July 2025
Dear Friends of Ukraine,
Ukraine and its history were little known before February 24, 2022. Most people still don’t know that Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is centuries older than moscow. Founded in the 9th century, Kyiv was a thriving center of medieval Rus’—a powerful state that laid the cultural and political foundations for modern Ukraine. moscow wasn’t established until hundreds of years later in the late 12th century, at which point it established itself by colonizing neighboring tribes.
This early historical context and the following 1,000 years of conflict shape how many Ukrainians view the current war. Rather than a post-colonial struggle of Ukraine defending its sovereignty against russian imperialism, Ukrainians often characterize the conflict as a younger, aggressive neighbor trying to erase the identity of its much older, peaceful predecessor. In other words, it’s less like America fighting for independence from Britain in 1776, and more like the U.S. trying to colonize the U.K. in 2025.
In this edition of our monthly newsletter, you’ll learn more about Ukraine’s history, upcoming events (including the 4th Annual Dine Out for Ukraine taking place next week), how your donations were used in May, how you can help protect Defenders on front lines, how SFSU team member Matthew Dew makes an impact, and much more.
Thank you for being part of our community of supporters.
Together we are stronger!
Kyle, Andriy, Ulana, Natalie and all of us at
Sunflower Seeds Ukraine
Spread Seeds of Help!
In May 2025, we supplied 1,998 essential items to 430 Ukrainian Defenders, including first-aid kits, protective gear, tactical equipment, and uniform components. With summer approaching, military boots and hydration gear were in high demand. Drone detectors, binoculars, and electronic earmuffs were also highly requested. We continue prioritizing urgent front-line requests (fulfilled in 1–2 weeks), with slightly longer waits for those in training or rotation. A heartfelt thanks to the 230 donors who made our May deliveries possible—we’re deeply grateful for your continued support in protecting and empowering Ukraine’s Defenders.
This month, we’re aiming to provide 200 electronic earmuffs to Ukrainian Defenders on the front lines. Constant explosions and gunfire are leaving Defenders with lasting hearing damage and post-concussion symptoms that make it harder to stay focused and safe. Electronic earmuffs block harmful blasts while amplifying voices—helping soldiers hear commands, stay alert, and protect their health. We’ve already delivered over more than 3,000 pairs since the start of the full-scale invasion, but the demand remains high. A $100 donation protects four Defenders. Can you help us reach this month’s goal?
Next week, on Thursday, July 24th, we’re hosting the 4th Annual Dine Out for Ukraine. Over the past three years, this event has enabled us to purchase and deliver more than $50,000 in life-saving aid to Ukraine. Dine Out creates the opportunity for our supporters to come together across the Front Range to show their support for Ukraine. It is a way for local businesses to show their support for Ukraine by pledging a portion of the day’s proceeds to Sunflower Seeds Ukraine.
Be part of this year’s movement. Head to the 2025 Dine Out for Ukraine page on our website for a complete list of the more than 45 participating eateries throughout the Front Range, and make a reservation at one of them for you and a group of friends! Then, on July 24, put on your blue and yellow, enjoy a meal at a participating venue, and you’ll be helping us to raise life-saving funds. And don’t forget to thank the restaurant you choose for participating: We couldn’t do what we do without your support and theirs! Let’s spread seeds of help together!
To learn more, check out our blog post.
Mark your calendar for pallet packing on July 19! Volunteers are needed and welcome to pack our next shipment to Ukraine! Please sign up for a shift here.
Can’t make it this time? If you want to make a big impact in aiding Ukraine’s fight for freedom, fill out our volunteer form, and we’ll get back to you on ways you can help!
June Recap
On June 25, 2025, TEDxBoulderSalon hosted Ukraine: Stories of Innovation, Trauma, and Resilience! in Boulder, CO. We heard four stories that revealed how ordinary people confront war through courage, innovation, care, local leadership, and a shared passion for Ukraine. Speakers included Andriy Zakutayev, Roman Dzyvulskyi, Gaea Logan, and Sarah Wilson Sokhey. A special thanks to Stephanie Sladnick, who organized and moderated the event! Please click this link to watch a video of the event.
On June 28th, SFSU commemorated Ukraine's Constitution Day at Launchpad Brewery in Aurora, CO, with speakers Sarah Wilson Sokhey, John Jackson, and Chip Heldman.
To read more and for a recap of our June events, see our blog post.
Meet Matthew, who supports Sunflower Seeds Ukraine by helping run our online store. (If you've ever ordered a t-shirt or keychain, he probably shipped it!) Originally from a small town in Kansas, Matthew now lives in Superior, Colorado, with his wife and their 8-year-old son, who’s a big fan of Minecraft.
Despite having no personal ties to Ukraine, the stories coming out of the war have deeply affected him. “I can’t not help,” he says. “I cannot sit idly by.” After hearing SFSU founder Andriy’s interview on Colorado Public Radio, he made a donation, which then grew into committed monthly giving and consistent volunteer work. “In spite of all the horrors, that Ukrainians still stand strong and don't cower is incredibly inspiring and motivating to me,” he says.
By day, Matthew is a self-described “quiet, introverted dork,” working from a cube to “organize chaos” and keep the lights on. In his rare free time, he likes to putter around in the garden pretending to know what he’s doing while his family pretends to be impressed. To others considering helping Ukraine, he says: “Even the smallest good deed is greater than the grandest intention.”
To read more, go to our Patreon page, where we also post other exclusive content.
UKRAINE’S WAR IS NOT ABOUT LEAVING AN EMPIRE — IT’S ABOUT DEFENDING THE TRUTH
russia is the last empire in Europe, but it was never the center of Ukraine’s world. The war today is not about decolonization. It’s about stopping a long-standing historical theft.
Kyiv was the heart of Slavic civilization centuries before Moscow existed. It led the Kyivan Rus state, embraced Christianity in 988, and built Slavic literacy and law. In the 17th century, Ukrainians helped shape the Muscovite church and state, but their role was erased.
Now Ukraine fights not just for land, but for truth: that Kyiv is the origin, not the offshoot. Russia doesn’t own this past—it’s trying to steal it.
To read the full story, check out our blog post.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion over three years ago, there have been only two days in which Ukraine was not targeted with russian aerial drone and missile attacks. Recently, russia has escalated these assaults, launching record-breaking airstrikes across the country. June alone saw 5,337 drones launched, the highest monthly total since the invasion began.
These strikes have caused widespread destruction, including in Kyiv, and consistently target civilian infrastructure—schools, hospitals, and homes. Ukrainian children are among the victims, with many killed or injured in their own homes. As before, russia’s goal is to terrorize civilians into submission.
To read the full story with references, check out our blog post.
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD
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*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.
