Solutions to win: 88-year-old pensioner donates last savings of $1,000 to support Ukraine’s army

An 88-year-old pensioner, Maria Betsa from Pavlograd, in the Dnipropetrovsk region, donated 40,000 UAH (equivalent to over 1,000 USD) to the Defense Forces of Ukraine. The volunteers used the money to buy a kamikaze drone and an aerial monitor for reconnaissance purposes. Appreciating her generosity, a military unit visited her from the frontlines.

Suspilne writes about it.

What is the solution?

88-year-old pensioner Maria Betsa from Pavlograd donated more than 40,000 hryvnias to Ukraine's armed forces. Volunteers used these funds to purchase a kamikaze drone and a monitor for aerial reconnaissance.

How does it work?

Military man Valeriy returned from the front to thank a local woman, bringing flowers, a cake, and a new outfit. The woman, 88-year-old Maria Betsa, had recently donated a large sum, her last life savings, to his unit.

The woman decided to transfer all the family savings after the death of her son Ivan. She says it was one of his last requests.

"He told me, ' Mom, I want to transfer money for the war.' I don't need his money; I have my pension. I have enough to cover my living expenses and to buy bread."

Since childhood, Maria Betsa has grown up with war as a part of her life. She vividly recalls being only six when the Second World War started. That's why she is dedicated to supporting the Ukrainian army now.

"As soon as they [Nazi – ed.] started bombing, people would scurry to a nearby house or dugout. Someone escaped, someone didn't, someone was killed, someone wasn't. Just like now," the Pavlograd resident recalls.

Maria gave the collected money to a local volunteer, Anatoly, who had been helping the military since the beginning of the war.

"For me, this is very, very impressive. Some work, and give their last. And others make money… I don't take them; I didn't force this grandmother. She found me herself, she gave her last," says the volunteer.

Military Valery came from the front line to Pavlograd for one day. He says that they have been planning to visit Maria for three weeks but could not leave because of the situation at the front.

Using the woman's funds, the volunteers purchased one FPV drone that successfully targeted the Russian troops' shelter in the Bakhmut area.

They also used these funds to buy a new monitor to scout Russian positions more effectively.

Valery says that Maria's remaining portion of the money will address the unit's other requirements. Additionally, soldiers intend to visit the lady in the future.

For reference:

It is worth mentioning that 76-year-old volunteer Hryhoriy Yanchenko, who uses a wheelchair, is collecting funds to support Ukrainian defenders in Uzhhorod.

It was also reported that a blind schoolgirl from Lviv Region collected ₴2 million for Ukraine's armed forces by singing in churches and on the street. The girl started volunteering at the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation when her older brother went to defend Ukraine.