Ukraine Torch | Trip 18 Update (May ’25)

This was our 18th Trip of the support effort and we were privileged to celebrate Orthodox Easter and witness the beautiful traditions and culture Ukrainians display for the holiday. Sadly, the week prior Russia launched a massive attack during Palm Sunday services in the Sumy region, killing 35 people and badly injuring 130 more. We also were in Ukraine for the signing of the highly anticipated US-Ukraine mineral deal, outlining the long term partnership between our two countries.

We supported the frontlines, visiting Dobropillya in the Pokrovsk sector to deliver supplies and equipment to 38th Marines, including Ecoflows, high-capacity drone batteries, Starlinks, cots, tourniquets and other essentials. They also provided a very impressive demonstration of their unit’s combat capabilities and how they’re leveraging technology to dominate.

We also equipped their 3rd Battalion with digital communications/tactical tablets to provide enhanced situational awareness to ground troops and reduce the possibility of friendly fire during close quarters assaults. We also want to help them procure thermal cloaks which are becoming essential for protecting infantry from drone observation and helping maintain security.

We delivered two additional vehicles to Ukraine, purchased through UK4UA and delivered with help of Wheels of Victory. Transportation is still a major priority for every unit we meet but there is also a dramatic shortage of mechanics to work on all the vehicles needing repairs. Vehicles get a lot of use, with one van recently donated traveling over 1,000 km in a week! We also got to check on our previous vehicles and see them being actively used. One is currently operating with air defense and the second one is near Kupiansk with 112th Brigade. We are targeting either Transit/Sprinter van for our next purchase.

We also visited Odesa to meet with 126th TDF and get updates from their military Canine Training Academy which is going to be transitioning soon to the Odesa Oblast. Lastly, we met with the leadership of an Unmanned Systems Brigade to hear about their work utilizing entirely remotely-operated systems to support their maneuver units. The future is already here!

Finally, our TORCH HQ is starting to come alive with full-time volunteers, a command center for distributing supplies, and the beginnings of a podcast studio to share our humanitarian work with our NGO partners across different media platforms.

If you would like to support our next mission in June, you can donate here. Your generosity helps speed the day of victory! If you wish to volunteer, visit our page.