UWC, Prytula Foundation, and 412th Nemesis brigade unite in Ukraine’s largest-ever defense fundraiser for anti-drone systems

Kyiv, Ukraine

The largest defense fundraising initiative in Ukraine’s history has been launched to raise ₴1 billion (approximately $30 million USD) to enhance national air defense capabilities. The campaign focuses on protecting cities from ongoing drone attacks and intercepting hostile drones before they reach civilian areas. This effort is a joint initiative of the 412th Nemesis Brigade, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), and the Serhiy Prytula Foundation, uniting supporters in Ukraine and internationally.

The funds will equip frontline units with interceptor drones, essential communications tools, and technical equipment to bolster Ukrainian air defense units. Ukrainian communities from the United States, Canada, and Europe have already joined the campaign, highlighting the global solidarity behind Ukraine’s resistance to ongoing aerial attacks. 

“This fundraiser is a powerful example of unity across our global community,” said Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress. “Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine worldwide are coming together to defend our shared values of freedom and dignity. The future of warfare is unmanned, and Ukraine stands at the forefront of this transformation.”

Several leading Ukrainian companies have already pledged significant contributions on the first day of the drive including: Nova Poshta (₴20 million), Uklon (₴15 million), WOG (₴10 million), Astarta-Kyiv (₴3 million), VARUS (₴1 million), Dragon Capital, OTP Leasing, EVA, and Hotline.Finance (₴1 million each), with FC Metalist 1925 also joining the effort (₴10 million). 

Interceptor drones have become a cost-effective key innovation in air defense, dozens of times cheaper than traditional missiles and capable of neutralizing threats before they reach populated areas.“Interceptor drones are no longer just an alternative to traditional air defense – they’re a game changer,” said Oleksandr Yarmak, Commander of the Darknode Anti-Drone Battalion of the 412th Nemesis Brigade. “Our unit alone has intercepted over 1,500 enemy strike drones. With additional interceptors and technical equipment, we can expand our defense reach and save even more lives, businesses, and cities across Ukraine.”

Ukrainian miltech companies have developed advanced drone interceptors already proven effective in combat. “We thoroughly studied the Ukrainian miltech market, tested numerous anti-drone systems, and selected the most effective ones,” added Serhiy Prytula, founder of the Serhiy Prytula Foundation. “Our goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s defense from north to south, east to west.”

The first set of drone interceptor systems and communications equipment will be delivered to the frontline units including the 412th Nemesis Brigade, Signum Unmanned Systems Battalion of the 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, Azov Air Defense Division, 1020th Air Defense Regiment, SBU’s “A” Special Operations Center, 302nd Air Defense Brigade, 3rd Separate Special Forces Regiment, 12th Special Purpose Center, 194th Pontoon-Bridge Brigade, 195th Support and Security Base, 762nd Security Brigade, 45th Artillery Brigade, 80th Air Assault “Halychyna” Brigade, 22nd National Guard Brigade “Kyivska Rus”, and the 5th Border Guard Detachment. The program will continue expanding to additional formations across the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

The “One United Fundraiser” is a call for unity and resilience, inviting individuals, companies, and global communities to stand together with Ukraine.

To contribute or learn more, visit: www.oneunited.now 

About the Partners

The 412th Nemesis Brigade is a multi-domain unmanned systems unit operating across the Ukrainian frontline. It employs a full spectrum of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), from kamikaze, fixed-wing strike drones, and Reconnaissance drones to heavy bombers and interceptor drones. Since 2022, they have destroyed over $3 billion USD in enemy equipment, including more than 40 air defense systems and 3,000 artillery units. It’s Darknode battalion is one of Ukraine’s most effective anti-drone units, credited with intercepting over 1,000 enemy strike drones.

The Serhiy Prytula Foundation, established in 2020, is one of Ukraine’s largest volunteer organizations providing systemic support to the Defense Forces through the procurement of vehicles, drones, communications tools, and humanitarian aid. Since 2022, the foundation has implemented hundreds of projects worth billions of hryvnias, including air defense systems, UAVs, armored vehicles, medical supplies, and training programs.

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is an international non-profit organization that -represents the interests of tens of millions of Ukrainians globally. “Unite with Ukraine” — UWC’s global fundraising initiative, provides systemic support to Ukraine’s defenders with tactical medical supplies, armored transport, FPV drones, UAV systems, and other critical equipment.