We’ve just won another appellate court case concerning vehicles transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in 2022 against the Dnipro Customs Office. Unfortunately, there are still about 25 similar cases pending... It’s sad and quite a mess.

Judge Alla Oleksiivna Pistun handled the case calmly, judiciously, objectively, and professionally. Everyone was given the chance to speak, and all witnesses were heard. Our entire volunteer network, including the “Osonnia Ukrainy” Charitable Foundation, is grateful for this fairness—it’s critically needed. The court’s ruling is fully in our favor and is not subject to appeal. All our vehicles are serving in the AFU, and so they shall remain.

Two representatives from the Dnipro Customs Office were present at the hearing. Referring to them as “units” rather than “people” might be more accurate, as these are the individuals who initiated and continue this harassment. They smile right in the soldiers’ faces. They have a quota for their reports and penalties. Even after the entire case was examined, all witnesses questioned, and the facts made clear, their final word was that they still believed the volunteers should be punished with huge fines. Asked by the judge why they should be punished, they simply mumbled and blinked, unable to provide a reason.

Meanwhile, these soldiers are defending them, their families, and their children—fighting in vehicles we personally purchased and repaired, with our EW systems and drones funded through collective efforts. They don’t care about any of this. They are true enemies of Ukraine, enemies of the state. Not only that, they have become personal enemies of hundreds of soldiers and volunteers. It’s time to make their identities known across the country. When I have the time, I will publish all their photos and actions. I have a lot of information on them.

There is no joy or euphoria in winning this case, because now I must rush back and get on with real work—providing and issuing EW systems to the front, delivering repaired vehicles to the AFU, traveling to the training grounds to test new drones, meeting a new wave of refugees from Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, and Selidove at our “Palianytsia” Aid & Logistics Center, and much more to truly help defend our country.

I face this reality every day. Thousands of soldiers and internally displaced persons turn to us for help. We are losing this war. Every day our men and women perish, civilians die. The enemy advances rapidly, leveling our cities, occupying our lands, and forcing tens of thousands into becoming refugees—refugees we meet and assist daily. There is no joy. None. I am saddened. I want to scream out loud, to cry and stomp like a child in response to the injustice happening. We shouldn’t show emotions publicly—it’s unprofessional—but I can’t hold it in anymore.

Still, I cannot allow myself to give up. Too many soldiers and refugees need our help. Too many systemic processes depend on us, including those for the military. Although I’m completely exhausted—morally and physically—without any vacation or days off in these years, at 5 AM tomorrow I’ll be on the move again.

That’s it. I’ve wiped my nose and I’m off again. We are still better off than our troops at the front, so we need to keep working. Moving along in the same circle—vehicles for the AFU, EW systems, medical supplies, hemostatics, a truckload of food needed for “Palianytsia,” distributing care packages, and much more.

So I don’t have to write this twice: we’ve handed over two more EW systems to our Warriors from the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade. Hugs to you all, friends. (Photos attached.) I’m now waiting on the 53rd and 93rd Brigades for EW systems and treats.

P.S. Soldiers—“STOP word” regarding vehicles! Right now we have 15 military vehicles under repair, from welding work to major overhauls. For now, we must say STOP. We literally have no space left! I’ll report back on the vehicles already repaired; there are many photos. And Makara, I haven’t forgotten—here’s at least one photo.

We continue fighting! And we will keep fighting—together!

Glory to the AFU! Glory to Ukraine!
Dnipro Customs Office
State Customs Service of Ukraine