1 in 4 Ukrainian soldiers want kosher, halal, and plant-based rations – survey

Source: Ukraine’s defense ministry

A recent survey by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense revealed that 1 in 4 of Ukrianian soldiers support the idea of adding kosher, halal, and plant-based meal options in military rations. Conducted over two weeks via the Army+ app, the survey evaluated food quality, packaging convenience, and the ability to meet religious, ethical, and medical dietary needs. Over half of the respondents gave the rations a thumb-up, with 51% rating them four or five out of five.

Deputy Defense Minister Dmytro Klymenkov said, “The survey showed that about 25% of respondents require inclusive dietary options. This underscores our responsibility to create tailored solutions that respect the religious, ethical, and personal needs of each soldier. We’re actively working on this and expect to show results soon.”

The Ministry of Defense and the State Logistics Operator plan to use these insights to update meal packs, with halal options already specified and further plans underway for kosher and plant-based meals. These will align with religious, medical, and ethical standards.

The survey also tried to figure out preferences for Ukrainian traditional foods, with high demand for kasha, borscht, and meat dishes, along with requests for greater variety, including soups, vegetable dishes, and desserts.

The Ministry said it will integrate soldiers’ feedback into new technical specifications and procurement planning for 2025.

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…