Berlin-based stylist Frank Peter Wilde discusses how influencers can support Ukraine

Berlin-based stylist and friend of Ukraine Frank Peter Wilde arrived in Ukraine. On January 31, he spoke with journalists in Kyiv and talked about how influencers can help Ukraine.

What is the problem?

In September 2024, German stylist Frank Peter Wilde, who is known for his vocal support for Ukraine, criticized Germany's response to the war to the Sestry media outlet, stating that the country was not doing enough. He emphasized the need for Ukraine to receive more substantial military support, particularly in the form of weapons.

On January 31, during a visit to Kyiv, Wilde spoke with journalists and noted that the situation had worsened since his previous remarks. He recalled that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had visited Kyiv on December 2, where he announced that Germany would send the sixth IRIS-T air defense system, along with Patriot launchers and Gepard anti-aircraft systems.

However, by January 2025, Der Spiegel reported that Scholz's government was blocking a proposal by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to allocate an additional three billion euros in military aid to Ukraine. Scholz later explained that he opposed increasing arms supplies to Ukraine if it meant cutting funding from other budget areas.

Wilde speculates that Scholz's reluctance to provide further military aid is politically motivated, as the Chancellor faces upcoming Bundestag elections on February 23. According to Wilde, Scholz may be trying to avoid alienating potential voters by escalating military support to Ukraine.

What is the solution?

Frank Peter Wilde believes that influencers, particularly those in positions of public visibility, can significantly impact the international support for Ukraine. He advocates for speaking out publicly and "loudly," emphasizing that when individuals use their platforms to support Ukraine, it amplifies the collective influence on global attitudes and policies.

He highlights his own independent stance as an example, noting, "Look at me, I don't belong to any organization or political party. There is no one behind me to push my agenda. I am 100% independent in everything I do."

Through his public activities, Frank Peter Wilde has consistently raised awareness about Ukraine and directly supported Ukrainian defenders. He leverages his Instagram platform, attends public events, and organizes fundraising efforts for the Ukrainian military. In addition to managing his social media presence, Wilde also speaks at rallies advocating for Ukraine's cause.

One of his notable initiatives was launching a flash mob featuring clothing with leopard print, inspired by the calls for Leopard tanks to be provided to Ukraine. The campaign gained traction, with Ukrainians beginning to imitate the style in solidarity.

Wilde believes that public figures, by using their visibility and influence, can bring significant attention to Ukraine. He argues that society, when mobilized, has the power to sway politicians. In his view, politicians must be convinced that failing to support Ukraine could cost them re-election, pushing them to "take the right side" on the issue.

How does it work? 

Currently, Frank Peter Wilde has 157 thousand followers on Instagram. Throughout the full-scale Russian invasion, Wilde has posted almost daily to his audience, offering not only support for Ukraine but also commentary on current events, including large-scale shelling and casualties caused by Russia's aggression.

"I continue to develop and communicate with so many people that over the past year I have managed to collect over €100,000 for trucks and drones for Ukrainian defenders," says Wilde.

Wilde is a strong advocate for military support for Ukraine, emphasizing that only weapons can help defeat the Russian occupiers.

Lt us remind that Ukrainian comedian Mark Kutsevalov managed to raise 1 million hryvnias (about 27,000 USD) for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in just 8 days. He lived in a tent in the forest, hosted guests, and streamed the entire process online. The funds will be used to purchase electronic warfare equipment to protect Ukraine's air defense systems from Russian attacks.

Additionally, the Atlas United 2024 festival, organized in partnership with UNITED24 and Monobank, raised 100 million hryvnias (about 2.7 million USD). Half of the funds were allocated for drones, while the other half went toward robotic platforms.

Furthermore, Yaroslav Hrytsak, a renowned Ukrainian historian and professor at the Ukrainian Catholic University, contributed 562,379 hryvnias (about 15,000 USD) to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

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