For a full overview, please visit https://slide.ukrainedefenders.org

Ukraine Defenders has initiated a new project to draw attention to Russian war crimes in Ukraine.  Ukraine Defenders worked together with a local apartment complex in the city of Irpin, just outside of Kyiv.  Irpin was the site of horrific acts of barbary by Russian soldiers executing the will of the Russian people and their leader Vladimir Putin.  During Russia's assault on the civilians of Irpin, rockets, bombs, artillery, and small arms fire were directed at civilian housing to include a playground at this apartment complex.  Ukraine Defenders removed a damaged children's slide from the playground in order to bring voice to the voiceless. 

Thanks to our donors, and especially donations from the fundraiser organized by our dear friend Vika in Washington, D.C, Ukraine Defenders was able to procure another 100 Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs).  Our team in Poland prepared them for delivery and after a long journey, they passed them to our Ukrainian team who will take them forward to Kyiv, and eventually on the front lines and other critical positions.  Ukraine Defenders continue to be humbled by the generosity of our donors.  This wouldn't be possible without you.

Ukraine Defenders delivered thousands of dollars worth of solar panels to our Ukrainian team this week.  The solar panels were a specific request from those on the front line due to a lack of access to power for charging communication devices.  The front line is a dynamic place, and there is rarely access to electricity and it frequently moves.  Generators are loud and would give away positions of soldiers already facing threats from drones and other observation techniques.  These solar panels allow the defenders to quietly charge small devices needed for communication and other critical needs and they are lightweight and can be easily carried by one person.

We all know that the internet is full of disinformation and also just bad journalism.  It's not necessarily that the journalists are intending to do harm, it's more often that they just don't have the time or bandwidth to go deep into analysis.  I thought I would pass along a site that I recommend for solid analysis (They don't sugar coat it.  They deliver the good and the bad.) on the situation in Ukraine.  Without fully divulging my resume while trying to establish credibility, I have an education in political science, and higher education in strategic studies and war-ish studies... to be vague.  Anyhow, I have had the pleasure of interacting with the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in a professional and academic capacity and I have found their analysts to be top notch.  

IFAK is an acronym for Individual First Aid Kit.  IFAKs, as they are referred to in military, security, and law enforcement are a critical piece of equipment for anyone working in combat situations or situations that can result in trauma injury.  They are also good to carry in your vehicle in case of a car accident or another traumatic event that one might stumble on while driving.  They are not like an ordinary first aid kit, so they do require training to properly use the equipment. 

Check out the interview with one of the Ukraine Defenders founders on Ukraine World.  Ukraine World is an English-language multimedia project about Ukraine run by Internews Ukraine.  Their team produces articles, podcasts, video explainers, analyses, and books about Ukraine in English. They have also cultivated a network of over 300 international journalists and experts focusing on Ukraine in order to bring together key actors focused on Ukrainian issues. One of our founders sat down with a staff writer to explain the history, mission, and goals of Ukraine Defenders.

Ukraine Defenders would like to give a huge thank you to Vika, Bethany, Serena, the team at Kellari DC and photographer Aaron Patterson for such a great event supporting Ukraine.  Vika worked tirelessly to create a great Ukrainian atmosphere at the restaurant, and everyone had a great time.  She even created a special Ukrainian shot for guests that formed the colors of the Ukrainian flag.      

Photos by Aaron Patterson

Ukraine Defenders has partnered with the Washington DC based clothing brand @bailiwick_clothing to support Ukraine. Bailiwick has designed this shirt in the colors of the Ukrainian flag and they will donate 50 percent of the sales to Ukraine Defenders charity.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

The Russia-Ukraine war has been going on for three months, and the start of the war in Ukraine left thousands of people in shock. The images inspired a group of friends from different parts of the world to want to help.