In a significant development for Ukraine’s defense efforts, the Ukrainian Army has received crucial military assistance from the Come Back Alive Foundation, a non-state organization headquartered in Kyiv. This aid comes as the country continues to bolster its defenses against the ongoing illegal invasion by Russian forces.
The recent donation consists of eight 120-millimeter mortar systems and four Iveco trucks, which were specifically delivered to the 22nd Mechanized Brigade. This brigade, originally a Soviet unit, faced disbandment following Ukraine’s independence but was reactivated in 2023 to counter Moscow’s aggressive actions. The total cost of this military aid package was 11.7 million hryvnias, equivalent to approximately $279,644. Local electricity transmission operator Ukrenergo played a significant role in financing this initiative.
The Come Back Alive Foundation has been active in supporting the Ukrainian military since the onset of the conflict three years ago, with this latest contribution marking the organization’s commitment to the armed forces. To date, they have provided over 300 mortar systems, further demonstrating their continuous support in these challenging times.
The partnership between the Come Back Alive Foundation and Ukrenergo has yielded substantial results, with a total of 570 million hryvnias (around $13.6 million) in tactical solutions directed to the Ukrainian Army since the invasion began. Notably, about 210 million hryvnias ($5 million) of this total has been allocated in 2024 alone. Specifically, the 22nd Mechanized Brigade has received more than 165 million hryvnias ($3.9 million) from the overall military donations, as it plays a critical role in operations in Ukraine’s northeastern regions adjacent to the Russian Kursk territory.
In addition to mortar systems, the Come Back Alive Foundation is also focused on enhancing the capabilities of Ukraine’s armed forces through the provision of unmanned aerial systems. The foundation recently reported raising around 200 million hryvnias ($4.7 million) for a specific project aimed at supplying drones. This initiative has proven effective, with unmanned aerial systems assigned to the 42nd Mechanized Brigade reportedly downing approximately 800 Russian drones since its launch in August 2024. Moreover, 1,155 drones valued at 21 million hryvnias ($501,925) have been delivered to the 22nd Mechanized Brigade as part of these efforts.
The ongoing support from non-state organizations and local enterprises highlights the collective resilience of Ukraine in the face of external aggression, as the country mobilizes various resources to ensure its defense and security.
