The All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Defenders of Ukraine unites military personnel, veterans, their families, and representatives of civilian sectors around a common goal — protecting rights and interests, supporting one another, and creating opportunities for Trade Union members to live with dignity amid the war. An important part of this work is the Women’s Wing of the Trade Union, which systematically implements support projects for defenders, their families, and children.

For several years now, the activities of the Women’s Wing have been supported by the band “SKRYABIN” — a reliable friend of the Trade Union that takes part in charitable initiatives and helps turn joint ideas into concrete action.
Recently, a charity concert by the band was held in Vinnytsia, during which UAH 20,000 was raised to support the “Give a Child Knowledge” initiative. Its goal is to help the children of Warriors prepare for the new school year and provide them with the necessary school supplies.

The lot at the charity auction was the flag of the 74th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion, signed by fighters who took part in the defense of Mariupol and spent more than three years in Russian captivity. From the stage, the story of the flag was shared by Artem — a member of the All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Defenders of Ukraine — together with his fellow soldiers, service members of the same unit, who also endured captivity.

“For me, this is not just a piece of fabric; it is a part of my heart. We carried it with us through deployments in Hranitne, Shyrokyne, and Mariupol, where our final deployment took place. After that came Azovstal and three years of captivity. This flag is being offered as an auction lot here to raise funds for the children of our fallen Warriors and our fellow soldiers who are still being held in Russian prisons. So I ask you to value it accordingly,” Artem addressed the audience.

For Artem and his fellow soldiers, this flag is not simply an auction lot, but a part of their shared history, memory, and struggle. Today, it has become a symbol of another important cause — supporting the children of fallen Warriors and the families of those defenders who are still waiting for their loved ones to return.

The All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Defenders of Ukraine sincerely thanks Artem and his fellow soldiers for having the courage to take the stage, share what they have been through, and remind everyone of the price of freedom and of those who are still waiting for their loved ones to return. Special thanks to the band “SKRYABIN” for their support, trust, and willingness to work together to make a meaningful difference.