Solutions to win: Ukrainian polar explorers rally for funding to aid colleagues in armed forces

A group of Ukrainian scientists stationed at the Akademik Vernadsky Station recently organized a special charity auction in Antarctica just in time for the winter holidays. Their goal was to bring people together and spread warmth for a worthy cause: to show support for their fellow Ukrainian polar explorers who are protecting Ukraine.

The National Antarctic Research Center reported that on Facebook.

What is the problem?

"Combat penguins" – polar explorers who have shifted their focus from scientific work to military duty – require state-of-the-art gear to be effective on the battlefield.

As of the end of November 2024, 26 polar explorers had joined the ranks of the Ukrainian army to fight the Russian aggressor. Previously, they worked at the Akademik Vernadsky Antarctic Station.

What is the solution?

The auction aims to raise 310 thousand hryvnias to purchase:

• DJI Mavic 3T drone (160 thousand UAH) for Artem Ihnatenko, a cook in the 26th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition, who is currently fighting in the Sumy region.
• DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone (80 thousand UAH) for Mykhailo Nabokin, a biologist of seasonal expeditions who also serves in the Sumy region.
• A Bandera Power 860 S charging station (70 thousand UAH) for Oleksandr Zakletsky, an employee of the National Antarctic Science Center, who is defending Ukraine on the Pokrovsk front.

How does it work?

You can buy one-of-a-kind artifacts for yourself or as a gift and simultaneously support the "combat penguins" – polar explorers who are protecting Ukraine.

How to join the auction?

• Choose a lot. View photos and descriptions of lots on the auction page.
• Place bids. Write your price in the comments on the selected lot.

"In the comments to this particular lot !!! (under a specific photo – this is important) write your price. The step is not less than 100 UAH from the specified starting price," biologists explain.

• Wait for the results. The winner is determined by the highest bid as of 10:00 on December 3, 2024.
• Receive the artifact. After transferring funds via Nova Poshta, a unique lot will be sent to you.

"Nova Poshta will send the artifact at the expense of the recipient after the winner transfers the funds to the specified account. The funds must be transferred within two days after the winner is announced. If the funds are not received, the victory goes to the one who offered the previous amount," the polar explorers noted.

If you want to support the initiative without participating in the auction, you can make a donation.

"Among everyone who makes a contribution of 500 UAH or more, we will draw five different Antarctic chevrons. So be sure to indicate your details when transferring funds," the scientists emphasized.

What can you buy?

• Among the lots are rare artifacts related to Ukrainian Antarctic expeditions:
• Memorable souvenirs.
• Unique chevrons.
• Antarctic artifacts with their own history.