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ITU Member SoftServe’s charity fund “Open Eyes” in partnership with the Ukrainian rock band Okean Elzy, has delivered the 30th fully equipped ambulance to frontline medics, marking the completion of the first phase of their joint initiative. Every month, each ambulance saves dozens of lives — both defenders and civilians affected by russia’s aggression.
The partnership launched in September 2024 as part of Okean Elzy’s global Help for Ukraine tour. Since then, ambulances have been delivered to 29 units of Ukraine’s Defense Forces operating in active combat zones, including the Donetsk, Kursk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia directions, among others. The final vehicles under the Drive for Life: Okean Elzy Edition initiative were recently handed over to medics from the National Police of Ukraine’s “Lyut” (Fury) Assault Brigade and the 808th Dniester Separate Support Brigade.
Two of our vehicles went out of service — one after being hit by an FPV drone, the other due to nearby shelling. The ambulance we received is the right size and fully equipped to serve as a mobile intensive care unit. We use it as a medevac for critical cases: transporting the wounded in moderate or serious condition either from the stabilisation point to the hospital or from the front line to the stabilisation point. I’ve seen a similar vehicle before and been inside — it’s truly comfortable and well-suited for the job, I’ve been listening to rock music for years, and Sviatoslav Vakarchuk’s songs have shaped my view of Ukraine’s rock scene. The song ‘911’ now carries a special meaning for me.
— shares Serhii (callsign Otto), a tactical evacuation platoon commander in the “Lyut” Assault Brigade.
The initiative brought together tens of thousands of concertgoers across Europe, the US, Canada, and the UK, who joined the fundraising effort. Part of the funds for the ambulances came from ticket sales donated by Okean Elzy, with additional support provided by SoftServe. In total, $570 034 were raised and concerts were given in 11 countries around the world.
Every day, our defenders risk the most valuable thing they have — their lives. Their rescue is our priority, which is why since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Open Eyes fund has been consistently supporting the front lines with ambulances, medical equipment, and supplies. Together with Okean Elzy, we managed to deliver 30 fully equipped ambulances to ensure that medics have everything they need to provide timely and effective care. We are deeply grateful to the band for their powerful support and our joint efforts toward Ukraine’s victory,
— says Viktoriia Mishchuk, Director of the Open Eyes charity fund.
Beyond purchasing ambulances, Okean Elzy’s powerful voice helped deliver a vital message to the international community: the war is ongoing, and Ukraine’s need for support remains critical. This collaboration is far from over — the fund and the band will continue raising funds to support Ukrainian defenders.
Supporting military medics remains one of the fund’s key focus areas. Ambulances are in constant demand at the front, as they are frequently targeted by russian forces or become inoperable due to heavy use. The fund works closely with medical units to provide not only transport but also equipment for stabilising the wounded — defibrillators, stretchers, oxygen tanks, life support systems, ventilators, and other essential medical gear. Since February 2022, Open Eyes has delivered 323 ambulances to the front lines, helping evacuate approximately 147,000 people.
