UWC launches ‘Birds of Freedom: Summer Heat’ campaign to deliver unmanned aerial capabilities to Ukraine’s frontline defense units

TORONTO | KYIV – July 16, 2026  

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), through its “Unite with Ukraine” initiative, today announced the launch of Birds of Freedom: “Summer Heat,” an international fundraising campaign dedicated to the procurement and forward delivery of domestically produced FPV drones and fixed-wing mid-range strike UAVs to four frontline units of Ukraine’s defense and security forces. The campaign is organized in partnership with Saint Javelin and The Last Capitalist (Останній Капіталіст). 

Unmanned aerial systems have become a defining capability in the current operational environment in Ukraine. FPV and fixed-wing UAV platforms now serve as primary instruments for reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition, precision strike, and force protection across battlefield environments. The ability of frontline units to field, operate, and sustain these systems has a direct impact on operational effectiveness, survivability, and mission success. Birds of Freedom: “Summer Heat” was established to address this requirement with speed, accountability, and precision. 

“As Ukraine’s defenders stand on the front lines, they are protecting not only the sovereignty of their nation, but the democratic principles and security architecture upon which the international community depends,” said Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress. “Through Birds of Freedom: ‘Summer Heat, our global community has a direct opportunity to support those serving on the front lines by providing mission-critical technologies that help protect lives and move Ukraine closer to victory. Every drone funded through this campaign strengthens the hands of those courageously holding the line for all of us.” 

“UAV systems are no longer a force multiplier for Ukraine’s frontline units, but a baseline operational requirement. As Ukraine continues to defend its freedom and democratic future, access to reliable, modern drone systems remains urgent,” said Christian Borys, founder of Saint Javelin. “This campaign delivers systems built in Ukraine, configured to unit-specific operational needs, and placed directly into the hands of the Ukrainian operators protecting  lives, holding the line, and continuing the fight for victory.”

Proceeds from the campaign will support the following units of Ukraine’s defense and security forces: “Rubizh” Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, Special Unit “Kryla,” Unmanned Systems Unit of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, 424th Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion “SVAROG” of the Unmanned Systems Forces, and Unmanned Systems Battalion “Bellator” of the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade. 

The campaign offers structured contribution tiers to accommodate individual donors, civil society organizations, and institutional partners. Funds may be directed toward individual FPV drones, fixed-wing mid-range strike UAVs, or a general donation to support broader frontline needs, including medical supplies and critical frontline equipment. 

Unite with Ukraine is an initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress, established to mobilize international solidarity into direct support for Ukraine’s defense forces and civilian emergency responders. Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the initiative has built an operational framework centered on rapid procurement, adapting to the evolving requirements of the operational environment of its frontline recipients.

The Ukrainian World Congress calls on individuals, businesses, community organizations, and friends of Ukraine committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity around the world to contribute to Birds of Freedom: “Summer Heat” and support the delivery of unmanned capabilities to those actively engaged in Ukraine’s Defense. 

To learn more or donate, visit: https://unitewithukraine.givecloud.co/ 

About the Ukrainian World Congress

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is a global organization representing Ukrainian communities in more than 80 countries. Through its Unite with Ukraine initiative, UWC has raised more than USD $80 million (UAH 3.5 billion) since 2022 to support Ukrainian defenders and emergency response units with essential equipment and supplies. These efforts have contributed to life-saving interventions and strengthened resilience among those serving on the front lines.

About Saint Javelin 

Saint Javelin, founded by Ukrainian-Canadian journalist Christian Borys in February 2022, started as a sticker campaign to raise funds for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. That effort has grown into a globally recognized brand that has raised more than 2.5 million, with all products designed and manufactured in Ukraine to directly support local businesses, manufacturers, and the people behind them. Saint Javelin has maintained a longstanding partnership with Untie with Ukraine, channeling proceeds into the procurement and delivery of critical equipment for Ukrainian frontline defenders. 

About the Last Capitalist

The Last Capitalist is a Ukrainian civil society media and advocacy platform focused on economic development and national resilience. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, the organization has expanded its mandate to include active participation in defense fundraising initiatives, partnering with international organizations to procure and deliver unmanned systems to Ukraine’s frontline units. The organization has led fundraising campaigns for Ukrainian-manufactured drone platforms, including efforts to raise USD $300,000 for the procurement of 350 domestically produced strike UAVs, establishing itself as an important partner in Ukraine’s defense support ecosystem.