My call sign is Senyk, and I’ve been serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces since the beginning of this year. I work in logistics—meaning I’m fortunate to have a safer role than my brothers-in-arms directly on the front line.
What is it like to be in the Ukrainian military? Naturally, emotions run high and shift constantly. Among the toughest are fear, uncertainty, and pure exhaustion from it all. It’s not that I’ve gotten used to it, but I keep thinking of all the children and vulnerable people in Ukraine who are likely far more terrified than I am. What crosses my mind every day is pure bewilderment: how is it possible that in 2026, we are still fighting a war like this in Europe? How can a state invade a sovereign nation and rain down drones and missiles on crowded cities? Most of my days start with reading news about where Russians have killed civilians next. Some things you never get used to. I have loved ones, friends, and colleagues in Ukraine, and I cannot imagine leaving them to the mercy of Russian occupation—or leaving them to fight alone while we just say, 'Thanks for fighting for us, too.' I never cease to be amazed by the determination of the locals to protect their families, the resolve of parents raising children amidst war, and the grit of those who lost someone yet refuse to give up the fight for justice and freedom for everyone else.
I am glad that together with you, we can do something good for the people of Ukraine once again.

Who will you be helping? 

We are one of many units operating heavy drones. Many of my fellow soldiers have been defending Ukraine since February 2022, and a few even since 2014. A large portion of them volunteered from completely different professions. For years now, they have lived wherever they are ordered to, seeing their families only a couple of times a year.
It might not always show in the news, but the Russians continue their attacks along the entire front line day and night. They fire artillery, drop aerial bombs on positions and civilians alike, launch endless swarms of drones of all shapes and sizes, and periodically send small assault groups that advance like robots to push a few hundred meters further. We are responsible for our own sector of the front line. Using drones, we strive to keep the occupiers from reaching infantry positions or advancing deeper into free Ukraine. We also use drones to minimize our own personnel’s movement through dangerous areas.

What will the raised funds be used for specifically?

Note from a Fictional Defense Ministry Advisor: 

• ...Europeans were less terrified of Russian nuclear weapons, choosing perspective and measured pressure over fear and concessions.
• ...people in Europe and beyond stopped projecting values onto Russians that they simply do not care about—listening to them less and paying more attention to what they actually do.
• ...the US, Britain, and Russia took their 1994 commitments seriously, back when Ukraine surrendered its nuclear arsenal.
• ...European nations in 2022 had continued doing what they did previously in the Balkans and the Middle East: deploying their military forces to aid an unfairly attacked nation.
• ...European states enforced anti-Russian sanctions and actively penalized those who violate them.
• ...European states cut off trade with Russia entirely, stopping the flow of funds into the Russian war chest for absurdities like cheaper Russian fish and steel, or aluminum export permits.

Unfortunately, one vehicle won't stop this war. But given the reality we face, we can show our support to the people of Ukraine as often as possible and never stop seeking practical ways to help end it. I am waiting for the day when no one here has to fear Russia anymore.
I pass along deep gratitude from our unit and from everyone in Ukraine who has asked me to thank you!"

 Senyk and his unit thank you for the spring fundraiser🙏