Ukraine Friends

February 24 marks three years since Russia escalated its war against Ukraine into a full-scale invasion—three years of relentless attacks that target families and communities, not just military objectives. This has led to immeasurable loss and unimaginable suffering. But those of us watching closely have also seen three years of extraordinary strength, unity, and defiance. Through every attack, every hardship, and every attempt to break their spirit, Ukrainians have stood strong. They have fought not just for their land but for the future of democracy, justice, and human dignity. And they have tried to maintain a stable and strong support system for the families and children who have suffered most. Ukraine Friends was founded in response to this invasion in March 2022, and we remain committed to supporting the families and children of Ukraine—providing critical aid, supporting those affected by war, and ensuring that the young people who have lost everything can continue their education and build their futures. We could not do anything without the incredible support of our donors. So while we regret that this war has lasted so long, the anniversary is not just a time to reflect on the horrors of war but also on the generosity of the thousands of people who have helped us help those in need. As the war continues, so does the need for urgent support. Stand with us to bring hope and relief to those who need it most: https://lnkd.in/g_AwMFBD #ukraine #standwithukraine #supportukraine #ukrainefuture #humanitarianaid #laptops

🇺🇦 This week, Ukraine Friends delivered laptops at the House of Defender in Lviv to more children who have lost their fathers in the war. Each family’s story is unique yet similarly tragic: a father who died defending his country has left a mother as the sole provider. Some fathers remain in captivity, while others have disappeared without a trace—all these children long for is to have their fathers safely at home. On top of the profound grief, these children face continuous disruptions to their education due to ongoing attacks. Amid difficult circumstances and limited resources, widowed mothers often struggle to afford the technology their children need for remote schooling. These donated laptops have become a lifeline—not just for education but also for online mental health support. Many children have shared their dreams for future careers and hobbies, now within reach thanks to the right equipment. Please consider supporting Ukraine Friends by donating to help cover delivery costs or by connecting us with companies that have unused devices. With your help, these laptops can have a second life—bringing hope and opportunity to children who have already endured so much: https://lnkd.in/g_AwMFBD #ukraine #ukrainefriends #standwithukraine #supportukraine #ukrainefuture #laptops #tech #education #humanitarianaid

This month, just ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Joe Sullivan, CEO of Ukraine Friends, traveled to Kyiv on a humanitarian mission to deliver laptops to children affected by the war—many of whom have lost one or both parents and are struggling with remote learning. Getting from the West Coast to Ukraine required a long two-day journey each way, involving multiple flights, trains, and car rides. During his stay in Kyiv, Joe experienced the reality of war firsthand, hearing the sounds of drone attacks every night. He was fortunate to leave the city the morning before a massive missile strike. Despite the ongoing threats, he was deeply moved to see Kyiv full of life, resilience, and optimism. The main goal of the trip was to distribute laptops to children in need and meet with local organizations working on the ground. Over three days, Joe engaged with community leaders to better understand the evolving challenges and explore ways Ukraine Friends can expand its impact. Read more about Joe’s trip and how you can support the mission of Ukraine Friends:

🇺🇦 In 2024, Ukraine Friends continued its mission to provide critical aid to those affected by the war in Ukraine, now finishing its third year. A key focus for us remained helping children who have lost one or both parents as a result of the war through our laptop delivery program, “Digital Wings.” In 2024, we distributed hundreds of devices worth over $100,000 USD to children who needed them for remote learning but whose families could not afford one. Every family we met — whether in person or virtually — shared a unique and heartbreaking story of how this war has transformed their lives forever. We are grateful to everyone who has supported our mission. Your generosity enables us to assist one of Ukraine’s most vulnerable groups—children who have lost a parent and desperately need help accessing education. Together, we can do even more to change their lives. Read more about the impact Ukraine Friends made in 2024 and join us in creating an even greater impact in the year ahead: https://lnkd.in/g_AwMFBD

This morning, Kyiv woke up to a massive missile attack that shook the heart of the city. The attack damaged multiple historical landmarks, residential and office buildings, and even foreign embassies. It left 630 residential buildings, 16 medical facilities, and 30 schools and kindergartens without heating, according to city officials. Falling missile debris sparked fires and caused destruction in the nearby areas, leaving countless lives disrupted. In the picture below, you can see a teenage boy holding his dog and a laptop. He’s one of many Kyiv residents forced to leave their homes and search for safety. Instead of going to school or getting ready for the holidays, he, like millions of other Ukrainian children, is facing the unimaginable challenges of war. Their lives have been turned upside down, with so many important moments of their childhood stolen by this reality. In these uncertain times, a laptop becomes so much more than just a device. It’s a connection to education, a way to stay in touch with friends and loved ones, and even a small source of mental relief when everything else feels out of control. Every device we deliver brings a bit of hope and stability to children in Ukraine who desperately need it. Together, we can help them cope, learn, and find moments of light in these dark times. Please donate to help us deliver tech devices to more children in Ukraine who desperately need them during these challenging times: https://lnkd.in/g_AwMFBD #ukraine #ukrainefriends #standwithukraine #supportukraine

It’s been nearly three months since the new academic year began in Ukraine, and almost three years since Ukrainian children lost the opportunity to live and learn in normal, peaceful conditions. Instead, they have faced the challenges of being unable to attend school in person, socialize with friends, or remain in their hometowns. Most tragically, many have lost a parent or relative to the war. The Ukraine Friends team has been delivering laptops to children affected by these hardships, and here are some of their stories: 🔹 Yustyna, 13 years old Her father was abroad when the war began, but he returned to Ukraine to volunteer in the military to defend his country and family. He was later killed in action on his birthday, fighting in eastern Ukraine. Yustyna and her younger sister attend the same school, which was hit by a missile, so they needed a laptop to continue their education remotely. They were very grateful to receive a device from the Ukraine Friends team. 🔸 Sophia, 13 years old Sophia and her family were internally displaced from eastern Ukraine to Lviv, as their hometown has been under constant Russian attacks since 2014, which worsened in 2022. In addition to her schoolwork, which has moved to remote learning, Sophia has been studying art and music remotely. Before receiving a laptop from our team, she was using her phone for these classes. Purchasing a laptop was financially challenging, as her father was killed in the war, and her mother has been solely supporting the family. 🔹 Yulia, 16 years old Yulia’s family has been deeply affected by the war. Her 20-year-old brother was killed on the battlefield, and her father sustained injuries that led to amputation. She now lives with her mother and was excited to receive a laptop to support her studies in college, where she is pursuing a degree in administration. Every new day of the war brings more children in Ukraine who lose their parents, changing their lives forever. Please help us provide these children with the tools they need for remote learning during these challenging times: https://lnkd.in/gnn8hCPT #ukraine #ukrainefriends #standwithukraine #supportukraine #children #education #laptops #tech #humanitarianaid

Today, we would like to share the story of a special laptop delivery, which marked an expansion of our program, “Digital Wings.” This time, we delivered a laptop to a senior with special needs after hearing his compelling story. Last week, the Ukraine Friends team delivered a laptop to Olexandr, who was displaced from Mariupol after the invasion began and the city was occupied. Olexandr had no access to a computer or television to stay informed or connected with his friends and family, so our team was happy to provide him with a device after learning more about his situation. He was very happy to receive the laptop, as it will now be his primary tool for communication and entertainment during these challenging times. Olexandr and his family dream of having their own house with a garden to grow produce for themselves and others. They hope for the war to end as soon as possible, allowing the younger generation to live and build their future in a peaceful, prosperous Ukraine. Please help us provide more people in need in Ukraine with laptops for online education and communication during these challenging times: https://lnkd.in/gnn8hCPT #ukraine #ukrainefriends #laptops #tech #supportukraine #standwithukraine

It’s been over a month since the new academic year began for Ukrainian students, and the majority have already experienced interruptions in their studies due to constant Russian attacks across different parts of the country. The upcoming winter season, along with disruptions to heating and electricity, is expected to make the educational process even more challenging. The Ukraine Friends team continues to support Ukrainian students by providing laptops to those who need them most—children of fallen heroes who are now relying on remote schooling due to the war. Here are the stories of some participants in the Digital Wings program who received laptops from our team last week: ▪️ Venianim-David, 11 years old His father was called to the Ukrainian armed forces at the start of the war and has been in captivity for over six months. His mother lost her job as she needed to care for him on her own. Without a laptop, Venianim-David couldn’t access remote schooling, as the family couldn’t afford one. They were incredibly grateful to receive a device, which will now allow him to continue his studies remotely. ▪️ Dariy, 15 years old Dariy’s home was struck by a missile during an attack on Lviv, and the family’s laptop was severely damaged. As a result, he was left without a device for his schooling. He was very relieved to receive one from our team, which will allow him to resume his education. We encourage everyone to support the efforts of Ukraine Friends in ensuring Ukrainian students have access to education during these challenging times of war: https://lnkd.in/g_AwMFBD #ukraine #ukrainefriends #standwithukraine #supportukraine #humanitarianaid #humanitarianaid #technology #laptops #education

Since I jumped into helping people in Ukraine a couple of years ago I’ve spent more time – both over video calls and in person – with two specific people in Ukraine than any others. I want to thank them for the support they have provided. Due to changes in funding circumstances we are no longer are in touch on a daily basis. Yaryna Taras and Volodymr Voroniuk are not just two of my favorite people in Ukraine, they are two of the most impressive people I’ve met. I’ve learned from them that you don’t know who you really are until you face death in the face. They, like every Ukrainian, do every day. But they don’t just face it with bravery, they step up and go out and put others ahead of themselves – too many times to count. Their spirit is what inspires me to keep helping and to go back to support them. Volodya and Yaryna joined the team shortly after Ukraine Friends was founded, helping with whatever the needs on the ground were: coordinating refugee evacuations, working out logistics to deliver goods, assembling Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs), and delivering laptops to children all over the country.  When we launched the Digital Wings program, Yaryna took on the difficult role of reaching out to applicants, learning their stories, and verifying their need for a laptop. She’s been the first to hear about the tragic experiences of families who have lost a parent. Every story about the family of a fallen Ukrainian defender that Ukraine Friends has shared started with Yaryna listening to families who’ve lost their loved ones to the war. I join her in meeting with families on my visits, but she hears their grief every day.  Volodya probably doesn’t think of himself as a tech expert, but he could get hired to run the tech team at your company based on what he’s learned doing our work. Through necessity he has figured out how to breathe life into used laptops that got shipped halfway around the world and somehow always gets them to work. He has always taken on the responsibility of checking each laptop before sending it out, making sure every device has a charger and accessories that will work locally. When that kid turns on their new computer and it lights up - that was Volodya’s magic. Volodya and Yaryna have handled countless other challenges along the way, always stepping up to solve problems as they arise. I’m so grateful we’ve had the chance to work together to help the people of Ukraine through these difficult times. The picture I’ve shared here shows Yaryna & Volodya with Katya Turkevych and me last December on a snowy night in Lviv when we hosted a party for a bunch of Ukrainian kids and their mothers who had lost their Dad/Husband in the war. Kat in the blue hoodie is also my hero.

Today, Ukraine Friends delivered laptops to the Children’s Hospital of St. Nicolas in Lviv. The hospital's recreation room is now equipped with 10 MacBook Pro laptops, offering both staff and young patients access to vital resources for learning and entertainment. This support is particularly crucial as education continues to be disrupted by the war, yet remains a powerful tool for hope and resilience in Ukraine’s next generation. Just a few days ago, Lviv endured a brutal attack by Russia, leaving 66 people injured, including 10 children, and claiming 7 lives. Some of the children affected by the attack were brought to St. Mykolay Hospital for treatment. It’s only been one week into the new academic year, and Ukrainian children across the country have begun it hiding in bomb shelters, without electricity, and uncertain if their town will be attacked by Russia again. Please help us provide more children in Ukraine with access to remote learning during these challenging times: https://lnkd.in/gnn8hCPT #ukraine #ukrainefriends #standwithukraine #education #mentalhealth #ukrainefuture #laptops