In anticipation of the 35th anniversary of the proclamation of Ukraine's independence, the OKKO gas station network announced its large-scale participation in the patriotic initiative 'Flag of Independence'. The project, implemented jointly with the Ukraine WOW platform and the 'Come Back Alive' foundation with the support of the Verkhovna Rada, aims to revive historical memory and provide direct material support to the Defense Forces. The company became the first corporate partner to purchase 100 copies of the recreated Flag of Independence and also transferred 4 million hryvnias for the purchase of critically important equipment for the army.
A Symbol of Unity: 100 Flags for Schools and Regions
The central element of the initiative was the purchase of 100 copies of the Flag of Independence, which were recreated with exact adherence to the color and dimensions of the original 1991 flag. According to the distribution plan, 75 of these flags will be handed over to Ukrainian schools in various regions of the country. The selection of educational institutions will be carried out randomly, allowing for the maximum number of children across the entire territory of the state to be covered. The remaining 25 flags will be unfurled by OKKO teams in different corners of Ukraine, symbolizing the unity of the people and business in defending the country's sovereignty.
4 Million Hryvnias for Ground Robotic Complexes
The financial component of the project has a clear specific purpose. The funds collected will be directed by the 'Come Back Alive' foundation towards the purchase of ground robotic complexes (GRC) for the Defense Forces of Ukraine. The use of robots on the front line has become one of the key factors in increasing the survival rate of personnel. GRCs take on the execution of tasks in the most dangerous zones, where the presence of humans is associated with a high risk of death. Robots are used for the evacuation of the wounded, as well as for the delivery of medicines, food, and ammunition to the rear and the front line.
Effectiveness of Robotics: Experts' View
Oleg Karpenko, Deputy Director of the 'Come Back Alive' foundation, emphasizes the colossal difference in efficiency between the use of machinery and human resources. According to him, one GRC is capable of transporting up to 500 kilograms of cargo in two hours without risk to the operator's life. To perform a similar task using human power, up to 25 people would have to be deployed, who would have to be in the zone of FPV drone strikes and incur significant time costs. Thus, investments in robotics directly save the lives of military personnel, medics, and drivers.
Systemic Support: From 'Eye for an Eye' to 'Dronefall'
Participation in the 'Flag of Independence' project is part of OKKO's long-term strategy to support the state. Vasyl Dmytryv, Vice President for Marketing and Development of the company, noted the importance of initiatives that not only unite around symbols but also deliver concrete results. The gas station network systematically cooperates with the 'Come Back Alive' foundation, implementing the charitable program 'Eye for an Eye'. To date, within the framework of this initiative, 1.5 billion hryvnias have already been accumulated for weapons and equipment. Currently, the fourth stage of the program — 'Eye for an Eye. Dronefall' — is underway, aimed at supporting unmanned aviation.
Charity Results: Over 4.3 Billion Hryvnias
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, OKKO has directed more than 4.3 billion hryvnias to support the armed forces and humanitarian projects. The company continues to increase the pace of assistance, responding to the current needs of the front. The 'Flag of Independence' project has become a vivid example of how corporate social responsibility transforms into real defense tools, combining historical memory with modern technologies for protecting the country.
