Ukraine Torch | Trip 22 Update (November ’25)

We recently completed Trip 22 of UKRAINE TORCH. This trip focused on helping embattled Marines defending the frontline cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, bolstering air defenses against deadly night attacks (reminiscent of the London Blitz), bringing life-saving medical aid to stabilization points (modern-day M.A.S.H.) and representing the American Coalition for Ukraine (ACU) at the most recent Ukraine Action Summit in DC. Lately, there has been increased pressure on the country to submit to a brokered peace deal and simultaneously there have been major shakeups inside the President’s Office. All this to say that Ukraine continues fighting two wars, one against an external enemy and the other against pernicious corruption that might hollow it out from the inside. The silver lining is that everyday Ukrainians continue to fight against both and the anti-corruption measures implemented after the Euromaidan Revolution appeared to work as intended.

Kyiv withstood massive air attacks, with 450 drones and 18 missiles launched against energy infrastructure and civilian targets, plunging much of the country into darkness and cold. Additionally, there were devastating strikes on Ternopil that collapsed two residential buildings killing 35 civilians and wounding 100 people including dozens of children. This underscores the primary importance of air defense to defend cities against waves of killer drones, and in subsequent attempts to strike at the geothermal plant in our sector of Kyiv, the air defense teams which we have supported repelled the attacks!

We travelled to frontline areas of Dobropillya in Donetsk where the invaders have been trying to encircle 38th Marine Brigade, a unit we’ve supported across many volunteer trips. The situation has changed greatly in this direction with the deterioration of weather, drones could no longer prevent enemy infiltrators from breaking into the city. Fighting there was intense and we were able to fulfill most of their requests. They were very grateful for the help and, contrary to news reports depicting imminent collapse, they felt very confident in their force’s ability to hold this key logistical hub into the future.

We also visited Kramatorsk to deliver medical supplies to 53rd Brigade. The roads on all major highways in Donetsk are now completely covered in anti-drone netting which provides an added layer of safety (if feeling slightly discomforting). The range of drones on both sides continues to extend in all directions and creates a multitude of challenges for treatment and evacuation of injured soldiers. Rebekah, 53rd Bde Medical Chief, shared how they’re continuing to adapt their care model to provide intervention closer to point of injury. (since otherwise evacuations can take weeks from some positions)

If you would like to support our next mission in January, you can donate here. If you wish to volunteer, visit our page. As you consider year-end gifts, be advised that next year there are changes to US tax code such that taxpayers who itemize may get higher deductibility for their donations this year as compared to the 2026 tax year!