Demine the Path to Victory!

The goal of this new phase of this project is to give Ukrainians metal detectors they need to stay safe in dense russian minefields in the south. In some areas the mine density is as high as 3-5 mines per square meter (10 sq ft), leading to debilitating injuries and loss of life. Detecting and disabling these mines not only saves the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, but also protects the western mechanized equipment and vehicles they use. The previous phase of this project (see below) was focused on giving thermal monoculars to the 33rd brigade formed this year and deployed to the south of Ukraine. To help, please click "Donate Now!”

Previous Phase of the Project: Thermal Cameras

The Ukrainian military formed several new brigades, and the defenders in these units are in need of some key protective equipment, including thermal cameras. For example, a newly formed 33rd brigade has ~1000 defenders, requiring 20-30 thermal cameras or monoculars or one for every 40-50 defenders. The thermal monoculars vary in resolution and quality and cost $500-$1,500 each. These small pieces of equipment save lives by allowing defenders to see approaching danger and react before their lives are at immediate risk. Thermal cameras are one of the main optical devices used for tactical operations in a war zones, along with binoculars and rangefinders, night vision devices, and various kinds of scopes and sights. These supporting tools are used for seeing from a long and safe distance (4-5 km) and in low light (nights and twilight) when a lot of tactical action happens.

Why do we fundraise to help the defenders?

The standard set of equipment that Ukrainian defenders get when they are deployed to the front lines allows them to perform their basic functions as prescribed by old army documents written long before this war. However, this war is so new and different than anything people have seen before that defenders need new kinds of supporting equipment to accomplish their mission. For example, Ukrainian defenders are not being issued thermal monoculars, metal detectors or quadcopter drones as part of their kits because these tools are not specified as 'necessary equipment' by outdated army documents. Nevertheless, most defenders are trained and know how to use these modern pieces of supporting equipment. Please help them get tools they need by clicking "Donate Now!”

How will supporting equipment get to Ukraine?

Since the invasion began, we have established efficient supply lines to get gear to Ukrainian defenders as quickly as possible; we do this by avoiding logistical and bureaucratic pitfalls. We purchase the most commonly needed optical devices in Poland and Germany, where we have delivery stations, and send hard-to-get devices from the USA. Then, the packages are driven by volunteers across the border to Ukraine (using proper customs clearance procedures), and delivered to our hub near Rivne for distribution. The distribution happens through either the defenders picking up the gear at our location near Rivne, or our team members sending the gear to the near-front towns by Nova Poshta (New Post) where defenders can pick it up. Click "Donate Now!” above to support this operation.

Who will receive the supporting equipment?

The metal detectors will be distributed to a number of units in the south of Ukraine, based on the official request letters we receive and process through our web page. The cameras were distributed from our hub in western Ukraine to the newly formed 33rd Mechanized Brigade. It was originally formed in 2016 as a part of the Ukrainian Reserve Corps, then was demobilized. In 2022-2023, the brigade has been reactivated and is making a comeback, with a new insignia that features a wolf. We are in direct contact with the commanders of the Brigade. The 33rd brigade was deployed to the south of Ukaine before the counteroffensive began in June.

Why should you contribute to THIS fundraiser?

Sunflower Seeds Ukraine is an all-volunteer organization that responds flexibly and efficiently to the most urgent needs in the hottest war zones in Ukraine. We stay agile due to our small size, multinational team, and direct on-site contacts that we developed in 2014-2015 and adopted to the new realities in 2022. Working with small grassroots organizations like ours is one of the most direct methods to help Ukrainian defenders, which is much more impactful than donating to big organizations with equally large logistical bottlenecks. Support our work by clicking the "Donate Now!” button above.

Next steps:

Please click “Donate Now!” button to support this cause with any debit or credit card, GooglePay, or PayPal, and track the progress of this fundraiser on this web page. This page will also show your name and your contribution, or you can choose to donate anonymously. Once you complete your donation, you will be prompted to share this campaign on social media—please consider doing so and adding a personal note for your friends.

More information:

The mission of Sunflower Seeds Ukraine is to save lives by providing medical aid and protective gear to small groups of defenders, and humanitarian assistance to affected civilians. For frequent updates about our efforts to save lives in Ukraine with individual first aid kits, personal protective equipment, body armor, optical devices, please like our Facebook page and follow our Instagram account.

Thank you for helping to outfit new brigades in Ukraine!

Sunflower Seeds Ukraine

Spread Seeds of Help

Demine the Path to Victory!

Give metal detectors to defenders at the cutting edge of Ukrainian counteroffensive! Help ensure they stay safe in dense russian minefields of the south by clicking “Donate Now!”

Team Members