Ukrainian World Congress Delivers 900 FPV Drones to Ukrainian Defense Forces

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), as part of its “Unite with Ukraine” initiative, has successfully procured and delivered 900 First Person View (FPV) “kamikaze” drones to seven brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Recipients include specialized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) units of the 109th brigade, 110th brigade, 241st brigade, and 215th battalion of the 125th brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR-MO), and the 1st Separate Mechanized Battalion “Da Vinci Wolves” of the 59th Separate Motorized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“It was clear while in the Kharkiv region and in Izyum, where we delivered approximately 400 drones to the pilots from HUR, the 3rd Assault Brigade, and the 125th TDF brigade, that the situation on the front could become dire. FPV drones are needed now to give the UAF the best chance to hold back this latest Russian offensive when used in conjunction with other Ukrainian heavy equipment and weaponry. We saw that the Ukrainians aren’t giving up, nor should we,” said Andrew Potichnyj, director of the “Unite with Ukraine” initiative at the Ukrainian World Congress.

“As the Diaspora, we are obligated to support Ukrainian defenders now more than ever before as the situation on the frontlines is very critical. We must collectively view this as an investment in Ukraine’s independence, not just as a charitable donation,” concluded Potichnyj.

The “Unite with Ukraine” team, in collaboration with drone pilots from each recipient unit, meticulously selected orders of FPV drones from Ukrainian manufacturer Verba in 7 and 10-inch frame formats. These orders were customized according to the unique combat assignments, geographic location along the front line, and combat capabilities of the recipient units. They include drones, batteries, ground communication stations, antennas, and other relevant equipment and accessories.

“Our top priority at the UWC is to enhance Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities with all available resources. Drones and UAVs have become invaluable tools in Ukraine’s arsenal as we fight for independence. The future of warfare is unmanned, and Ukraine is at the forefront of this space. We are proud to have purchased all 900 drones delivered today from a Ukrainian manufacturer that employs Ukrainian labor, not simply because they are Ukrainian, but because they are of the highest quality available.” stated Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress.

“Currently, in the ongoing situation of extreme artillery and mortar shell shortages, FPV drones are almost the only means of striking, and they are the most accurate of all available options to us. A significant portion of the damage inflicted on enemy equipment on the front lines has been achieved using FPV drones”, stated “Tourist,” an FPV operator in the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade.

The donation, valued at over USD $615,000 or 24.5 million hryvnias, was funded by the “Santa’s Birds” joint fundraising campaign of the Ukrainian World Congress and Saint Javelin. It was supported by diaspora organizations such as the Lemko Foundation, Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce, Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Toronto Branch, Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations, and over 1,300 individual donors from 17 countries.

“Unite With Ukraine” is the global initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress focused on the procurement and delivery of essential tactical medical supplies, armored vehicles, drones, UAV complexes, and other vital equipment to support Ukraine’s defenders.

Since February 2022, the initiative has raised over $57.5 million from donors in over 70 countries to support Brigades of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Special Operations Forces, National Guard of Ukraine, the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, National Police of Ukraine, Brigades of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, State Emergency Service of Ukraine, State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Yavoriv International Training Center for Peacekeeping and Security, General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.