February 2026
Dear Friends of Ukraine,
Many of you have probably heard the story of the sunflower seeds that are the namesake of our organization born four years ago: at the start of the invasion, a Ukrainian woman confronted an armed russian invader and told him, “Take these seeds and put them in your pockets, so that at least sunflowers will grow when you all lie down here.”
To supporters of Ukraine, the sunflower seed has become a powerful symbol of resistance and hope. Another source of inspiration is the tryzub (visible in our logo above)– which serves as the official Coat of Arms of Ukraine and a symbol of sovereignty and national identity. A third inspiration at the heart of our work is the Volunteer movement, which now involves one-third of the Ukrainian population. In fact, SFSU could not exist without the dedicated volunteers in the USA and our Ukraine team that processes requests and delivers supplies to Defenders.
Together, the sunflower seed, the tryzub, and the Volunteer movement form a powerful foundation for our mission. Beyond their individual meanings, they represent what is possible when people with shared values unite together and stand against tyranny and oppression.
Read on to learn more about each of these three symbols of Ukrainian resistance, to see your donations at work, help power up frontline Defenders, and get energized for the rally and other pro-Ukraine events. Or, read no further and click ‘Donate Now’ above to help Ukraine.
Thank you for being a part movement that fights for a better, more just world.
Kyle, Andriy, Slava, Ulana, Natalie, and all of us at
Sunflower Seeds Ukraine
Spread Seeds of Help!
P.S. WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! Please take a few minutes to complete our communications survey and share what resonates with you, what you’d like to hear more about, and how we can improve.
In December 2025, we provided a total of 1,432 items to 449 Defenders including:
211 individual first aid kits (tourniquets, chest seals ...)
394 protective equipment items (electronic earmuffs, knee pads...)
491 field gear items (backpacks, load bearing vests, pouches...)
455 uniform components (sleeping pads, boots...), including 375 sets of hand and toe warmers
256 other items (mostly binoculars and drone detectors...)
Among other items, the IFAKS and drone detectors remain highly requested by Defenders. Thanks to all our donors that contributed to our efforts this month–we appreciate your help!
The infiltration tactics, which are now commonly used on the front lines, means infantry Defenders must operate within remote kill zones at least 10 miles away from reliable sources of electricity or heat. The Defenders tell us first hand that they need ways to charge communication radios, satellite terminals, and reconnaissance drones as they operate in some of the most dangerous areas of the warzone. You can help them stay powered up:
$100 provides a large power bank
$500 provides a fuel-powered electricity generator
$1000 provides an EcoFlow portable power station
Please donate now to power a Ukrainian Defender! All contributions help, no matter the size.
For civilians, widespread blackouts–a result of russia’s targeted destruction of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure–has created an acute need for critical energy supplies and moral support. To learn more about how a solar panel can provide both a charging device and messages of hope, and how you can help create it - please visit our Solar Chargers for Ukraine project web page.
This February, as we mark four years since the full scale invasion, let your voice be heard at the Rally for Ukraine on Sunday, February 22nd on the Denver Capitol Steps organized by Ukrainians of Colorado; let your actions make a difference at the Solar Chargers for Ukraine Event on Saturday, February 21st at Fairview High School in Boulder; and let your awareness spark action by learning more at the Interactive Exhibit of Ecocide in Wartime Ukraine on Friday, February 20th at the University of Colorado Art Museum in Boulder. For more details, please visit our events website.
In January, we started 2026 off by generating support for Ukraine through music. Taken together, our volunteers reached 500 community members. Thank you to Planina, an ensemble specializing in folk music from Eastern Europe, for dedicating proceeds of their holiday concerts to Sunflower Seeds Ukraine!
We proudly co-presented YAGÓDY, a Ukrainian folk band from Lviv, Ukraine with Boulder's Dairy Art Center. These cultural warriors captured our hearts and showed us that Ukrainian resilience comes in many forms. A special thank you to Centro Mexican Kitchen for welcoming YAGÓDY for a traditional Ukrainian Kolyada.
For more information on future and past events, read our full blog post.
Recently, we were pleasantly surprised to receive a grant for general operating support for our work in Ukraine from the Johnson Foundation Of The Rockies. It is a private foundation focused on supporting education, philanthropy, and voluntarism, primarily in Colorado, Utah, and Montana. In the past four years, the Johnson Foundation has also provided urgent support to individuals affected by the emergency in Ukraine and organizations involved in the relief. Some of the past recipients include U.S.-based powerhouses like Razom in Chicago and Ukraine House in DC that are well known for helping Ukraine. We are immensely grateful to the Johnson Foundation Of The Rockies for this kind and generous support, and look forward to using this grant to advance our mission in Ukraine.
Four years ago, russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, expecting a quick collapse. Instead, it ran into something stronger than weapons alone.Ukraine’s resistance stands on three pillars:
The Armed Forces of Ukraine, defending the country with courage and skill.
The Volunteer movement, delivering what is needed, when it is needed most.
The will of the people, shown in everyday acts of defiance and dignity.
At Sunflower Seeds Ukraine, we work where all three meet: supporting defenders, empowering volunteers, and standing with the people of Ukraine.
Read more about each of the three pillars of Ukrainian resistance on our blog.
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD
Please forward this email to anyone who might be interested, or use this form to manage your communication preferences. The web version of this and all previous newsletters is here. For more frequent updates about our work, please like our Facebook page, follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our Youtube channel and Patreon page. Browse our website for multiple ways to help, or send us an email if you have any questions.
*The misspelling and lower casing of proper names like ‘russia’ in this newsletter is intentional and used as signs of disdain and disrespect. Similarly, the uppercasing of words such as ‘Defenders’ is intentional and used as a sign of respect and appreciation.
Note: Sunflower Seeds Ukraine is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 99-3371103) registered in the state of Colorado, in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by U.S. law.
