Fundraising Event in Munich
In April 2025, Solidarity Aid hosted its first major fundraising event in Munich. This milestone followed the successful establishment of our organization and the launch of our CASEVAC vehicle project. With invaluable support from our Munich-based members, Jakob and Emanuel, the event brought together more than 70 guests to raise funds, deepen public understanding of the war in Ukraine, and reinforce our shared commitment to solidarity.
The evening featured two distinguished keynote speakers, each offering a powerful and complementary perspective on the conflict:
Dr. Marc Stegherr, with a historical and cultural analysis
Anna Stasiuk of the Stasiuk Foundation, with firsthand insights into the role of Ukraine’s civil society and medical evacuation efforts.
Keynote 1: Understanding the Cultural and Historical Dimensions of the War
Dr. Marc Stegherr, LMU Munich
Dr. Marc Stegherr, a specialist in Slavic Studies at LMU Munich, offered a comprehensive exploration of the historical and cultural roots of Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine. His talk focused on how Russian elites—and Russian society at large—have long attempted to deny Ukraine’s sovereignty, cultural identity, and independent existence.
Dr. Stegherr described how Russian propaganda, bolstered by academic and political rhetoric, has worked to revise history in order to justify military aggression. One should, however, be careful not to classify the cultural war as mere propaganda. Beyond that, it should be recognized as a driving motive alongside economic interests and autocratic power consolidation. And as such, it seems to be deeply rooted in Russian society and history.
From the formation of the Tsarist Empire, through the Soviet-orchestrated Holodomor famine and deportations to present-day misinformation campaigns, he outlined a persistent pattern of imperial dominance achieved through the erasure of Ukrainian identity.
One of his key observations was how these narratives have influenced Western perspectives. He pointed to remarks by former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, who questioned the existence of a distinct Ukrainian national identity, as an example of Russia’s deep and often underestimated influence over historical discourse in the West.
This influence extends into academia as well—particularly the field of Slavic history—where Dr. Stegherr experienced it firsthand. There, the presumed superiority of Russian culture and language over those of other Slavic peoples was deeply ingrained. These narratives have been propagated both through deliberate efforts, such as Russian embassy campaigns asserting "interpretive sovereignty" over history, and more subtly, through dominant imperialist and colonial tropes in literature or the romanticization of Russian culture.
For Dr. Stegherr, the so-called "cultural war" waged by Russia is not a side issue but a core driver of the conflict. Without full recognition of its cultural and historical independence, he argued, Ukraine cannot achieve true sovereignty and peace.
Keynote 2: Life-Saving Work on the Frontlines
Anna Stasiuk, Stasiuk Foundation
Anna Stasiuk, co-founder of our Ukrainian partner organization the Stasiuk Foundation, traveled from Ukraine to share firsthand insights into civil society’s essential role during the war. Although the foundation was officially established in 2022, Anna and her family have been providing support to military and medical personnel since 2014.
Her keynote focused on the vital importance of medical evacuation and the role of grassroots initiatives in filling the gaps left by overwhelmed state structures and boosting transformation in the military from the bottom up. The Stasiuk Foundation now concentrates its efforts on equipping frontline medics with life-saving tools and supplies.
Anna explained the multi-step evacuation process for wounded soldiers: from initial field injury to stabilization points—often set up in abandoned homes near the front—and finally to field hospitals. Each stage is critical, and all are exposed to extreme danger.
Because helicopters are too vulnerable and armored vehicles are in short supply, medics rely on specially outfitted off-road vehicles known as CASEVACs. These vehicles must be capable of navigating difficult terrain and protecting their occupants from Russian drone attacks, which frequently target evacuation teams. As a result, Counter-drone radioelectronic systems and added armor are now essential features.
Anna underscored a sobering truth: “To save lives, Ukrainian combat medics must stay alive.” Her powerful message formed the heart of the evening—and the purpose of our CASEVAC fundraising initiative.
Impact and Outcome
This event was more than just a fundraiser. It was an evening of reflection, education, and solidarity—designed not only to support those in urgent need but also to foster a deeper understanding of the war’s cultural and humanitarian dimensions.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our guests and donors, we successfully raised enough funds to procure two CASEVAC vehicles, which are now actively deployed near the frontlines in Ukraine. These vehicles are already making a difference—helping medics save lives under some of the most dangerous conditions imaginable.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our speakers, our supporters, and everyone who joined us. This was only the beginning. The war continues—and so does our work.
Call to Action: How You Can Help
If you would like to contribute to the Ukrainian cause, you can do this by sharing our story to raise awareness and by donating to our non-profit organization Solidarity Aid. The members of Solidarity Aid and our partners work on these projects completely non-profit. Therefore: Your donations go 100% into the optimal procurement of the humanitarian goods.
