From US to Ukraine – How David Kezerashvili’s Donation Enabled Aid Transport

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Georgia was one of the first countries to open itself to the rivers of Ukrainians fleeing their homeland. The Georgian help didn’t surprise many, as Russia had invited Georgia in 2008, and they had received support from abroad.

Back then, David Kezerashvili was the then-active Georgia’s Minister of Defense. Ukraine sent weapons and helped with the Georgian defense. Kezerashvili managed to showcase Georgia’s resilience and earned himself a reputation as a sturdy, apt individual.

That same David Kezerashvili was one of the most notable individuals that enabled the first-ever donation by plane to Ukraine.

A Single Donor Joining Forces With the Diaspora to Aid Ukraine

A Washington-based Ukrainian, Aksenia Krupenko, managed to send 150 tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. And connections of David Kezerashvili made it possible for humanitarian aid to reach Ukraine.

The assistance provided to the country was mainly separated into 3 categories: for the state’s defense, non-military equipment for the state’s security, and entirely humanitarian. 

David Kezerashvili Extends His Help for Ukraine

As a person with profound knowledge of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, David Kezerashvili was one of the first to offer their knowledge, connections, and professional liaisons to aid the Ukrainian people and their homeland in surviving the invasion. To aid delivery from the US to Ukraine, David was contacted by an Ukranian ex-pat, Aksenia Krupenko.

Aksenia is a Ukrainian living in the US and a founder of a diplomatic hospitality agency in Washington. 

David Kezerashvili is the person that made the first plane shipment of donations to Ukraine possible. With his help, they distributed tons of food and medical supplies to those caught up in the zone. If it weren’t for Kezerashvili, the efforts of Ukrainian expats in the US, like Aksenia Krupenko, would be in vain.

The Infrastructure Behind the Aid 

During the first weeks of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, people could easily send humanitarian help to Ukraine because there wasn’t a no-fly regimen in place yet. However, we all witnessed the announcement of the no-fly zone as the invasion progressed. 

As soon as flights were banned, the humanitarian convoy paused. Aksenia and many others could not send out the contributions received from the diaspora and US citizens. Aksenia reached out to all major freight airlines in the States but received feedback that preparations would take weeks. Plus, the charter cost of a plane to deliver aid was as high as $1M.

At that moment, Kezerashvili was the person to help send aid to Ukraine. Other than delivering the funds to cover the costs of the plane, Kezerashvili has also made a substantial donation to his charitable fund to help Ukraine through his Formula TV foundation. 

The first plane took off to Ukraine at the beginning of March 2022, as soon as all of the contributions were packed. Another 12 planes were dispatched to deliver aid to Ukraine – all of them landed in Poland and distributed the goods to Ukraine. This is a great sign for all of the upcoming aid flights, now that there is a way for the help to be transported.

Joining Forces For Humanity

Thanks to the networking and liaisons of David Kezerashvili, Aksenia Krupenko was able to send tons of humanitarian aid to struggling Ukrainians.

Formula TV is the catalyst between the Georgian people and fellow Ukrainians, giving objective, first-hand information on the most recent development.

From the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, David’s FormulaTV was the most prominent media outlet covering almost every minute of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. What David did inspired others to follow suit and contribute to the relief of the Ukrainian people. 

Organizations like the House of Ukraine, the Revival Foundation, and the FC Group were all part of the humanitarian convoy to help Ukraine.

The Revival Foundation was established as a direct result of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. Its founders are all of Ukrainian descent – Aksenia Krupenko is the co-founder and Chairman.

The House of Ukraine is a non-profit organization operating in San Diego, providing Ukraine-related information to Americans while also sponsoring educational programs, presentations, demonstrations, and various events that highlight Ukraine.

The FC Group, whose founder is also Aksenia Krupenko, is a hospitality company offering services like accommodations to Ukrainians in need.

At the moment, more than 150 tons of aid that Ukraine has received come directly from Georgia. And more help is expected to come from the country and other individuals as well.