**Ukrainian Community Rallies Around Veterans with Record-Breaking Fundraising Campaign**
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, the Kyiv Independent has achieved an impressive milestone in its fundraising campaign to support Ukrainian veterans. The community-driven effort resulted in the sale of over 1,000 “I Stand With Ukraine” T-shirts, generating a remarkable $24,500 for Veteran Hub, a Ukrainian charity dedicated to assisting veterans and their families.
This significant achievement comes at a crucial time for Veteran Hub, which faced a major setback earlier this year when it lost nearly two-thirds of its budget due to the end of U.S. State Department support in January 2025. The Kyiv Independent’s initiative ensures that the organization can continue providing essential services to Ukrainian veterans.
**The Importance of Psychological Support**
According to Kateryna Timakina, a mental health officer at the Veteran Hub Network, the donation will be used to fund critical psychological services for Ukrainian veterans and their family members. These services include long-term, trauma-focused psychotherapy and support groups, addressing the emotional scars inflicted by conflict. This vital support is particularly necessary for those who have experienced loss or are still waiting for loved ones to return from captivity.
**A Community Effort**
The Kyiv Independent’s Chief Operating Officer, Zakhar Protsiuk, expressed pride in the community’s collective effort, stating that this donation represents the biggest single contribution in the organization’s history. The successful fundraising campaign demonstrates what can be accomplished when individuals come together to support a worthy cause.
**A Tribute to Ukraine’s Defenders**
The Kyiv Independent would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to every person who purchased a T-shirt and contributed to this cause. This achievement serves as a powerful testament to the community’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defenders, and we are honored to have played a part in it.
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