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Following our successful meetings in Chicago, Dignitas Ukraine continued its important “Defense Technologies & National Survival” tour across New York, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina in early April.
These gatherings brought together communities, donors, charitable organizations, policymakers, and technology experts to deepen understanding of Ukraine’s critical needs and highlight the innovative technologies shaping the battlefield.
Leading the events was Lyuba Shipovich — co-founder of Dignitas Ukraine, Ukrainian-American activist, and expert in innovative technologies.
Key questions that were discussed
- What happens if the U.S. stops supporting Ukraine?
- How long can Ukraine hold out if U.S. aid was to stop?
- What are the alternatives to Starlink?
- What are the most innovative technologies on the battlefield?
- What is the real situation on the front lines — is Ukraine winning or losing?
Lyuba shared exclusive, first-hand information you won’t find in the news, giving a real, inside look at Ukraine’s fight for freedom and its breakthroughs in technology. She explained how drones, electronic warfare (EW) systems, and other new technologies are quickly changing the way the war is being fought.
Key Highlights
- Drone Dominance on the Frontlines: Lyuba explained that about 80% of all battlefield operations rely on drones — air, land, recon, and evacuation drones — some capable of operating over 20-30 miles.
- Growing U.S. Interest: More and more Americans and Ukrainians are interested in learning how to use drones. To meet this demand, Dignitas Ukraine launched new training courses on operating drones and assembling them using DIY kits.
- Made in Ukraine: A critical milestone was shared: Ukraine recently produced the first 1000 drones made with 100% domestic drone components, moving away from reliance on Chinese parts.
- Mobility as a Lifeline: Lyuba stressed the importance of Mobile Engineering Units for repairing drones — vital for resilience on the front lines.
- Protecting Civilians: While HIMARS and Patriot systems aren’t as critical for fighting on the front lines, they remain vital for protecting Ukraine’s cities and infrastructure across the country, saving civilian lives every day from deadly russnemy strikes.
But Ukraine urgently needs more of these systems, as russia keeps launching massive attacks with hundreds of missiles and Shahed drones at once.
- Urgency of Advocacy: Lyuba emphasized how important it is to speak directly with American communities and Congress, pushing back against misinformation and making sure the truth about Ukraine is heard.
Many Americans simply are unaware of the full extent of events on the ground, making these direct engagements crucial.
Beyond the community meetings, Lyuba visited three U.S. technical universities and several training grounds, exchanging ideas with experts and exploring opportunities for future collaboration. Many U.S.-based tech nonprofits and American veterans, including some who have fought in Ukraine, expressed their readiness to collaborate with Dignitas Ukraine.
Building Global Bridges
In New York, representatives of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) — an organization advocating for Taiwan — actively participated in the discussions, asking insightful questions and drawing parallels between global struggles for freedom.
Also present were members of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA), the oldest and largest Ukrainian women’s organization in the United States, committed to education, culture, and humanitarian aid.
In Washington, volunteers from United Help Ukraine joined the event, contributing valuable perspectives to the discussions.
A Shared Purpose
These gatherings were not just meetings; they were moments of unity and determination. We explored how communities, law enforcement, military, academia, small businesses, and startups can integrate lessons from Ukraine into modern public safety and defense practices.
At Dignitas Ukraine, we believe freedom and innovation go hand in hand. We’re proud to keep building bridges between communities and countries, helping create a safer, stronger, and freer world for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey!
