The ongoing struggle against russian aggression has forced Ukraine to become a crucible for defence innovation, with the development and deployment of life-saving technologies now a mission of global significance. This spirit of international solidarity was on full display at the Estonian Embassy’s #Walk4Ukraine gala in London, where business leaders, diplomats, and supporters gathered to raise vital funds for Ukraine’s war effort.
Hosted by Ambassador Viljar Lubi at Christ Church Spitalfields, the event raised over £50,000 for British-Ukrainian Aid to supply armoured ambulances to the front lines. The evening stood as a powerful reminder that Ukraine’s allies must remain steadfast in their support, both financially and technologically.
Andriy Dovbenko, founder of the UK-Ukraine TechExchange, pledged to equip three armoured ambulances with world-leading anti-drone electronic warfare (EW) technology developed by Ukrainian company Kvertus. This advanced system is designed to protect both vehicles and medical personnel from the escalating threat of russian drones, which have increasingly targeted frontline evacuation teams with deadly precision.
“Ukraine already has the talent and real-world experience to develop game-changing DefenceTech solutions, but lacks the financial resources to deploy them at scale,” said Dovbenko. “By equipping these ambulances with Kvertus’ anti-drone technology, we are drawing attention of our allies to support Ukraine’s effort in building it’s anti-drone capabilities by funding the deployment of EW tech at scale.”
Kvertus, a member of the UK-Ukraine TechExchange cohort, is renowned for its innovative EW and electronic reconnaissance systems, which have already saved over 100,000 of lives since the start of the full-scale invasion. Their technology exemplifies the kind of rapid, real-world innovation that Ukraine’s defence sector is bringing to the global stage.
Ambassador Lubi underscored the urgency of continued international cooperation: “What happens in Ukraine touches us all.” The #Walk4Ukraine event, and the pledges made there, highlight the crucial role that technology and allied support play in Ukraine’s resilience and ability to outpace Russian advances.
As the war continues, initiatives like this demonstrate not only the ingenuity of Ukrainian tech but also the unwavering commitment of its partners in the UK, Estonia, and beyond. The hope is that these efforts will inspire further donations and collaborations, ensuring Ukraine’s defenders and medics have the tools they need to survive—and prevail.