Krishan Pillai was just finishing a round of golf when a friend’s remark about heading to Ukraine ignited something deep within him—not for sightseeing, but to deliver a pickup truck filled with essential aid to the Ukrainian Army.
“It’s a war zone,” Krishan initially responded. Yet, that conversation sparked a calling he could no longer ignore. Back home, he shared the idea with his wife, Dr. Mary Pillai, and she agreed. What started as an offhand comment quickly transformed into a life-changing mission.
At 80 years old, with Mary in her late sixties, the Charlton Kings couple had recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. They had time, energy, and above all, a strong sense of purpose.
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Moved by media reports highlighting the immense suffering in Ukraine—especially the impact on children—and inspired by the resilience of Ukrainians fighting for their freedom, they packed up their lives and set off on this extraordinary journey.
“We cherish our freedom but often take it for granted,” Krishan reflects. “Without massive global support, Ukraine’s freedom and very survival seemed at risk.”
With no previous ties to Ukraine or humanitarian experience, they acted on pure conviction. Despite initial surprise and concern from family and friends, their mission gained widespread encouragement. Their first convoy was just the beginning.
Since then, each journey has been a mix of exhaustion and inspiration. They teamed up with Pickups for Peace (P4P), a charity founded in early 2023 by three farmers and an associate. To date, P4P has delivered nearly 800 pickup trucks containing desperately needed supplies.
Their deliveries go beyond just material aid—they bring hope. “People line the roads, waving Ukrainian and UK flags,” Krishan says. “They shake our hands, seeing the UK as a steadfast and reliable ally.” This bond fuels their resolve.
The logistics are challenging. After loading aid, the couple drives through the Channel Tunnel, sometimes pausing in Surrey to visit family. Their route covers France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland—about 1,700 miles from home—before meeting the convoy in Wroclaw.
From Wroclaw, a six-hour drive leads to the Ukrainian border, followed by a three-hour crossing and a final two-hour push to Lviv. Convoy members stay connected via WhatsApp, coordinating locations and handling breakdowns, which do happen. “Once, we lost a front wheel at 80 mph,” recalls Krishan. “It flew over 100 yards into the central reservation.” Despite a four-hour delay, they pressed on—“shaken but not stirred.”
Their cargo includes generators, power banks, laptops, hydraulic jacks, tarpaulins, diesel cans, and winter clothes. No military equipment—just tools for survival and recovery. “Our focus is on saving lives and alleviating suffering,” Krishan emphasizes.
The pickups, often 15–20-year-old 4x4s with high mileage, have a brief frontline lifespan. Once delivered, they transport injured soldiers and personnel but are often destroyed within weeks or months.
Even with thorough checks and certifications, breakdowns are unavoidable, and insurance doesn’t cover Ukraine. For safety, a police escort accompanies the convoy from the border. Though they’ve never felt unsafe in western Ukraine, Krishan acknowledges rising tensions. “The East is a very different—and dangerous—place.”
Some of the most sobering moments come not from travel but from wartime realities. They visit Lviv’s Field of Mars, a former Soviet military cemetery now marking the graves of recent war casualties. “We see new graves with each visit—many millennials, including women—leaving parents and children behind to mourn,” Krishan reflects solemnly. The bugle calls and drumbeats marking daily casualties remind them of the senseless toll of war.
The trips have been transformative, even healing. Krishan, who struggled with anxiety, credits the mission for restoring his peace of mind. “My mojo is back,” he says. “Thank you, Ukraine and P4P.”
Together, Mary and Krishan form a well-oiled team. Mary manages complex logistics—bookings, paperwork, accommodation—while Krishan focuses on fundraising and problem-solving. They share the driving and scour resources for aid. Though challenging, their dedication never wavers.
Funding comes primarily from their own pockets—covering fuel, insurance, road taxes, hotels, and Eurotunnel fees. The charity provides some accommodation, but costs largely fall on them. “We hope the British public floods our JustGiving page with donations,” Krishan says, aiming to expand the volunteer driver base and supply more pickups.
Safety preparations are meticulous—transport bookings, convoy confirmations, documentation, and signing waivers to acknowledge the absence of medical or vehicle insurance in Ukraine.
Physical health is crucial. Krishan credits his fitness to regular golf and physically demanding hobbies like chainsawing and wood splitting. Their driving duties and mission continue as long as their bodies allow.
Their inspiration stems from legacy. “We worry about what we leave for our grandchildren,” Krishan explains. “We believe, ‘evil triumphs when good men and women do nothing.’”
The war’s proximity is undeniable. “Ukraine is Europe’s buffer zone paying a heavy price. If Russia stops, so does war. But if Ukraine stops, there will be no Ukraine.”
Despite their significant efforts, they remain humble. “What we do is a drop in the ocean of peace,” Krishan admits. “But what P4P has collectively achieved in just over two years is remarkable.”
Their upcoming trip will mark their first winter mission, facing power cuts and freezing conditions Ukrainians endure daily. Mary, previously avoiding night driving, is now confident post-lens surgery. Each vehicle they deliver is estimated to save at least ten lives, crucial in the evolving nature of warfare, including drone defense and troop mobility.
Will they continue? It depends on health and finances. But their ultimate wish: to one day return to Ukraine—not in aid convoys, but in peace.
For now, they keep pushing forward—gathering support, sharing their story, and living by a creed that action outweighs intention. “Doing and inspiring others beats just thinking about it,” Krishan affirms.