Ukrainian World Congress launches “Heroes Lightning” campaign to equip elite Ukrainian special forces with Ukrainian-made drone systems

Toronto, Canada / Kyiv, Ukraine  

August 5,2025

The Unite with Ukraine initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Heroes Lightning campaign, a strategic fundraising initiative in partnership with Останній Капіталіст, Saint Javelin, and the Company Group in support of the 8th Separate Special Purpose Regiment of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces.

This united effort is focused on delivering advanced, Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial capabilities to Ukraine’s front-line defenders. At the center of the campaign is the Blyskavka “Lightning” UAV platform — a domestically manufactured, fixed-wing first-person view (FPV) drone engineered for precision strikes. Designed to meet the operational demands of the 8th Separate Special Purpose Regiment, one of Ukraine’s most distinguished Special Forces units, the system can deliver payloads of up to 8 kilograms over distances reaching 30 kilometers.

The deployment of the Blyskavka represents a major advancement in Ukraine’s tactical capabilities. Its ability to accurately locate and neutralize fortified enemy targets including underground bunkers and entrenched positions, significantly enhances force survivability and operational effectiveness. In the hands of Ukraine’s elite forces, this drone becomes a decisive asset in resisting and repelling Russian aggression.

“Now more than ever, Ukraine’s defenders require tools that provide a strategic edge in a rapidly evolving and technologically sophisticated battlespace,” said Andrew Potichnyj, Director of the UWC’s Unite with Ukraine initiative. “The Blyskavka drone exemplifies Ukrainian innovation designed for victory. Through this campaign, we aim to ensure our Special Forces are equipped to strike with precision, withstand the challenges of combat, and save lives.”

“Drones have long become a defining tool of this war — changing not just the outcome of battles for cities or regions, but the strategic dynamics along entire fronts. The more high-tech, precision drones Ukraine can build, the fewer chances the enemy has to conduct successful military operations. Drones save lives”, stated Valentin Krasnopyorov, founder of Останній Капіталіст. 

The Heroes Lightning campaign calls on the global Ukrainian diaspora and supporters of Ukraine to unite in support of this urgent mission. Every donation directly enables the delivery of critical technologies to those risking everything to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and freedom.

The war continues, as does our commitment. Together, we can equip Ukraine’s defenders to engage more effectively, sustain their efforts longer, and ultimately prevail. 

To donate and learn more about the campaign, visit: www.unitewithukraine.com/heroes-lightning