18:40, 11 February 2024
As Ukraine faces delays in receiving aid from major donors, non-governmental groups and volunteers are doing what they can to support its struggling military. Artist and jeweler Violeta Olinik has changed her occupation and now builds military drones to be sent to the front where her brothers and father are serving, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports.
Most read
Trump would encourage Russia to attack a NATO member that doesn’t spend enough on defense?
In a very ordinary cafe in Lanzarote, a couple receives a cosmic bill – five king prawns for a royal price
TEST: only 7 questions and we will guess how old you are!
Read other posts
“Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I was an artist. I went to artist residencies and had some performances in Chernivtsi. I create jewelry for private clients. It was more of an art than a business for me.
After the invasion, I started helping my brothers and dad who are at the front. In the fall, dad asks for drones. I started researching manufacturers and realized that drones are in high demand and there are long queues at good manufacturers. Therefore, when it came to the batch of five drones that my dad asked for, it was faster for me to make them myself,” says Violeta.
OTHERS ARE CURRENTLY READING
NGO “Dignitas Ukraine” runs a training program for volunteers who want to learn how to build or operate drones. The course is called “Victory Drones”.
“I’m taking the Victory Drones course. I also took the Drones in Every Home course. Watch the training video and order parts from AliExpress. While the parts are being sent, you have already learned how to make drones,” continues Violeta.
When these drones reach Ukrainian soldiers, they are armed.
The head of the project says that drones made by volunteers make a significant contribution.
“Unfortunately, when it comes to heavy weapons, we have to ask other countries to supply them, which is a political decision. But with these drones, everyone can make their contribution in one way or another,” says project manager Marija Berlinska.
Berlinska points out that one armed drone can even destroy equipment worth several million:
“People are happy to get feedback from soldiers when they say, ‘Your drone destroyed a Russian armored vehicle yesterday and it saved our lives.’ It makes people feel involved in forging our victory.”
“I’ve seen a video of my drone hitting enemy trenches,” Violeta adds.
In parallel with the production of drones, the young artist also continues her creative process, she continues to make jewelry in order to earn funds for further drone production.
Themes
2024-02-11 16:52:47
#Ukrainian #woman #jeweler #military #drones
