Celebrity Drones
Many celebrities helped us with fundraising for drones, delivered drones to Europe and took part in our Adopt a Drone campaign.
Below is the list of the celebrities that engaged with Defend Ukraine Appeal so far.
Boris Johnson, Former Prime Minister of the UK
During his visit to Sydney Boris Johnson insisted on meeting the Ukrainian Community. He had a video chat with the soldiers from the 22nd brigade that we are helping and signed a drone for them. A video overview of his meeting with the Ukrainian community can be found here.
Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, attended a meeting with the Ukrainian community in Geelong, where he signed a drone for the 80th brigade. The drone was delivered to the frontline and soldiers recorded a “thank you” video for Richard Marles and all Australians. This video can be found here.
Jamala, Eurovision Song Contest Winner
Jamala, Eurovision 2016 winner & Ukrainian Crimean advocate attended a special fundraising evening in Sydney and adopted a drone with Defend Ukraine Appeal. Like millions of Ukrainians displaced by russia’s war & invasion, Jamala was forced to flee her beloved homeland. She has been an outspoken advocate for peace through her music and public platform, spreading awareness around the world of the ongoing atrocities committed by Putin and the russian regime, which did not begin with the full-scale invasion 2 years ago, but 10 years ago with the annexation of Crimea. After Jamala signed and delivered her personalised drone to Ukraine, our team sent it off to the 23 Окремий стрілецький батальйон Збройних сил України currently defending Lyman. We are happy to announce it has been delivered safe and sound to our brave defenders.
Yuliia Paievska (Taira), Ukrainian Paramedic and POW
Yuliia “Taira” Paievska is a Ukrainian medic who founded the volunteer ambulance corps “Taira’s Angels” during the Russo-Ukrainian War. She was captured and imprisoned by Russian soldiers on March 16, 2022 and released on June 17, 2022. She became a symbol of bravery and sacrifice according to the New York Times. During her visit to Sydney Taira signed a drone and delivered it to the frontline herself.
Elina Svitolina, Ukrainian Tennis Player
Elina Svitolina, the top Ukrainian tennis player, came to Australia to participate in the Australian Open 2024. She was keen to sign a drone for the 22nd Brigade (22 окрема механізована бригада) that is currently defending Ukraine in the direction of Bakhmut. Elina is from Odesa and many of the soldiers serving in the 22nd Brigade also happen to be from Odesa, where Elina is a local legend. Watch the emotional reaction of the soldier, who received Elina’s drone here.
Antytila, a Famous Ukrainian Band
During their concert tour around Australia and New Zealand Antytila, one of the most famous Ukrainian band that performed on stage with U2 and Ed Sheeran, adopted a drone from Defend Ukraine Appeal. Antytila delivered the drone to Ukraine and sent it to the frontlines.
Ievgen Klopotenko, Ukraine’s Most Famous Chef
Ievgen Klopotenko visited Sydney and Melbourne as a part of his cooking tour. He organised multiple cooking events, appeared on Australian television and adopted a drone for Defend Ukraine Appeal. He delivered the drone to Ukraine himself.
Ruslan Groovyj, Ukrainian Writer, Singer and Filmmaker
Our communities around Australia, as well as supporters, were delighted to welcome Ukrainian author and filmmaker Ruslan Gorovyi to Australia for a recent film screening tour. Visiting hromady in Melbourne, Geelong, Adelaide, Perth, & Sydney, Ruslan showcased his documentary “Just Below the Sky”. The film was a unique and touching exposition of the lives and bravery of Ukraine’s fallen defenders during the battle at Donetsk airport in 2014.
If you are a celebrity and are willing to help us with delivering more drones to Ukraine, please contact as via ➡️ https://defendukraineappeal.org/contact/
To donate, click here ➡️ https://defendukraineappeal.org/donate/
To donate, click here ➡️ https://defendukraineappeal.org/donate/