The Largest Donors to the Ukrainian Armed Forces: who donated and how much

To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).

Charitable Foundations and Initiatives that raise funds from donors

Serhiy Prytula Foundation – UAH 7.2 billion in aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (UAH 2.2 billion in 2024)

Serhiy Prytula Foundation is a Ukrainian charitable organization founded in July 2020 by Serhiy Prytula. It specializes in helping the Ukrainian Defense Forces and those affected by the Russian-Ukrainian war, providing the military with cars, drones, thermal imagers, radios, equipment, and medicines.

Key projects and achievements:

  • Reconnaissance satellite: In August 2022, a satellite from ICEYE was leased for UAH 600 million.
  • Drones: In 2022, UAH 700 million was raised for UAVs. A PD-2 complex was purchased for more than UAH 44 million, which was received from the sale of Eurovision 2022 trophies.
  • “People’s Bayraktar”: In just three days, they raised UAH 600 million for Bayraktar TB2 drones. The manufacturer provided the drones for free, so the funds were used for other needs of the Armed Forces.
  • “Hell’s Cars”: A project to purchase cars for the military. The proceeds from the auction of Maria Prymachenko’s painting were used to purchase 125 minibuses. 
  • “People’s Spartan”: In November 2022, funds were raised for 101 armored personnel carriers of various models.

Other Initiatives:

  • In 2023, the foundation provided a sludge pumping machine to rescue workers in Kherson after Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant explosion.
  • In 2023, launched the podcast “Gurtom ta Vshchent” with Anton Tymoshenko.
  • In September 2024, Prytula Foundation U.S.A. started his work to help the de-occupied regions of Ukraine.

Come Back Alive – UAH 14.9 billion since the beginning of the full-scale war (UAH 4.4 billion in 2024)

Come Back Alive is a charitable foundation that has been professionally supporting the Ukrainian army since 2014. Additionally, the Come Back Alive Initiative Center works to strengthen Ukraine’s security and defense capabilities.

Main activities:

  • Equipment procurement: Thermal imaging optics, drones, vehicles, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems.
  • Strike UAV system: First charitable organization in Ukraine authorized to purchase and import military goods, including Bayraktar TB2 UAVs.
  • Weapons and vehicles: Acquired 12 specialized armored vehicles and over 4,600 units of infantry weapons (mortars, machine guns, grenade launchers).
  • Training programs: Trained over 10,000 highly skilled military specialists, including sappers, snipers, drone operators, and infantry weapons experts. Training in providing first aid, deployment of tactical medicine training complexes in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 
  • Support for Secret Missions, which will be disclosed after Ukraine’s victory.

United24 – UAH 38.2 billion raised

United24 is a global fundraising initiative launched on May 5, 2022, during the Russian-Ukrainian War. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is responsible for promoting the national brand and developing its concept.

The goal of the initiative is to create a “single window” for collecting donations from charitable organizations, international partners and citizens to support Ukraine in several key areas:

  • Support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine
  • Humanitarian and medical assistance, support for children
  • Infrastructure restoration
  • Digital and information counteraction to aggression
  • Accelerating of Ukraine’s integration into the international digital space

In addition, the initiative involves conducting an information campaign in Ukraine and abroad to promote the national brand “UNITED24”, as well as dissemination of information during international events and meetings.

Businesses and Foundations Donating Their Own Funds or Using Mixed Sources of Financing

 

SCM (Rinat Akhmetov) – UAH 11.3 billion for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and war victims since the full-scale invasion

SCM is Ukraine’s largest investment group, operating globally. The company invests in:

  • Mining and metallurgy (via Metinvest B.V. in the Netherlands)
  • Energy (DTEK B.V. in the Netherlands)
  • Mineral extraction
  • Finance (PUMB Bank)
  • Telecommunications (Ukrtelecom)
  • Retail (TSUM Kyiv)
  • Agriculture (HarvEast)
  • Transport and logistics (Lemtrans and Portinvest)

SCM operates in Ukraine, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Italy, Bulgaria, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. The owner and investor of SCM is Rinat Akhmetov, a well-known Ukrainian businessman and philanthropist.

“Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front” – a special initiative aimed at supporting Ukrainian soldiers during the full-scale war. Main Activities:

  • Production and supply of defense equipment to protect military personnel
  • Manufacturing armored steel for bulletproof vests, shelters, and protective equipment for military vehicles

Total aid from Rinat Akhmetov for Ukraine’s defense and humanitarian needs exceeds UAH 11 billion.

Shakhtar Football Club. The club provides systematic assistance in several areas:

  • Supporting youth football, athletes, internally displaced persons, and war victims
  • Funding medical treatment for Azovstal defenders and other Ukrainian soldiers in the US, Spain, Israel, and Ukraine

Total aid from FC “Shakhtar” in 2024 exceeds UAH 27.6 million.

“Heart of Azovstal”: Support for Ukrainian Defenders

A significant place in the assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine belongs to the “Heart of Azovstal” initiative, founded by Rinat Akhmetov in February 2023 as part of the “Steel Front” project. It has become a powerful support for the Ukrainian military: during this time, more than 7,000 defenders of Mariupol have been reached and more than 22,000 types of assistance have been provided. Efforts have been focused on the most important aspects – medical rehabilitation, social adaptation, legal support and the fight for the liberation of prisoners of war.

Medical aid and rehabilitation

One of the main areas of the initiative’s work is providing medical assistance and rehabilitation for wounded soldiers. Thanks to the project, more than 200 complex surgeries have been performed, and 1,691 defenders have received physical and psychological rehabilitation. Special attention is paid to those who need prosthetics to help military personnel return to active life.

Education and new opportunities

The reintegration of defenders into civilian life is another key priority. To achieve this, the initiative helps military personnel acquire new professions and undergo retraining. Half a thousand defenders have already taken advantage of this opportunity, receiving the education and necessary skills for work in the civilian sector.

Legal assistance

Many military servicemen face difficulties in bureaucratic matters, so “Heart of Azovstal” provides free legal assistance, including:

  • Consultations on obtaining the status of combatant
  • Assistance in restoring lost documents
  • Assistance in obtaining financial compensation and benefits

Thanks to this support, defenders can resolve administrative issues more efficiently and focus on their recovery

Housing assistance 

Many Ukrainian soldiers have either lost their homes or have never had their own housing. The initiative launched the “At Home” program, under which 200 defenders of Mariupol with Group I and II disabilities received their own apartments. This is not just housing — it is an opportunity to start a new life in comfortable conditions after the horrors of war.

Fighting for the Release of Prisoners of War (POWs)

One of the priorities of the initiative remains the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war. “Heart of Azovstal” actively conducts advocacy activities both in Ukraine and abroad to draw the attention of the international community to this problem. Defenders who remain in captivity must be returned home, and the project team is doing everything possible to speed up this process.

Cooperation with international partners and sports rehabilitationReturning to active life involves not only medical and psychological support but also social adaptation. Sports play an important role in this process, helping to restore physical strength and self-confidence.Thanks to the initiative:

  • More than 750 military personnel have participated in sports competitions and rehabilitation programs;
  • 22 defenders of Mariupol were able to conquer the peaks of the Carpathians, proving that there are no obstacles that cannot be overcome.

The “Heart of Azovstal” initiative is an example of how to effectively help our heroes, changing their lives for the better. So far, Ukrainian defenders have received 1.6 billion UAH within the initiative.

Rinat Akhmetov’s “Steel Front” demonstrates that even in the most challenging times, Ukrainian business invests in the future, believes in victory, and works for the country’s reconstruction.

Business and foundations of Victor Pinchuk – 5.77 billion UAH as of February 2024. Part of the funds has been raised through the charitable foundation.

Victor Pinchuk Foundation is an independent international private organization founded in 2006. The Foundation’s goal is to provide opportunities for the younger generation to influence positive changes in Ukraine and the world.

Key initiatives:

  • RECOVERY – a national project for rehabilitation, prosthetics, and treatment of the wounded;
  • “Cradles of Hope” – a network of neonatal centers;
  • Zavtra.UA – the largest private scholarship program in Ukraine;
  • WorldWideStudies – support for Ukrainian students abroad;
  • Veteran Hub – an open space for veterans;
  • PinchukArtCentre – an art center that promotes contemporary art.

Other areas of activity:

  • Yalta European Strategy (YES) – a forum for discussing Ukraine’s European perspective;
  • A crowdfunding platform for uniting Ukrainian society around good causes.

Petro Poroshenko Foundation and “Sprava Hromad” – 6.2 billion UAH as of November 2024

Petro Poroshenko Foundation and the public organization “Sprava Hromad” have been actively supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Key areas of support:

  • Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs): 4,000 FPV drones with batteries;
  • Vehicles: 804 truck tires, 27 ATVs, 8 excavators, 4 DAF Leyland trucks, 2 buses, 2 command-staff vehicles, 2 DAF YA trucks;
  • Communication and electronic warfare (EW) equipment: 254 “Vanilnyi Tsukorok” drone detectors, 48 “Shatro” trench EW complexes, 8 Starlink systems;
  • Energy equipment: 210 generators, 12 Bluetti charging stations;
  • Other equipment: 207 Mavic 3 drones, 45 Mavic 3T drones, 7 laundry and shower complexes, 6 motorboats.

The public organization “Sprava Hromad” additionally provides the military with radios, tablets, walkie-talkies, and other essential equipment.

“Epicentr” – 5 billion UAH (as of April 2024)

Epicentr K” is a leading Ukrainian retail specializing in construction materials, home and garden products, household appliances, and other consumer goods.

Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, “Epicentr” has been actively supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and implementing several humanitarian projects.

  • Financial support for the AFU and humanitarian aid
    The company has provided over 2 billion UAH in assistance for humanitarian needs and military support.
  • Humanitarian hubs
    Epicenter established three humanitarian hubs to supply the AFU, territorial defense forces, and civilians with essential goods.
    In partnership with the Kyiv City State Administration, a hub was launched in February 2022, processing over 21 million kilograms of aid for Kyiv, Bucha, Irpin, and Chernihiv.
  • Medical assistance
    As part of the “Saving Lives” charity initiative, the company funded and delivered 76 ambulances and armored medical vehicles for emergency medical services and combat medics, totaling over 203 million UAH.
  • Humanitarian demining
    “Epicentr” has joined the “Humanitarian Demining” initiative by United24, allocating 1 million US dollars for the first batch of armored demining vehicles, which will help specialists clear mined areas faster and more safely.
  • Support for the population
    The company collaborates with local authorities to meet the needs of hospitals, bomb shelters, and city residents.
    Additionally, “Epicentr” organized the evacuation of employees and their families from dangerous regions and launched the “Sharing Light” project, installing gadget charging stations in shopping centers across the country.

Shell – 2.9 billion UAH (as of April 2024)

Shell is one of the world’s largest energy companies specializing in oil and gas extraction, refining, distribution, and chemical production.
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Shell has actively supported Ukraine through humanitarian initiatives and financial aid:

  • Financial Support
    As of early 2023, Shell provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine totaling 74 million USD.
  • Support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU)
    Shell allocated 2.9 billion UAH to support the AFU and humanitarian projects.

OKKO – 2.4 billion UAH (as of January 2025)

OKKO is one of Ukraine’s largest networks of gas stations, offering fuel sales, related goods, and food services.
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, OKKO has actively supported the AFU and implemented several humanitarian projects:

  • Financial Support for the AFU and Humanitarian Aid
    The company has allocated over 1.5 billion UAH to support the AFU and humanitarian needs.
  • “Eye for an Eye” Initiative
    In partnership with the “Come Back Alive” foundation, OKKO has implemented several phases of the project:

– First wave: Raised 325 million UAH to purchase 25 “SHARK” reconnaissance complexes for the AFU.

– Second wave: Accumulated 400 million UAH for purchasing 100 automatic grenade launchers, 200 large-caliber machine guns, and 300 mortars for territorial defense brigades.

– Third wave: Launched in February 2024, aiming to raise 500 million UAH to acquire 10 “Pulstron” combat systems for airborne assault forces.

  • “Warming Up the Defenders” Program
    Since March 2022, the company has been providing free coffee, tea, and hot dogs to military personnel at front-line gas stations.
    As of October 2024, nearly 4 million hot dogs and 6.8 million cups of coffee have been distributed.
  • Support for Volunteers and Humanitarian Organizations
    OKKO supplies fuel to charitable and civic organizations involved in evacuations and humanitarian aid delivery.
    Since July 2023, the company has also provided fuel discounts for such organizations.
  • Restoration of De-occupied Territories
    The company contributed to rebuilding infrastructure in Kyiv region cities such as Irpin, Hostomel, and Bucha, as well as in Chernihiv.
    Educational institutions were repaired, and fuel was provided for reconstruction efforts.

“Smart-Holding” (Vadym Novynskyi) – 2 billion UAH (as of February 2024)

“Smart-Holding” is one of Ukraine’s largest industrial and investment groups, founded by businessman and politician Vadym Novynskyi.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, “Smart-Holding” and Vadym Novynskyi personally have actively supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine and implemented several humanitarian projects:

  • Financial Support and Humanitarian Aid
    Vadym Novynskyi allocated nearly 700 million UAH to finance humanitarian projects and initiatives.
  • Medical Assistance
    Vadym Novynskyi Charitable Foundation purchased ten ambulances for hospitals in Kryvyi Rih.
  • Support for Mariupol Residents
    Vadym Novynskyi Foundation allocated 10.5 million UAH for humanitarian support to Mariupol residents.

Other Significant Business Contributions

“Nova Poshta” – 2.75 billion UAH

“Nova Poshta” is Ukraine’s leading logistics company specializing in express delivery of documents, cargo, and parcels across Ukraine and abroad.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the company has actively supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine and implemented several humanitarian projects:

  • Financial Support for the AFU and Humanitarian Aid
    “Nova Poshta” has allocated over 2.75 billion UAH to support the Ukrainian army and humanitarian needs.
  • Humanitarian Mail of Ukraine
    The launch of a project allowing charitable foundations and volunteer organizations to send humanitarian aid for the military and war-affected civilians free of charge.
  • Support for Military Units
    The company assists 13 military brigades, providing them with essential equipment, including drones, radios, and generators.
  • Production of Ukrainian Drones
    “Nova Poshta” donates 2 million UAH monthly to the development and production of Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
  • Humanitarian Aid for the Population
    Collaboration with over 640 charitable organizations to deliver humanitarian aid to civilians.

Kernel – 2 billion UAH

Kernel is one of Ukraine’s largest agro-industrial companies, specializing in the production and export of sunflower oil and grain trading.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Kernel has actively supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and implemented humanitarian initiatives:

  • Financial Support for the AFU: The company has provided over 3 billion UAH to support Ukraine’s Defense Forces, including the purchase of drones, vehicles, and communication equipment.
  • Support for Mobilized Employees: Kernel supplies its mobilized employees with necessary gear and provides financial assistance to their families.
  • Humanitarian Aid for Communities: Support for territorial communities in the company’s regions of operation, particularly for those affected by the war.

Kyivstar – 1.8 billion UAH

Kyivstar is Ukraine’s largest electronic communications provider, offering mobile and fixed-line services, as well as digital solutions across the country.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the company has actively supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine and implemented numerous humanitarian projects:

  • Financial Support for the AFU and Humanitarian Aid: Provided assistance totaling over 2 billion UAH.
  • “We Live Here” Initiative: In partnership with the “Come Back Alive” foundation, Kyivstar has equipped 146 engineering and sapper teams of the Ukrainian army with transport and gear.
  • “Superpower: Support the Armed Forces of Ukraine”: A feature allowing subscribers to donate up to 50 UAH from their tariff plan to support the Ukrainian army. As of August 2024, around 80 million UAH has been collected.
  • Support for Medical Facilities: Allocated 20 million UAH for medical equipment for the “Unbreakable” center in Lviv and 10 million UAH for the reconstruction of the “Ohmatdyt” children’s hospital.
  • Educational Initiatives: In collaboration with the dobro.ua platform, Kyivstar launched a project for children who lost one or both parents due to the war, providing IT education to 340 teenagers.

Vodafone – 2 billion UAH

Vodafone Ukraine is one of the leading mobile operators in the country, providing mobile internet, voice communication, and digital services.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the company has actively supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and implemented humanitarian initiatives:

  • Charity Project “Good Deed”: A program allowing customers to exchange their loyalty points for donations to the AFU. Through this initiative, over 2 million UAH has been transferred to the “Come Back Alive” foundation.
  • Humanitarian Aid: More than 160 million UAH has been allocated for food supplies, essential goods, medical equipment, and direct financial assistance to the AFU.
  • Support for Military Personnel and Volunteers: Vodafone has donated smartphones, laptops, and other devices worth over 21 million UAH.
  • Uninterrupted Communication Services: Investments in restoring and maintaining network infrastructure under wartime conditions.

Nestlé – 1 billion UAH

Nestlé is one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, founded in 1867 in Switzerland.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Nestlé has actively supported humanitarian initiatives in Ukraine:

  • Humanitarian Aid: Over 4,200 tons of food products, worth more than 540 million UAH, have been distributed to support Ukrainians during the crisis.
  • Support for Children: More than 460 tons of baby food have been supplied to over 75 medical institutions and orphanages.
  • Investment in Ukraine’s Economy: Despite the war, Nestlé has invested nearly 1.6 billion UAH in its production facilities in Ukraine and launched the construction of a new factory in Volyn with a $45 million investment, creating new jobs and supporting the economy.

“Aurora” – 440 million UAH

Aurora” is a Ukrainian network of multi-brand discount stores, founded in 2011. “Aurora” now operates over 1,200 stores across Ukraine, offering a wide range of affordable goods.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, “Aurora” has actively supported the AFU and humanitarian projects:

  • Support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine: The company has allocated 124 million UAH for the Ukrainian military, providing essential equipment and gear.
  • Charity Campaigns: “Aurora” organized several charitable initiatives, including the “Cossacks and Aurora” campaign, which raised 3.5 million UAH for drones for the Ukrainian army. The company doubled this amount with its own funds, donating 7 million UAH to the “Come Back Alive” foundation.
  • Humanitarian Initiatives: “Aurora”, along with partners, contributed funds for 35 naval drones for the Security Service of Ukraine through the UNITED24 platform. The company also supports the Superhumans Center, a rehabilitation facility for wounded soldiers.

BROCARD – 282 million UAH

BROCARD is Ukraine’s largest luxury perfumery and cosmetics retail network, offering products from over 350 renowned global brands.

Since the full-scale Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, BROCARD has actively supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and implemented humanitarian projects:

  • Financial Support for the AFU: The company has donated 282 million UAH to support the Ukrainian military.
  • Support for Employees at the Front: 32 BROCARD employees have joined the AFU. The company maintains communication with them and continues to pay their full salaries. Employees in the rear regularly organize fundraisers to purchase essential equipment and gear for their colleagues on the front lines.
  • Humanitarian Aid: BROCARD has supplied the military with 12,000 units of cosmetic and hygiene products worth 4 million UAH.
  • Charitable Initiatives: In collaboration with perfumer Olga Yurchenko, BROCARD created the charity fragrance Soul of Ukraine. All proceeds from its sales are directed to the “I’ll Be Your Rear” foundation to support families with children from frontline areas.

COMFY – 165 million UAH

COMFY is a leading Ukrainian retailer of household appliances and electronics, known for its innovative retail approach and high customer service standards.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, COMFY has actively supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and launched humanitarian initiatives:

  • Financial Support for the AFU: On the first day of the war, COMFY transferred 30 million UAH to the National Bank of Ukraine’s special defense fund and another 30 million UAH in early March. In total, the company has provided over 165 million UAH in aid.
  • Tech Donations for the Military and Volunteers: COMFY has supplied the AFU, territorial defense forces, and volunteers with equipment worth over 64 million UAH, including smartphones, power banks, tablets, drones, and household appliances for hospitals and orphanages.
  • Charity Merchandise: The company launched the Dobro Nesesya (“Goodness Spreads”) charity merch line, donating 100% of profits to the Come Back Alive foundation.
  • Participation in Large-Scale Fundraising Campaigns: COMFY has contributed millions of UAH to various military support initiatives, including People’s Bayraktars and the Shahed Hunter project.
  • Employee Volunteer Efforts: COMFY employees actively engage in volunteering, organizing fundraisers for drones, radios, technical equipment, and military gear, while also supporting internally displaced persons and orphanages.

The contributions of Ukrainian politicians, government officials, and businesses significantly strengthen the AFU by providing necessary equipment, gear, and medical supplies. At the same time, companies implement humanitarian initiatives, assist wounded soldiers, support families in frontline areas, and actively involve employees in volunteer activities.

Through transparent reporting and a socially responsible stance, these businesses inspire public generosity and help unify the nation in difficult times. Their efforts demonstrate the power of collective action toward a common goal — Ukraine’s victory.

Corporate social responsibility during wartime is not only a patriotic act but also a crucial factor in the country’s economic resilience. Every hryvnia directed toward military or humanitarian aid brings Ukraine closer to victory and the restoration of peaceful life.

To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).

In just 1.5 months, Ukrainian specialists have created an innovative protective shell for the control modules of anti-aircraft missile systems (AMS) Patriot and Iris-T SLM. This development was another step in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, aimed at protecting key elements of the air defense system from debris damage.

Military serviceman of the International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine with the call sign “Paradox” is the crew commander of the American M113 armored personnel carrier. He is a master at using it and is constantly improving, because the legionnaire’s skills are tested every day in battle. You have to drive to the front lines, often under artillery fire and drone attacks.

Notorious supporter of the concept “in order for a cow to eat less and give more milk, it needs to be fed less and milked more” “Servant of the People” Danylo Hetmantsev, under the guise of “business requirements”, registered a draft law on the collection of VAT on all foreign purchases, regardless of their value. In other words, every Ukrainian, buying goods of any value and purpose abroad, when sending them to Ukraine, will have to pay an additional fifth part, or 20% of the cost of the goods.

Source: UJCU A Molotov cocktail was thrown at a facade of a synagogue in Mykolaiv…