These photos and videos were taken from my window this morning. A Russian missile struck Kyiv's city center, hitting just a block away from my apartment. The attack left 1 dead and 9 injured, with 4 victims hospitalized, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. It's a sobering reminder of the very real and ongoing impact of this war. Each strike leaves its mark not just on infrastructure, but on families, communities, and lives. For those of us here, these moments highlight both the urgency of continued support and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Living through this conflict means constantly balancing day-to-day routines with the knowledge that normalcy can shatter in an instant. It’s a reality shared by millions across Ukraine who continue to adapt, rebuild, and push forward despite the ongoing violence. The world must not look away. Every story, every image, and every voice from Ukraine matters. They serve as a reminder of what is at stake and why this war cannot be ignored.

Today my charity was conferred the Candid Platinum Transparency Award for the second year in a row! This award is given to less than 1% of all US non-profits and is a testament to the great work of the team at the Ukrainian Freedom Fund. As COO, I have strived to have our charity stand out from others in terms of impact, effectiveness, and willingness to deliver aid where it is needed the most. As Ukraine continues to fight for its sovereignty and right to exist, the work of UFF will continue. Follow us on social media or join our email list: https://lnkd.in/dtxw4kXt #ukrainerussiawar #charity #teamwork #weareheretohelp #efficiency

Everyone's wrong about Ukraine's defense industry. While America debates, Europe's locking up tomorrow's capabilities. I just got back from Tech Force in UA's forum in Lviv and what I saw changed everything. Ukrainian startups are building weapons faster than Lockheed Martin, and this is not hyperbole. They push 16 product iterations while traditional, large defense prime contractors deliberate whether the time is suitable to enter Ukraine. Let’s look at the numbers:  ❗ €4 billion projected revenue (218% growth) 🏭 75% of companies didn't exist before 2022 ⏱️ 3 months to operational production (vs. 3-5 years in the West) Here's what floored me: These founders collect battlefield feedback DAILY. Their reality is that the customer dies if the product fails. No procurement officers. No PowerPoints. Just brutal, immediate truth. Teams of twenty-somethings outpacing billion-dollar R&D departments. They've replaced our entire development cycle with WhatsApp messages at the warfront. Meanwhile, Western defense contractors are still arguing about requirement documents. And to make it worse, export restrictions keep 55% of the Ukrainian defense company’s capacity idle. Self-imposed export restrictions are literally preventing innovation that could save allied lives because of bureaucracy. Denmark gets it. The UK gets it. Germany gets it. They all had booths soliciting for partnerships. My prediction: In 5 years, you'll either partner with Ukrainian defense tech or compete against someone who did. The future of defense isn't in Arlington boardrooms. It's in Ukrainian workshops. Agree or disagree? #Defense #Ukraine #Innovation #Technology #Future #TFUA

The Danish Model: A Transformative Approach for European Support to Ukraine's Defense Industry Leadership in defense cooperation means rethinking how we provide support. Denmark’s approach is setting a new standard that European partners can adopt as they fulfill their pledges for increased defense spending on Ukraine. The Danish Model is a financing mechanism where partner countries pay for weapons production in Ukraine through a reimbursement system—covering costs after they’ve been incurred. Unlike traditional military aid, this model allows Ukraine to prioritize their most needed items while offering the flexibility to the donor country to choose a capability that aligns with their foreign policies. This keeps decision-making in Ukraine's hands, ensuring resources go where they're needed most. What makes this model different? ✅ Efficiency – Funding is allocated based on real operational needs, not donor constraints. ✅ Self-Sufficiency – Strengthens Ukraine’s defense industry rather than just supplying finished weapons. ✅ Transparency – European partner nations conduct oversight to ensure funds are used effectively, with payment only made after the Ukrainian army has formally accepted the items and attested they meet operational and quality assurance standards. But this model isn’t just beneficial for Ukraine—it presents opportunities for the U.S. as well: 🔹 Direct Impact – Investments directly strengthen Ukraine's defense industrial capacity while addressing immediate needs. 🔹 Value Alignment – A proven framework for European partners to demonstrate their commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty. 🔹 Long-term Investment – Building Ukraine's defense industrial base creates a more resilient security partner integrated with European standards. This isn’t just a funding model—it’s a strategic shift toward sustainable defense partnerships. Stay tuned as I break down other models and explore what’s next in defense cooperation. #DefenseLeadership #SecurityStrategy #InternationalCooperation #DefenseInnovation

Three years ago, I woke to the sound of war at 5am. Air raid sirens wailed as I grabbed my emergency bag and sought shelter. But what I remember most from those first chaotic days isn’t just destruction—it’s resilience. Those first chaotic days of Russia's full-scale invasion remain seared in my memory - not for the devastation alone, but for the profound humanity I encountered amid unimaginable circumstances. While coordinating defensive articles to frontline areas, I found myself learning far more from Ukrainians than I could ever teach them. I've seen manufacturers retool overnight for defense needs, strangers open homes when housing became scarce, and business meetings continue during air raids. What strikes me most is the unwavering resilience of the Ukrainian people. Even in the darkest hours, I never encountered resignation - only determination to adapt and persevere. As President Zelenskyy recently noted, "Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians." This resonates deeply with my experience. Every Ukrainian I've met is fighting not for conflict but for the chance to determine their own future. I remain humbled to work alongside a nation defending not just its territory but also the fundamental principles of freedom. #StandWithUkraine #HumanitarianCrisis #InternationalRelations #Ukraine #Peace