Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, ordinary people around the world felt compelled to act. In the United States, a group of dedicated volunteers came together, united by the belief that their collective efforts could make a real impact on Ukrainian soldiers fighting on the frontlines. This belief gave rise to Ukraine Defense Support (UDS) and the inspiration for the organization came directly from the battlefield.
Carl Larson, an American from Washington State, traveled to Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion, driven by a desire to support Ukraine’s resistance. A U.S. Army veteran who served from 2001 to 2004, including in Iraq, Larson had no prior connection to Ukraine but joined the International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine, where he served for nearly five months. "I went to Ukraine for America,"said Larson. "Because I believed then — and I still firmly believe — that Ukraine is fighting for all of us, defending all the world’s democracies."
"I started UDS out of desperation in mid-2022 to try to save the lives of the men I fought with," Larson explained. "Since then, I have unfortunately failed four of them. The official mission of UDS is to protect America's national security by defending Ukraine, but the passion that keeps me fanatically dedicated to helping Ukraine is born out of my determination to keep these men, and the civilization they represent, alive."
Since its inception, UDS has grown into a highly organized effort, operating with a leadership board of 19 members and a core network of over 60 dedicated volunteers — about 50 based in Seattle and 10 across the U.S. Since incorporating in early 2023, UDS has raised $1.28 million to support Ukraine’s defenders. The team believes that UDS empowers ordinary Americans and local Washington state residents to transform their anger and profound sympathy into tangible action—directly saving lives on the front lines.
For December 2024 alone, UDS delivered critical supplies to 12 different units on the frontlines, including mechanized brigades, assault brigades, territorial defense forces, and the International Legion. One of UDS’s most recent successes was sending a repaired Humvee ambulance to an American medic, Glenna Manchego (callsign: “Baby Doc”), who has been on the frontlines since March 2022.
"Our core strategies remain the same," Larson said. UDS is focused on “raising money to buy critical non-lethal equipment for Ukraine's defenders and raising public awareness to show Americans why supporting Ukraine is both a moral imperative and in our national interest."
To adapt to the changing battlefield, UDS has prioritized drones and electronic warfare tools, shifting focus from other forms of equipment. "We’ve shifted focus to drones and electronic warfare tools," Larson explained. "We are in direct contact with serving soldiers and buy the exact equipment requested, at the lowest prices, preferably from European suppliers. For equipment cheaper in the U.S., we have developed cost-effective transport methods to get them to Ukraine quickly.”
Delivering Impact on the Frontlines
Among UDS’s most impactful achievements, Larson highlighted both tangible aid and political advocacy efforts. "We've delivered thousands of pieces of life-saving equipment, including drones, Humvees, night vision, and medical supplies," he said.
Yet, the true measure of UDS’s success isn’t just the equipment — it’s survival. "The most important metric isn’t the gear — it’s the five soldiers who told us they owe their lives to the equipment we provided," Larson shared.
Platoon commander "Solo" of Team Jedi in the 3rd Battalion, International Legion, reinforced the importance of UDS's support. "I was with Carl in early 2022, serving as the battalion chief sergeant. Even after he returned home, he never stopped trying to help, constantly advocating for us and ensuring we received continued support," Solo said. "From vehicles and repairs to ghillie suits, food, night vision goggles, weapon parts, and scopes — the list of aid they’ve provided is quite epic."
Beyond direct aid, UDS plays a critical role in raising awareness about Ukraine's fight for survival. "To reach hearts and minds, you must first reach ears and eyes," Larson emphasized. "We've used radio, podcasts, television, and news outlets to amplify Ukraine’s story, but we’d love to do even more of this."
Norman, a soldier from the 109th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, highlighted the critical role of volunteers in sustaining Ukraine’s military. According to him, state support falls far short of meeting the army’s needs due to the scale of the war, leaving soldiers reliant on charitable organizations and individual donors for everything from basic gear to vehicles and drones.
How Other Volunteers Were Drawn In
Many who joined UDS were inspired by its impact and the dedication of its volunteers. For some, the connection was deeply personal.
"I joined UDS because I was impressed by the impact they were making and the dedication of its mostly American volunteers," said Lina Ngo, a Vietnamese-Ukrainian war refugee from Kyiv who had been supporting Ukrainian friends at the frontlines since the full-scale invasion began. "Seeing the direct impact we could have together keeps me motivated every day."
For others, it was about finding a way to channel their grief and frustration into action. Marcia Jacobs, now UDS’s Media Director, first met the group’s co-founders at a Ukrainian festival in Bellevue, Washington. "Until then, I felt like I wasn’t doing enough to help Ukrainians amidst Putin’s horrible, genocidal invasion," Jacobs recalled. "Every day, my heart broke for the suffering he caused, launching missiles and drones into apartments full of sleeping civilians. UDS gave me a way to turn that heartbreak into something meaningful."
With a background in journalism and nonprofit communications, Jacobs was invited to join the UDS leadership team in early 2024 as Media and Communications Director. Despite being a single mother and full-time nonprofit communications director, she devotes 10 to 20 hours a week — sometimes more — to UDS’s mission.
Volunteers also bring their own unique ideas, helping UDS grow beyond just fundraising. From ping pong tournaments to archery classes and garage sales, the organization encourages creative grassroots efforts to support Ukraine.
Charlene Kahn, another UDS volunteer, shared her journey into advocacy, "In the fall of 2023, I traveled to Poland to teach English to Polish children and Ukrainian refugees. Witnessing the impact of the war firsthand deepened my commitment to supporting Ukraine when I returned home.”
"After coming back, I sought ways to help locally and found UDS,” said Kahn. Now, I volunteer at fundraising and outreach events while also advocating for Ukraine at both the state and national levels. This includes attending the Ukraine Action Summit and engaging with elected officials to push for continued U.S. support for Ukraine," highlighted Kahn.
Despair and Hope
One of the most emotional moments for the UDS community was the release of Roman Biletski, the son of two UDS volunteers, after 31 months in Russian captivity. Roman was captured at the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol in May 2022. Many UDS volunteers were active in leading protests to raise awareness for the Azovstal defenders in Russian captivity.
"His parents, Valeriia and Roman, are wonderful people, and we have all come to love them," Jacobs shared. "They have seven other children and are now living in Bonney Lake, WA. Valeriia is currently with her recently-released son in Ukraine, and we hope they can come to Washington soon."
As Valeriia reunited with her son in Kyiv, she posted: “I will not comment. We need to do more for them. And I sincerely thank the Almighty that you are finally free!"
A Strong and Growing Volunteer Network
UDS currently has around 200 general volunteers, with around 100 regularly engaged in efforts across the United States. "We are raising awareness through events, rallies, media coverage, and social media," Jacobs said. "Those of us who are active also engage with others in our personal networks to highlight why supporting Ukraine is both a moral imperative and in America’s national interest."
Beyond direct aid, UDS has cultivated a supportive network of Ukraine supporters in the United States. "My friend Anna, our fundraising director, always bakes honey cakes for our events, which have become a symbol of UDS and Ukraine," Ngo said. "People come for the cake and stay for the friendships — it’s this kind of warmth that makes our group so special."
Another recognizable initiative within UDS is the handmade sunflower pins, crafted by volunteers. "Hundreds, if not thousands, of these pins have been sold for donations," Ngo noted. "They travel with us to different states, serving as a small but powerful reminder of solidarity."
Keeping All Things Ukraine in Focus
Anton Yefremov, Vice President of UDS, highlighted the organization’s commitment to cultural and educational initiatives to build broader support for Ukraine.
Beyond direct aid, UDS is also dedicated to preserving and promoting Ukrainian culture in the U.S. "Even though UDS does not run some of these events, we strongly believe that sharing Ukrainian culture and history is essential," Yefremov added. “Cultural and educational initiatives are another battlefield in our fight for Ukraine. Every time we share our history and identity, we are also confronting misinformation and persuading those who have been misled about our country.”
One of the most glaring examples is the Holodomor, the man-made famine that killed millions of Ukrainians. “For nearly a century, Russia has denied that it ever happened, and we must constantly present the facts to counter their lies,” said Yefremov.
Another deeply personal struggle is advocating for Ukrainians held as prisoners of war (POWs). “We are the only voice for those trapped in Russian captivity. It is our responsibility to fight for their return and ensure they are not forgotten.”
Beyond these efforts, educating Americans on why supporting Ukraine matters remains crucial. “Supporting Ukraine is not charity — it is a matter of global security and honoring past commitments. When Ukraine signed the Budapest Memorandum in 1994, we willingly gave up our nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia. There was no clause saying, ‘We will support you for three years and then pressure you into surrendering your rare earth minerals.’”
Ultimately, the informational war is just as critical as the battles fought on the frontlines. “It may not be as easily measured as military victories, but breaking Russian propaganda and making the case for continued support is essential,” Yefremov emphasized. “This is a fight we cannot afford to lose.”
Jacobs, the media director, described UDS’s primary goal as keeping Ukrainian defenders alive. "Carl fought in Ukraine in the International Legion in 2022 and saw firsthand how soldiers can die simply because there aren’t enough supplies," she explained. "Things like frontline evacuation vehicles, batteries for radios, generators, IFAKs — these are all critical needs that UDS helps fulfill."
"At the end of the day, our goal is simple–to help as many Ukrainian defenders as possible stay alive," Jacobs said.
Author: David Kirichenko