Ukraine Torch | Trip 23-24 Update (February ’26)

/in /by

This was Trip 23-24 for UKRAINE TORCH. It was Ukraine’s toughest Winter with brutally cold weather(lows -20C), electricity, heating and water outages across major cities. Russia launched crippling strikes that devastated the country’s power grid, during an “energy ceasefire” and aimed to punish the populace for their lack of progress on the battlefield. Life for civilians was extremely difficult with their buildings colder than outside temperatures and most elevators out of order. Invincibility Points sprang up around cities and Ukrainians managed to endure again as they must. To beat the cold, we built winterization packages to send out to several brigades, consisting of diesel stoves, propane tanks, fan heaters, trench candles and hand warmers. For power, we provided Ecoflows, inverter generators and power banks.

We travelled to frontline areas near Kramatorsk to deliver medical supplies and see how drones are changing up logistics. Ground drones are now essential for resupply and evacuation but rotating troops is still incredibly complex and dangerous. Soldiers must remain in hidden positions for months to avoid being spotted and targeted. Fortunately, we saw some keys to successful rotations and were able to offer some speciality support which may enable more soldiers to return back safely!

We also purchased IT equipment to support special forces drone teams, including laptops, tablets, radio controllers and assisted US volunteers attending drone pilot training. With SpaceX recently cutting off the enemy’s Starlink, Ukraine has received a major boost and gone on the offensive to reclaim territory around Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk. We provided a tactical vehicle to 9th Unmanned Systems Brigade and are working to fulfill additional mobility requests for partnered special units!

If you wish to bring victory closer, please donate here to support our next mission in April. To volunteer, visit our page. 

Ukraine Torch | Trip 22 Update (November ’25)

/in , /by

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!

Ukraine Torch | Trip 20-21 Update (September ’25)

/in /by

This was Trip 20-21 for UKRAINE TORCH. This trip was packed supporting frontline resupply, training Ukrainian Armed Forces, equipping air defense teams, supporting tactical medicine and observing pro-democracy / anti-corruption civil rallies. 

We also witnessed the largest air attack of the war, with 805 drones and 13 missiles launched against civilian targets across Ukraine, damaging important government buildings and killing / injuring civilians. This aid is now more important than ever as Ukraine successfully repels assaults against all odds and their foe begins to show signs of weakness.

We donated a Toyota Hilux pickup in very good condition to 5th Heavy Mechanized Brigade fighting in the Kostyantynivka direction. This truck will be used for urgent troop rotation and conducting medical evacuations from the front. 

We welcomed a new US volunteer from Los Angeles who helped us conduct an introductory skills training event for Ukrainian territorial defense volunteers alongside SABRE (Training Advisory Group). They are a Canadian NGO comprised of international military professionals committed to elevating Ukrainian Armed Forces to Western NATO standards. It was a pleasure working with them and the territorial defense volunteers gained valuable experience! 

We met with medics from 53rd Brigade to deliver requested medical aid + equipment and learn about the latest life-saving techniques being implemented on their frontline! We also brought supplies for building IFAKs which were then delivered immediately to their troops’ positions. Our rotation took us to Kramatorsk, which is very quickly becoming a frontline city, and we also met with a special purpose unit in Kharkiv, as well as mechanized units near Sumy to gather their needs.

With the increase in air attacks on civilians, we continued assisting volunteer air defense units maintaining the perimeter shield around Kyiv. While their interception rate is remarkably high (90-95%), the number of kamikaze drones employed continues to rise and we must help them to bolster their defensive capabilities. We purchased a heavy pickup truck to fulfill their request for an additional mobile platform and there was also an urgent need for Starlink to access real-time information which we purchased for them the very next day (just in time to help defeat one of the largest ever drone attacks)!

Everywhere we went people expressed their immense gratitude for all the support the US has been able to provide Ukraine in defense of their liberty and sovereignty. Even though politically the US has started to lag behind Europe, the people continue to see American volunteers, British, and other European allies coming from abroad to help now in time of need! If you would like to support our next mission in November, you can donate here. If you wish to volunteer, visit our page. Your support is instrumental to keeping these defenders in the fight and their morale high! 

Ukraine Torch | Trip 19 Update (July ’25)

/in /by

This was Trip 19 for UKRAINE TORCH. As America celebrates its Independence Day, we work double to ensure Ukraine enjoys those same liberties as well! All of our volunteers made it back safely, these last 90 days saw a major increase in air attacks as well as another brief cutoff of aid when Ukraine needed it most. There were also some of the largest mass casualty attacks on civilians – but our brave volunteers opted not to leave country early and remained in Kyiv to complete their work, which included technology assistance and media production. Storytelling and documenting our volunteer work has always been a core part of our mission but it’s taken on increasing importance as other global events have captured the news cycle. 

We repaired a Ford Ranger pickup truck from the UK and donated it to Aidar Battalion. We also sent Starlinks out to multiple units to equip mobile command centers with connectivity. Then we purchased our first motocross bike to resupply hard to reach forward positions. (Useful since they can evade drones more easily) We still have two additional pending requests for vehicles, which we will try to fulfill during our next trip with your support! 

We assisted 38th Marines and their Nosferatu drone and infantry company, with thermal-cloaking ponchos to provide infantry concealment from drones as well as high-capacity batteries for their Vampyre drones to operate long-range missions (which includes logistics and other support tasks).

We purchased night vision equipment from Europe for 53rd Brigade to equip an entire M113 armored evacuation crew. The majority of evacuations occur at night and under intense enemy observation/harassment. This unit serves right at the front and their last medical evacuation point was recently lost. So this support was very timely and appreciated by their crews! 

Finally we continued building the capacity of our TORCH HQ which now includes a maker lab with 3D printers, podcast studio to amplify Ukrainian voices and for international volunteers to share their amazing experiences. We also have hoteling space for our partnered NGOs and volunteers to be productive, while passing through Kyiv to their assignments.

If you would like to support our next mission in September, you can donate here. Your support at this critical time keeps the defenders supplied and morale high! If you wish to volunteer, visit our page.

Ukraine Torch | Trip 18 Update (May ’25)

/in /by

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.

Ukraine Torch | Trip 17 Update (March ’25)

/in /by

This was our 17th Trip of the support effort and marked a number of important milestones for our organization as well as significant developments in the war. We supported air defense, drone aviation training, tactical medicine, and frontline resupply. We were there during the third anniversary of the invasion, with our members attending solidarity rallies in cities around the world. We were also present when foreign aid and intelligence sharing was temporarily paused, putting the Kursk salient in limbo.

We delivered two pickup trucks from the United Kingdom with the help of Wheels of Victory and UK4UA to provide for enhanced air defense patrols, frontline evacuations & resupply.

We attended drone operator training and helped equip the drone school with newer digital equipment that will facilitate smoother training with reduced downtime. They are also developing new equipment and best practices to increase survivability of their reconnaissance teams. Understanding how drones can be implemented effectively is crucial to supporting our partners in the long term and help us better make informed purchasing decisions with donor funds.

We visited the Pokrovsk direction to deliver Ecoflow high-capacity power supplies, gasoline-powered inverter generators, tourniquets and other essential supplies to 38th Marines. And we delivered tablets and special uniforms for 53rd Brigade’s medical evacuation crews and also coordinated transfer of portable ultrasound units.

We proudly moved into our new office in downtown Kyiv and are excited to make it a space to welcome foreign volunteers, receive supplies, share our humanitarian work across multimedia formats and host special events and meet with dignitaries.

Lastly, we gathered all our American volunteers to donate blood while in country because the frontline constantly needs it! And lastly, we linked up with our friends/partners from Shield of Freedom who are also doing admirable work.

If you would like to support our next mission in April, you can donate here. Your generosity helps bring victory closer! If you wish to volunteer, please visit our page.

Ukraine Torch | Trip 16 Update (November ’24)

/in /by

This was our 16th Trip of the support effort and our longest at about a month. We supported air defense, tactical medicine, drones, de-mining and other projects. We were there for the US elections, the introduction of North Korean forces to the Kursk region, and also present to commemorate the 1,000th day of war. 

We purchased needed supplies for Kyiv’s air defense. The number of drone attacks has increased approx. 10x fold since the start of the war and our TDF units need to equip additional patrols to repel these assaults.

We visited the drone school where we are working together on special projects. Drones are a force multiplier in this fight and are indispensable to modern warfare.

We facilitated de-mining and testing tactics, techniques, and procedures to reduce UXOs (unexploded ordnance) and will be procuring additional metal detectors for a new separate assault brigade which currently has none.

We visited 53rd Brigade to deliver medical supplies and build IFAKs. We heard about their amazing work from their Medical Chief, Rebekah Maciorowski, and also what medical equipment would be most useful. (If you work in medicine or would like to donate supplies to forward stabilization points, then please reach out)

We also donated blood while in country because the guys at the frontline always need it! And lastly, we linked up with our friends and partners from Shield of Freedom who are also doing incredible work in Ukraine.

If you would like to support our next mission in January, you can donate here. Donations are needed now more than ever to keep Ukraine in the fight because everyday they sacrifice for the freedom of Europe and to determine their own destiny.

If you would like to volunteer, please visit our page. Thanks for your support!

Ukraine Torch | Trip 15 Update (August ’24)

/in /by

This was our 15th trip of the support effort and featured projects working with 112th Brigade, Storm Brigade, 126th Brigade of Territorial Defense and making new friends in the non-profit and volunteer spaces in Ukraine!

We donated valuable equipment for Kyiv air defense to stand up additional teams with high-powered lasers and spotlights, for early identification and interception of Shahed drones. We also visited our TDF unit conducting de-mining in Kherson region with military working dogs. They’ve taking the initiative to start a nascent program training canines in de-mining, search/rescue, and recon & sabotage. We’re helping them to sponsor the program and scale training faster to more dogs. If you would like to help this initiative and train more life-saving canine defenders, please reach out through our website.

Lastly, we met one of the most respected US volunteers serving in Ukraine as a combat medic in one of the hottest sections of the front. We donated some medical supplies to her unit and are looking at additional ways to support force protection. We were able to gather some firsthand information on how the enemy is operating and learned how difficult the conditions are for these units. They are being actively targeted by FPV (first-person view) drones and need additional electronic warfare countermeasures. Storytelling has been baked into the DNA of Ukraine Torch since the start and it is vitally important to share the on-the-ground truth of this difficult fight across as many platforms possible otherwise this urgency can be lost in the noise.

The momentum is on Ukraine’s side and with the help of friends around the world we can make a difference in this historic fight!

If you would like to support our next mission in October, you can donate here.

If you would like to volunteer, please visit our page. Thanks for your support!

We purchased a multi-channel drone jammer for Storm Brigade but every unit on the battlefield needs these critical systems.

Ukraine Torch | Trip 13 Update (April ’24)

/in /by

This was our 13th trip of the support mission and continued to build on past efforts working with Territorial Defense Forces, as well as Ukraine’s elite direct-action units. We were fortunate on this trip to touch base with an FPV drone operator school, named Dragon Sky, which requested some high-tech equipment to support their operations and increase survivability in the field. They have been great partners and readily provide actionable feedback and progress updates on the equipment received. We look forward to seeing where else we can assist with their technology needs and enhance their efforts!

We also launched a special project for one of our members, who said goodbye recently to his longtime canine friend Mako. We visited Odesa to meet with the 126th TDF Canine Training Academy to tour their operations, training military working dogs, and learn how a gift could help shape and expand their cynology operations. It was extremely impressive meeting the canines helping units at the frontline avoid land mines and other explosive dangers. Dogs also are being found to have great sensory awareness for a number of other threats! We look forward to assisting with procuring protective gear for our new partners and helping them expand their operations and infrastructure and get some of their graduates out to our TDF units!

If you would like to support our next mission in June, you can donate here.

If you would like to volunteer, please visit our page. Thanks for your support!

Ukraine Torch | Trip 12 Update (February ’24)

/in /by

This was our 12th trip bringing supplies and equipment to keep Ukraine in the fight. We met with a number of territorial defense units, delivered provisions out to the East, and visited with medics at stabilization points to gather requirements and drive future innovation + investments. We also met with a number of units at the tip of the spear to gather some of their urgent equipment needs. We can help them acquire this non-lethal gear and link it up with those traveling over to Ukraine soon!

The equipment breakdown for this trip included medical supplies, mine removal/clearance, power generation, cold weather clothing, ISR, field fortifications/field hygiene, and force protection.

Another unique opportunity which arose was a meeting with an investor group from a partnered nation who were looking to meet with innovators working in Ukraine. We shared with them some of the work of Ukraine Torch and made arrangements to partner on upcoming trips to develop new life-saving medical approaches/techniques. As an organization with years of experience working in Ukraine, we were able to provide some shortcuts to get quickly into the requirements gathering phase as well as share existing relationships with units that can adopt and test real-world solutions!

If you would like to support our next mission in late-April, you can donate here. 

If you would like to volunteer, please visit our page. Thanks for your support!