We stand united in our fight against Russia on Independence Day in Ukraine

Thursday, 24 August, is the 32nd anniversary of the independence of Ukraine and there’s one undeniable truth: we know how to come together and fight shoulder-to-shoulder. Ukrainians are well acquainted with living under totalitarian regimes and we have no intention of enduring a terrorist one. Consequently, those capable of fighting do so, while the rest of us dedicate substantial time to volunteering or donating — often both. In these pivotal moments of modern history, such support serves as the foundation for victory, demonstrating the unyielding spirit of individuals rallying as a united front.

Explaining exactly how this system operates might be complex, but its efficacy is unquestionable. It appears that every individual in Ukraine, both domestically and abroad, now centres their life around advancing victory. And I’m not only referring to major charities, NGOs, influential bloggers and the media. All these entities play a remarkable role, raising millions daily for our armed forces. I’m also talking about ordinary people — Ukrainians who hold jobs, care for families and deal with everyday concerns, under the constant threat of missile and drone attacks.

Upon opening my Facebook feed for just 10 minutes today, I came across:

• A post by Anna, the sister of a friend. She is a sports journalist and record-holding skydiving champion. She is a volunteer at a frontline hospital and raises funds for an evacuation van and for soldiers’ first aid kits.


• A post by Oksana, a contemporary poet, marking International Poet’s Day and urging contributions for drone equipment for the 17th Separate Tank Brigade.


• Dana, a prominent activist, business owner, and mother of two, is auctioning a Ukrainian flag signed by the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valeriy Zaluzhniy, with proceeds going to charity.


• Yulia, a graphic designer, is auctioning a beautifully crafted handmade purse with bead embroidery to support her friend’s drone brigade.


• Nastia, a hairdresser from Dnipro, is raising funds to buy a bus for the 128th Separate Brigade.


• Anastasia, a marketing manager, is seeking help to purchase charging stations for the 115th Brigade.


• Marina, a chief veterinarian at one of Kyiv’s premier clinics, collects donations and food for pets in Kherson, particularly those affected by the explosion of the Kakhovka Dam by Russian terrorists.