This is Yankee. The face of his battalion. He's a warrior. A brother. A friend. A truly wonderful person. With a heart of gold.
He left everything behind to fight for lifelong freedom of Ukraine, his second home, despite having zero military experience. Today he leads more than 165 volunteers. He and his battalion need help now. They are running out of day to day essentials, food, clothing and so much more.
His story is unique and I've had the honor of being able to get to know him and the horrific situation he and his comrades are enduring.
He and his battalion are passionate about this fight and continuously keep a smile on their face no matter what. In Yankee's words, "I love those who can smile in trouble... Fortunately, I am surrounded by very cool people who will meet both death and the enemy with a smile."
This is his story:
"Many people already know my story. I am a Belarusian, who lived in Minsk. In 2020, I participated in the protests in Belarus. After that, the security forces of Belarus became interested in me and I had to leave my country. So I moved to Ukraine.
After moving here, I began to practice Brazilian jiu-jitsu. My best friend showed me this martial art and I fell in love with BJJ from the first training session. I trained and competed and had big plans: I wanted to compete at the European Championship, take part in all Ukrainian tournaments this season, and train in Barcelona. But the war made its own adjustments, both in my life and in the lives of all Ukrainians.
Ukraine has become my second home. I have people close to me, friends, and acquaintances here. I have a life here. When we win this war, I want to rest. I will fold my guns, I won't serve on a contract, I have other goals."
Just knowing Yankee for the short time I have, I have learned he and his battalion are an inspiration to so many around the world. Myself included. And now I hope they inspire you as well.
I started this fundraiser as a tribute to Yankee and his group for their unwavering courage in the pursuit of freedom during this horrific and unjust war taking place in Ukraine. I want to help him, his battalion and continuous volunteers of his group, and I hope you want to help too. They rely on donations because they have exhausted all and any funds they had personally saved. They need food, clothing, all of the essentials to live day to day. So, I ask you to please donate to help in any way you possibly can.
WHY DONATE HERE? Your money will be used in Ukraine by the Ukrainians and help them win the war! This is the most direct way to help with immediate impact and 100% of the donations go straight to Yankee and his battalion.
With all the love and gratefullness in my heart,
Sarah 
