Every day, the people of Zaporizhzhia hear air raid sirens. But most never see the work that takes place between the warning and the announcement that enemy targets have been shot down.
That work is carried out by the servicemen of the 23rd “Khortytsia” Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine — a unit currently fighting in the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk directions and ranking among the most effective in destroying both aerial and ground targets.
For a brigade that has spent five years in continuous combat operations, the key resource is not only large fundraising campaigns but also systematic support. That is why the unit joined the “Subscribe to army” project.
“Most fundraising campaigns begin only after a problem has already appeared. A subscription works differently: it creates continuous support instead of starting from scratch every time,” explains the brigade’s Head of Communications, Oleksandr Zapara.
From Mariupol to the defense of Zaporizhzhia
The history of “Khortytsia” began in 1992, and in 2020 the brigade received its honorary title.
Its servicemen met the full-scale invasion in Mariupol, Melitopol, Vasylivka, at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and in other locations. After withdrawing from temporarily occupied territories, the unit continued carrying out combat missions and is now involved in defending the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk directions.
During this time, not only the areas of operation have changed, but the nature of the war itself.
Today, much of it is a battle of technology.
What the city does not see
Most residents of Zaporizhzhia have no idea how many enemy drones never make it to the city.
“Our results speak for themselves. We compete with some of the strongest units in the country, even though our primary mission is maintaining public order. That is why we are especially proud of our unmanned systems operators,” says Dmytro Semenenko, Commander of the Anti-Aircraft Unmanned Aerial Systems Battery.
It is the UAV operators, crews, engineers, communications specialists, and technicians who perform work every day that rarely makes the news, yet without them modern defense would be impossible.
A war that constantly evolves
According to Dmytro Semenenko, today’s biggest challenge is not simply supplies — it is speed.
The enemy constantly changes its tactics, forcing Ukrainian forces to adapt just as quickly.
Drones are lost, batteries reach the end of their service life, vehicles require repairs, and equipment must be upgraded.
“UAH 100,000 is not an abstract figure. It can cover several critical needs that may help a crew accomplish its mission as early as tomorrow,” he says.
When people think about a drone, they usually imagine only the aircraft itself.
In reality, its operation depends on dozens of other items: batteries, charging stations, antennas, cables, repeaters, tablets, repair tools, and spare components.
These are recurring expenses that constantly arise and often require immediate funding.
Why regular support matters more than large fundraisers
The brigade explains that while large fundraising campaigns remain essential, they cannot cover every day-to-day need.
“Needs don't arise once a month. They arise constantly,” says Oleksandr Zapara.
That is why recurring contributions make it possible to respond faster instead of waiting until the required amount has been raised.
A subscription does not replace other forms of support, but it creates a predictable resource that can be used for the most urgent purchases.
Support the military can truly feel
For the soldiers, it is about much more than finances.
After large-scale attacks, many of them check their phones only after returning from combat duty.
“When you see messages from people thanking you for intercepted targets or simply offering words of support, you realize that the home front is standing with you. That gives us tremendous strength,” says Dmytro Semenenko.
According to him, support from people they have never met reminds the military that they are fighting together with the entire country.
That is why even small recurring contributions matter.
Dozens or hundreds of people donating UAH 50 or UAH 100 every month together make it possible to purchase equipment without which no crew can operate.
You can support the 23rd “Khortytsia” Brigade or any other Defense Forces unit through the “Subscribe to army” platform. Simply choose a unit, select a contribution amount starting from UAH 10, and set up a recurring donation. 100% of the funds, with no commissions or intermediaries, go directly to the brigade’s official account — where they can be turned into equipment needed for combat missions as early as tomorrow.
