If you type “Charitable Foundation” into Google, you’ll have to study the results all day, and maybe even more. What did I want to say to the world by registering two more foundations, and even personalized ones at that? I do not suffer from a “messiah” complex and do not seek world fame. I’m just a soldier who lost the opportunity to take up arms and defend my country along with my hands. Since the first day of the large-scale invasion, news of the occupation of territories or the death of friends has caused me suffering. I suffer from my own powerlessness and helplessness at this dramatic time for Ukraine. So I decided to do what I could to bring our victory closer – to help the armed forces liberate our land.
The fund’s executive board includes my widely respected Lithuanian friends Simonas Grybauskas – an acclaimed maxillofacial surgeon and philanthropist who since 2014 has been supporting the rehabilitation of Ukraine’s wounded defenders, and Aurimas Navys, a Lithuanian specops forces veteran with 17 years of service behind him, who developed Lithuania’s first doctrine of special operations and is now an expert in the fields of information, energy, and financial security.
We believe the Fund’s efforts must be systematic, targeted, and high-tech. Initially, we could be helping some small military unit, to increase its combat readiness, make it less vulnerable, more mobile and effective on the battlefield. After we win this war, the Fund should focus on helping our veterans, who sustained serious injuries and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders, to live a full life. In fact, this “full life” idea is key in this area of our work. I myself have walked this path to become convinced that losing your limbs is no reason to feel low or rejected by the rest of the world. Since 2014, I’ve taken full responsibility for my actions and that’s why I decided to put my name in the Fund’s title. Every donated euro, dollar, or hryvnia must serve good deeds – to meet the best expectations of our contributors. And it’s me who is accountable to each of you.
