“Fight, and you will prevail! God is with you! Truth, glory, and holy freedom are yours!” These lines are from the famous poem “Caucasus” by Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko, a symbol of freedom, strength, and inexhaustible patriotism for his homeland.

Have you ever wondered who a truly strong person is?

I think some would say that it is someone who has great physical strength, looks strong, a hero, so to speak. However, I hasten to say that this is not entirely true. That is, this statement is theoretically correct, but “a strong person” is a broader concept; they are not afraid to talk about their difficulties, have willpower, know how to ask for help, and defend their own boundaries. This is the Ukrainian people and our unbreakable army, volunteers, medics, of course, electricians, and in general, all those who are fighting against a common enemy — a non-country with a non-president. However, it would be selfish to call only Ukrainians strong, because now many foreigners have united and created various organizations around the world to help my people.

One such organization is Blue/Yellow for Ukraine USA, with which we recently managed to contact and interview Rima Ziuraitis, the executive director of Blue/Yellow for Ukraine USA, a sister organization of Blue/Yellow for Ukraine, which delivers non-lethal military aid to Ukrainian defense forces directly to the front line.

— When and by whom was Blue/Yellow for Ukraine USA founded?

The Lithuanian initiative “Blue/Yellow,” founded by Swedish-born director Jonas Ohman, has been supporting Ukraine's armed resistance since 2014. In the US, the sister organization Blue/Yellow for Ukraine USA was registered in 2019. As of February 24, 2022, in less than a month, Blue/Yellow had collected over €20 million in donations from the Lithuanian people. The aid is provided directly to soldiers, volunteers, and territorial defense forces fighting for Ukraine's freedom and sovereignty.

— What kind of assistance do you provide to our army and how do you purchase everything you need? I mean, do you rely solely on donations, or do you have any sponsors?

Oh no, we have never had and do not have any sponsors. All the necessary items are purchased solely through donations from people. We receive donations from many different countries, including the US and Lithuania.

The funds raised are used to purchase helmets, body armor, medicines, clothing, and footwear. Currently, drones and various night vision devices are in high demand, and with the onset of cold weather, warm winter clothing is also needed.

— Have you been to Ukraine, directly to the front lines to visit our boys and girls?

Yes, of course. Our last trip was in September. We visited the Kherson region, Kyiv, and Ternopil, as well as the Kharkiv region and Kharkiv itself. I really like Ukraine; it is very picturesque and has an authentic atmosphere. This is something that can never be taken away from it. Kyiv is a wonderful place. We will definitely return there soon.

When are you planning your next visit to Ukraine, if it's not a secret? We want to come in January. We are already gradually purchasing and preparing everything we need: medical supplies, shoes, warm clothing, etc. As you know, Blue/Yellow for Ukraine USA is a sister organization of Blue/Yellow for Ukraine in Lithuania, which is located much closer to Ukraine. Therefore, we visit much less often, which is logical because the distance from the US to your country is not small. However, Blue/Yellow for Ukraine, led by Jonas Ohman, delivers everything the army needs by hand almost every month.

— Do you have friends who are currently fighting for Ukraine's independence? Do you have any acquaintances/relatives in our country?

I have a friend from Chicago. He fought on the side of Ukraine back in 2014 and returned to the front this year. During this time, I also met a lot of Ukrainian volunteers — wonderful people. By the way, my great-grandmother is from Dnipro, and we still correspond from time to time.

—  I think our readers would be interested to hear one of your stories about visiting the front line with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Do you have one?

Of course! I have one story that is meaningful to me. Once we went to the Kherson region to deliver some important packages to soldiers. We were told that we would be staying in something like a campsite. I was surprised, but I didn't object. It was cool. We had an incredible evening, and I was able to meet the soldiers face to face. They had had a very difficult day, but they showed me what true Ukrainian indomitable spirit is. The soldiers smiled and joked all the time, no matter what. Of course, it is important to stay optimistic and not lose hope, because sooner or later we will win.

However, what I remember most is something else. That night, I saw HIMARS in action for the first time. Can you imagine, these rockets flew right over my head. I will probably never forget this for the rest of my life.

After I got back, I told this story to all my colleagues to boost their morale.

— And my last question. Do you think the work you are doing now is important?

Absolutely. It doesn't matter who you are or where you are. Ukraine's victory is important for the entire civilized world, for our bright future. No one has the right to forcibly take away the freedom of a nation, especially when it comes to sovereign states.

As residents of America, we will fight for victory to the end. As residents of Lithuania, we understand what Russian occupation and propaganda are.

So let's fight — we will prevail!