provided 31 vehicles, including T6A5 trams, buses and trolleybuses (types 21Tr and 14Tr), mainly to Kharkiv and Uzhhorod. Bratislava donated 19 low-floor Irisbus Citelis buses to Kyiv and additional vehicles for spare parts. Smaller but meaningful contributions came from Ústí nad Labem, Jihlava, Olomouc, České Budějovice and Zlín.

The common principle is clear: vehicles that have reached the end of service life in Czech and Slovak cities can continue operating for years in Ukraine.

Replacing Destroyed Infrastructure

Russia’s full-scale invasion, launched in February 2022, has repeatedly targeted not only residential areas and energy facilities but also public transport infrastructure. Damaged depots, destroyed tram tracks and disabled buses have severely complicated operations.

Donated vehicles replace equipment destroyed by attacks, help cities cope with increased demand caused by internal displacement, and maintain essential mobility despite frequent infrastructure disruptions. In many cases, Ukrainian partners arrange transport of the vehicles at their own expense.

SDP ČR represents 23 municipal public transport operators in major Czech cities and Bratislava, serving nearly 4.5 million residents and transporting over 2.3 billion passengers annually. The donation programme therefore represents not only solidarity, but a concrete contribution to sustaining essential public services in a country facing prolonged armed aggression.