A Week in the Field: UAid Direct’s Journey of Delivering Aid to Ukraine

The UAid Direct team has been on the ground all week, working tirelessly to bring much-needed aid to communities across Ukraine. Through our updates, we aim to share the journey of how donations from generous individuals and organizations transform into life-saving supplies for those in need.

The Team Behind the Mission

Our efforts this week were led by Dave and Konrad from UAid Direct, with a dedicated group of U.S.-based volunteers including Kathy, Rich, and Parker, who accompanied us for the entire week, and Laura, who joined for two crucial aid deliveries. Their contributions, both in driving and in supporting fuel and goods purchases, were invaluable.

Early Days: Mobilizing Aid and Crossing Borders

On Saturday and Sunday, Dave and Konrad crossed the border twice to deliver 17 pallets of donations, the equivalent of half a lorry, from partners like Ziaja, UK Aid for Ukraine, Andy Adams, and David Pryce. With the help of Nova Poshta, the goods were shipped from Shehyni on the PL/UA border to Kharkiv, ready for further distribution to Kramatorsk and beyond. These included medical and hygiene supplies from partners such as VanAid and UniSerge.

Aid Delivery: Reaching Vulnerable Communities

Our first major delivery came on Monday, when we traveled from Rivne to Poltava. We made two aid drops along the way, including One in Oleksandriya, Kirovohrad Oblast: Here, we delivered medical and hygiene supplies to our partners, who distribute them to local hospitals, including those near the front lines.

After a long day, we stayed overnight in Poltava, preparing for more deliveries on Tuesday.

Tuesday: Delivering to the Front Lines

Our journey took us to Kharkiv to collect aid that had been posted earlier in the week. Fully loaded, we headed towards Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, making our way through towns like Chuhuiv and Izyum—once battlegrounds, now starting to rebuild. Our deliveries to Kramatorsk focused on essential personal hygiene supplies for frontline villages, with support from both Ukrainian and international volunteers.

Buy and Deliver Missions:  Tools for Rebuilding

Through our Buy & Deliver (B&D) missions, we’ve been able to address critical needs in the recently liberated villages of Kharkiv and Donetsk Oblasts, thanks to the generous support from Plebeian Helpers and the invaluable logistical assistance from Mako. These missions focus on delivering essential tools, hygiene products, and food to help these communities rebuild and recover.

In Shevchenkove, just 35 kilometers from the front line, we delivered vital electrical goods such as extension cords, flashlights, and power tools. These supplies are making a direct impact on reconstruction efforts in this heavily damaged village.

In Balakliya, located 90 kilometers from the front line, we provided personal hygiene items, non-perishable food, and essential tools like chainsaws and trimmers to help residents maintain their homes and village.

Our time in these communities also gave us a profound understanding of the ongoing hardships they face. We were welcomed with a traditional Ukrainian meal, a gesture that underscored the resilience and warmth of the people who have lived under occupation.

We also made a significant stop in Svyatohirsk, where we funded the local laundry and purchased materials for cleaning brigades. This area holds a powerful story: during the occupation, the Ukrainian flag flew high above the local monastery — so high that Russian forces couldn’t take it down without risking their lives from Ukrainian snipers.

These stories of perseverance inspire us, but there’s still much work to be done. With your support, we can continue delivering the tools, supplies, and aid needed to help these communities rebuild their lives.

Final Days: Meeting Partners and Wrapping Up

We were honored to meet with Igor and Mykola, Kharkiv-based volunteers who have been instrumental in running UAid Direct’s B&D missions since 2022. These moments of connection underscore the importance of our partnerships.

On our last day, we delivered goods to Borova (25km from the front line), including vital tools for rebuilding homes and community infrastructure. With 4 aid deliveries and 4 Buy & Deliver missions completed, we successfully distributed over 25 pallets of aid across Ukraine.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who made this mission possible. Special thanks to goods donors like Ziaja, VanAid, UniSerge, and UK Aid for Ukraine, and financial supporters like Plebeian Helpers, Mako, and Feed the World. And a huge thank you to our volunteers on the ground, Kathy, Rich, Parker, and especially Dave, for their relentless work, logistical expertise, and unwavering commitment to this cause.

How You Can Help

Our work doesn’t stop here. We are always in need of self-funded drivers to help move aid, and sponsors to support our Buy & Deliver missions. It costs between 1,500 and 2,000 EUR to fill a van, and every contribution helps bring hope to those on the front lines. Please message us if you’d like to get involved or contribute.

Help Us Rebuild

Donate today to support our ongoing Buy & Deliver missions. Together, we can provide the resources necessary to help these villages recover and thrive once again.

Together, we can continue making a difference in Ukraine.