International Fund Responds to Latest Directives
On 4 November 2022 the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine released a directive (No. 327) on the law “On the Basics of National Resistance.” The directive’s goal was the continued reform of the defense of Ukraine to strengthen the nation based upon the evolving situation on-the-ground. Accordingly, many of those battalions organised early in the war in Kyiv were disbanded so their equipment and troops could be re-distributed to strengthen Ukraine’s defense and security. As the Strong Nation International Fund was organised to support such units we too will engage in the reform of our efforts to re-direct our resources to supporting the Ministry of Defense’s directives.
Following our meetings and consultations in Kyiv we made changes to our efforts to conform to the general guidance we are being given by the Ministry of Defense and Government of Ukraine. This will not change our mission but rather redirect our efforts to support those units most in need of the resources we continually make available to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in support of its mission and activities. Indeed, the changes the International Fund has implemented will more directly support the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the frontline and respond to evolving humanitarian needs more rapidly and effectively.
A new mission is being planned for January 2022 to meet the needs identified during the November-December mission.
The International Fund
The International Fund began as an ad hoc effort to provide financial and logistical support to meet the needs of the Ground Forces of Ukraine and respond to civilian humanitarian needs. The International Fund is led by Lieutenant Colonel Miceál O’Hurley (Міхол О‘Гьорлі, Підполковник). Miceál serves as a General Representative of the United Council of Ukrainian and Foreign Cossacks for relations with international organizations, Supreme Otaman of the United Council of Ukrainian and Foreign Cossacks. Within the International Fund Miceál discharges the duties of Tactical Support and Humanitarian Aid Officer.
During November-December 2022 Miceál conducted another tactical support and humanitarian aid mission to Ukraine. Transporting more than 2-tonnes of military supplies and humanitarian aid for Ukraine in a Mercedes Vario bus the International Fund donated to Ukraine, the mission was directed at providing material support, assessing needs on the frontline battlefields and building further relationships with Ukrainian Volunteer Hubs.
Working with several military units Miceál served on the frontlines in Bakhmut and Kherson, delivering military supplies, humanitarian aid, engaging in an extraction operation and performing his duties as an infantry officer. The International Fund works to continuously extend the good will of our donors and direct their donations to those areas of greatest need. Working with our partners across Ukraine, in the military, volunteer hubs and in non-governmental organisations, International Fund operates on an basis of maximising efficiency, impact and accountability.
In Kherson Miceál received slight wounds to his face when a building he was standing next to was destroyed by Russian artillery fire. We take every safety precaution while serving in Ukraine and yet we are well aware of the sacrifice and danger incurred by the women and men fighting for Ukraine’s defense & security as well as civilians
Miceál also undertook his responsibilities as a journalist for Diplomacy in Ireland – European Diplomat. On one assignment he was present during a mission to identify and recover the remains of a Ukrainian soldier that had died on the battlefield in Donetsk in June 2022. His report on the recovery can be found here. During another report in Bakhmut a Russian drone spotted the team and they came under direct missile attack.
