REPOWER and GotlandRing Forge Partnership to Establish Advanced Driver Training for Ukrainian Frontline Medics on Gotland Island, Sweden

Visby, October 28, 2024 — In cooperation with Repower, a charitable foundation helping Ukrainian frontline medics recover, rest, reboot, and network, GotlandRing - the world’s first and most sustainable race circuit - provides a unique opportunity for advanced driver training and other added-value activities.

Traditional warfare tactics typically involve a large group of medics attending to a single patient. In contrast, in Ukraine, the scenario at the front often features a single healthcare provider managing care for a large group of patients until the wounded can be sent to stabilization care and eventually to central hospital locations further from the front.

Current military engagements in the Russian war on Ukraine demand a versatile skill set for the medics. Instead of having a larger group of medics, the front circumstances require a more comprehensive approach. Combat medics need to master a multitude of skills, including high-level driving competence in demanding circumstances in active war zones. Improved driving skills can benefit by creating paths forward to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality.

The dangers and difficulties of providing care and evacuation under enemy fire are especially challenging since the Russian force doctrine specifically targets medical care points and personnel, making anything with a Red Cross a significant target. When Geneva Convention protocols are not adhered to or otherwise insufficient in ensuring the safety of medical teams and patients, survival rates plummet.

The Russian war on Ukraine, which started in 2014 and led to a full-scale invasion in 2022, poses numerous logistical and medical challenges. We all have lessons to learn. Using the provided data and experiences, we should all study the Russian brutal methods carefully.

This driver training project marks a significant stride towards higher survival rates as the medics face the Russian onslaught in Ukraine. The partnership aims to improve proactive crucial driving skills. Other added values include revitalizing recovery.

— 'As a reserve officer in the Finnish military, I see it as an imperative to support Ukraine. My grandparents fought back saving Finland from the communist Soviet threat in three wars. Now, the West sees Putin’s Russia as the new existential threat to international law and human rights. I urge all parts of our society to contribute towards defending Ukraine and its brave people who fight for all of us. With our small pro bono contribution, GotlandRing aims to advance the defensive war effort,' explains Alec Arho-Havrén, founding partner, circuit architect, and chief instructor of Gotland Ring, a leading driver training provider organization.

Gotland Ring, situated within the Eco-Region of Gotland, provides driver training for combat medics who experience challenging mobility situations at the front. The advanced driver training package enables improved readiness in demanding driving environments in active war zones. Additionally, through cooperation with the World Ecological Forum, a global sustainability network, GotlandRing provides awareness and lectures about decentralized sustainable energy production for improved societal resilience.

Repower is an NGO that provides a holistic approach combining recovery, networking, cultural exchange, training programs, and much more for Ukrainian doctors and frontline medics.

— 'During Almedalen (the world’s biggest political festival, a celebration of democracy, organized yearly in Visby), we had a rewarding dialogue and exchanges with Repower and many Ukrainians, including a frontline medic, Pavlo Yashchenko, with a motorsport background who even visited GotlandRing. Then, we decided to organize something related to driver training during the next Repower days on Gotland (as a complement to other programming). We are impressed by Repower's work and commitment, and we

Pavlo Yashchenko (b. 1992) is the Driver and Evacuation Crew Commander of the Hospitallers Volunteer Medical Battalion. He has had a passion for cars since childhood, competed in motorsports in his youth, and even became a karting coach. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Pavlo has been actively evacuating the wounded directly from the battlefield and successfully completing over 318 evacuations.

— ‘It was a great honor to have the brave Ukrainian troops as guests at GotlandRing. It is of utmost importance to contribute with what we can. The Ukrainians are far too alone in this existential crisis. One could claim that a Third World War has already begun since we see the polarization resulting in an axis against established world order and international law that has kept stability and minimized major wars during a long period since the Second World War. Russia has joined forces and allied itself with countries like North Korea, Iran, China, and Venezuela. Also, far too many countries stay “neutral” in these treacherous times. Many members of the BRICS and the Global South seem to ignore the facts and the realities. In times when we should be focusing on climate change, the world’s attention and resources are stuck on various wars where proxies fight conflicts between larger alliances. Russia’s war on Ukraine has created significant risks for dangerous escalations, risks that are even higher than climate change. We have to stand up and not allow further impunity, which is increasingly harder when the USA risks dragging into isolationism with its “America first” populistic policies. The US presidential election campaign is alarmingly absent from geopolitics, climate change issues, and the bigger picture in general; gone are the days when Republicans understood that an engaging United States is the best way to uphold free markets, prosperity, and peace.' Alec Arho Havrén concludes.

GolandRing training day

• Location: GotladRing, the Eco-Region of Gotland (the largest island in the Baltic Sea)
• Enabling Environment, Safety & Security Focus: The GotlandRing facility is well-equipped for driver training activities with its challenging 7.3 km track configuration (asphalt). Additionally, the area provides several other circuit configurations, including even gravel and other driving surfaces.
• Cultural, International, and Regional Impact: The training and rehabilitation camp provides trading experiences, special competencies, and relaxation. The Nordic and Baltic regions are very willing to contribute to Ukraine’s efforts to reach its goals - to stop the Russian atrocities and advancement, and to gain a righteous peace with no impunity.

About Repower - https://www.repower.ngo/eng

Klintevolontär -

Pro bono partners:

About Gotland Ring

Gotland Ring, located on the island of Gotland in Sweden, is a premier racing track known for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, e-mobility, and advanced driver training. Since 2021, it is also the longest permanent modern standard race circuit with its new 7.3 km configuration. For more information, please visit www.gotlandring.com

About Tjauls gård

Tjauls gård contributes by lending a part of the training vehicles and personnel for the activities.

Visby Country Club's "Gotland Racing Garage”, based at Tjauls Gård, is the island's largest heated garage with room for 90 sports, racing, and collector cars. The facility provides meeting rooms for weddings, parties, and events, approved for 4 to 600 participants in picturesque settings. The farm also offers accommodation for up to 24 people in its manor building and the farm estate’s wing.

Web: Tjauls.se