Missions

supplies and logistics

Directly supplying volunteers on the frontline with needed equipment, medical supplies, food, or financial support. We have volunteers who have used their funding or helmets, plates, plate carriers, fuel, vehicle repairs, vehicles, food, optics, scopes, winter gear, boots, uniforms, and night vision. Additionally, some volunteers have used funding for rent and utilities as well. We have volunteers actively waiting for donor support.

sponsoring flights

Sponsoring flights for volunteers going to or returning from Ukraine. Flights are focused on volunteers going to Ukraine for 3 months or more, or returning from Ukraine after at least 6 months. Many volunteers have the desire to assist in Ukraine but don't have the resources to get there. Some volunteers have been assisting in Ukraine for many months and don't have the resources to return home. Donors may sponsor one-way flights to or from Ukraine or round-trip flights. Many donors stay in touch with volunteers whose flights they've sponsored and offer ongoing support. Sponsors can offer one-time donations or sponsor multiple flights.

Become a Sponsor

Please donate here to enable volunteers to continue their missions in Ukraine. Sponsors can be matched with foreign volunteers, Ukrainian soldiers, or humanitarian volunteers. Volunteers cover many expenses themselves for food, travel and lodging while continuing to pay bills at home and accumulate credit card debt. You can also help volunteers acquire critical gear that directly contributes to the success of missions on the ground.
1. ⁠We match volunteers with donors for all one-time donations of $100 or more OR monthly contributions of $25 or more. Our preferred platform to connect the volunteers/soldiers with sponsors is Signal.
2. ⁠For one-time donations under $100, we gather all the donations via PayPal (see button below) and disperse them among volunteers.
All donations are sent to volunteers that have already been vetted and proved to be in Ukraine in a unit with a contract or working in humanitarian aid with an NGO.
We also have a flight donation program where you can sponsor flights for volunteers going to or returning from Ukraine! You can donate airline points or pay for flights with cash. You are matched directly with the volunteer and book the flight on behalf of the volunteer.
When you fill out the forms below, you will be connected with a volunteer. After connecting, you can discuss the volunteer’s needs and coordinate your support directly with them.

FOR DONATIONS UNDER $100, PLEASE DONATE TO OUR PAYPAL!

Protect A Volunteer Paypal

About us

The needs of soldiers and other volunteers in Ukraine are ongoing. In particular, there are many American (and other) military veterans who are volunteering to fight and assist in Ukraine. These foreign volunteer soldiers self-mobilize and spend much or all of their own savings to equip themselves and travel to Ukraine, leaving jobs, homes and financial security.
Protect a Volunteer is a program that matches soldiers and other volunteers with donors to assist with flight costs, life saving gear, medical kits, cold weather clothing, and other expenses. Individuals or a group of people together can sponsor or "adopt" soldiers/volunteers.
We have volunteers actively waiting for donor support. Sponsors know exactly where their money goes since we match them directly to volunteers. Volunteers' ability to get to and remain longer in Ukraine is directly tied to donor support. They can focus on staying alive and providing assistance, not fundraising, as many soldiers/volunteers are forced to do.

I am a self sustained volunteer who has committed myself to the ongoing efforts on the ground without pay, and I’ve continued living off of work I completed before I left the states. Volunteering here for months on end in Ukraine means for most that at one point or another we will all contend with one financial hurdle after another.
Sometimes these issues are housing, a medical emergency, or not having petrol and diesel to get where you must. Other times it can be training aides to make medical training more impactful, not being able to to replace components of your equipment damaged in artillery fire or small arms attacks, or simply not being able to get home at a moments notice due to a tragedy in the family.
Whatever the financial conflict volunteers may face, Protect a Volunteer is always here helping to protect and take care of us as we do our part to protect and take care of Ukraine.

MAURICE, AMERICAN VOLUNTEER

I observed PAV grow to fulfill a very specific, unique, and desperately critical need in the efforts to assist and provide within Ukraine.
The immensities of the war effort understandably over shadows a lot of great volunteer initiatives and more often than not, does not present a platform or voice for us to receive or campaign for funding (from within Ukraine or otherwise). However, PAV directly fills that need, linking willing and active donors end to end with volunteers working in Ukraine. In my case, it was less than a week from a virtual handshake with my matched donor to much needed funding hitting my account. This allowed myself and my team to facilitate travel, lodging, and other necessities fast and effectively.

I stand by the opinion that PAV provides the most streamlined, involved, and authentic network to get funds in the hands of people taking on volunteer roles within Ukraine in support of it’s military and it’s people. I hope to preserve and nurture a long lasting relationship between our team, PAV, and it’s incredible pool of donors.

DYNAMIC ACQUISITIONS, AMERICAN TRAINERS

FAQ

FAQS for SPONSORs

Are you an NGO or a non-profit?No we are not. We are a donor matching platform. We match donors with a volunteer directly. This is how you know exactly who your money goes to and you develop a personal relationship with the person you are helping.
Do I transfer my airline points to the volunteer so they can book the flight themselves?You don’t transfer your points to the volunteer. We connect you with them directly and you book their flight for them.
Is my donation tax deductible?Unfortunately it is not as we are not associated with a non-profit. Also, the airline points are gifted directly to the volunteer rather than Protect a Volunteer.
Are you a legit organization? How can I check?We are verified to fundraise in the largest Ukraine community on Reddit r/ukraine after completing their background check. We also encourage you to follow our Instagram page to see our past work and testimonials from donors and volunteers. In addition, you don’t donate until you are matched up with a volunteer. If the match does not feel right, you don’t need to donate.

FAQS for VOLUNTEERS

Can I bring body armor in my luggage?If you are bringing plates or a helmet, it is a good idea to complete this Customs form and bring it with you to the airport when going to your flight. This may prevent any problems with Customs officials.
I need to leave on a specific day or immediately. Can you help me?Because most flights are donated with airline points, some days will be blacked out for booking. You might not leave on the exact date you want. Unless your situation is an emergency, we do need some lead time to get you a flight donor. We are a small team of volunteers with full-time jobs and work as fast as we can.
I want to go to Ukraine but I don’t have enough money to support myself. Will you be able to support me?Please don’t go to Ukraine without having at least some of your own money for emergencies. While we do help many volunteers with equipment and donors offer financial support, this is not guaranteed and if you are in a foreign country with no money you become a burden on those around you.

Volunteers from around the world defend Ukraine. This one comes from the Blackfeet Nation. The message on his RPG means his arrows fly straight.

Ash the cat assists a volunteer medical evac team. While most donor funds go towards gear and supplies, some donors have been known to buy food and treats for volunteers' furry friends.

Each of the volunteers in this photo received flight sponsorships from donors. Without flight sponsorships, they may not have been able to travel to Ukraine.

Maurice is an American volunteer who arrived in Ukraine in April of 2022. Donors get matched to volunteers like Maurice to assist with needed equipment, medical supplies, and more.

This volunteer was in Ukraine for 9 months in 2022. During his time in Ukraine, he did not receive an income. Protect a Volunteer matched him with a donor who sponsored his flight home.

This volunteer spent all his savings to go and fight for the freedom of Ukraine. Protect a Volunteer was able to match him with a donor for a flight to return to Ukraine to continue his mission.