Last week extended the long list of cases when our volunteers were visibly shaken by Russia’s continued assault on Ukraine’s civilian population

As if in mockery of any rose-colored hopes for imminent peace, Russia brutally bombed civilian areas in Dnipro, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Kyiv last week.

Our US volunteers have built up a certain cynicism about the widespread hopes for an imminent ceasefire. We observe the situation through our nightly dialogues with Ukrainian volunteers who are taking shelter during air raids. We see that the agreement to stop attacks on the energy infrastructure has not reduced the number of explosions in Ukraine, but has only led to an increase in the number of  attacks on civilian areas.

“I read the messages from our American friends with great joy. Their words fill me with deep gratitude and instill confidence that we are not alone, that there are wonderful, sincere, and kind people, who understand the complexity of our situation and support us as much as they can. We will never forget this.

“It is very important for us to know that the citizens of the United States stand with us, that we are united in our aspirations, and that far across the ocean, we have friends who will not abandon us in difficult times. For all of this, we are sincerely and infinitely grateful.”

-Ihor, Dobra sprava

We thank you for the kind, heartfelt notes of support you have sent to our Ukrainian volunteers and for the moral clarity you have shown in these messages. We are translating your words and passing them along. This is an incredibly important process, which forges a direct connection between Ukrainians and their allies who see the truth. Away from the high-stakes negotiations and TV cameras, Ukrainians face the constant threat of Russia’s terror.

Since last week, we have received many messages of support from our fellow Americans. We continue to translate every one of these messages and share them with the volunteers in Ukraine. Reading what you have written brings some of the volunteers to tears. These words mean as much to them as your financial support.

In the first days of the war, Ukraine acted alone and defied the aggressors. Though, the situation in Ukraine once again seems dire and we fear that the US government might discontinue military support, we remember those early days, and Ukraine’s persistent ability to surprise those who doubt its strength. Our volunteers continue their work. Thank you for standing with them.

This Monday will mark three years from the start of the full-scale invasion. Demonstrations in support of Ukraine will be held all across the world this Saturday, Feb 22 and the following Monday. We hope that you will join our team at these rallies.

Our teams are always pushing toward the most dangerous areas, getting as close to the front line as possible.

The Ukrainian military is stepping up conscription.

The US government has stopped all humanitarian aid to Ukraine. UTC does not rely on government grants, but we do rely on the generosity of our donors. We hope that you will continue your support. Please consider sharing our newsletter with at least one new person, even if they aren’t able to donate. Please also follow us on social media, including our newest Bluesky account @ukrainetrustchain.bsky.social. And, f you have an idea for a discussion, or would like to host a fundraiser, let us know! 

Along with everyone connected to Ukraine, we are anxiously awaiting to see if there will be major shifts in US policy toward the war. In the meantime, nothing has changed. Frontline communities are shelled with predictable regularity and diligence; nightly sirens in all the major cities wake our volunteers up from sleep; and our teams continue their work, drilling wells, delivering water, distributing essential supplies, and rescuing people from towns about to be razed by the enemy. 

Thanks to our six incredible match drive sponsors and our amazing community we have collected over $130,000 for Ukraine since we announced the drive in our Newsletter on December 12. We are so grateful for your continued support of Ukraine and our efforts!

We keep track of the number of trips teams take to high-risk areas, but how do you account for someone who permanently stays in the area of danger, who lives there in order to be closer to the people who need help? Sasha Ushkan survived the occupation of Kherson and now devotes all his energies to helping Khersonians.

Our Ukrainian volunteers send their regards and heartwarming wishes to our entire community. We are all incredibly grateful for your support and your care. Thank you and happy new year! May 2025 bring justice and peace.

Thanks to your support, we’ve now raised $40,300 — about 62% of our $65,000 match drive goal. Thank you, and please keep spreading the word to your communities. Donations from existing donors are matched at 100%. Donations from new donors are matched at 200%.

Thanks to your support, we’ve already raised $13,500 — about 21% of our $65,000 goal. Every donation (prior donors matched at 100%, new donors matched at 200%) is making a tangible impact on the critical evacuations and humanitarian aid in Ukraine. There’s still time to double or triple the impact of your contribution, so please continue sharing this opportunity with your network and help us reach our goal. 

Today we are launching a match drive with $65,000 in sponsorships from generous supporters. Donations from prior donors will be matched 100%; donation from new donors will be matched at 200% until we reach $65,000! Your contributions will directly support critical evacuations and humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Please share information about this match drive.

Thank you for the outpouring of support we received on Giving Tuesday. We are grateful for every donation, and every mention of our organization on social media. Giving Tuesday starts a five-week period that is important for all non-profits, as families across the US finalize their charitable giving plans for the year.

This week our UTC community suffered a terrible loss. During firewood distributions near Ochakiv, an FPV drone wounded volunteers Vladyslav and Artur Kucheriavenko, father and son. Artur, who was only 30, died in the Ochakiv ICU hours later.