On a secure site belonging to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) in Kyiv, the directorate took delivery of a Sikorsky S-76 medical evacuation helicopter. Kyiv Post was invited to attend the event, which took place in the presence of HUR Chief Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov.
The helicopter was donated following a year-long collaboration between the Ukrainian diaspora, international partners, and Canadian philanthropists. In addition to the practical role the aircraft will play in the evacuation of wounded civilians and soldiers, it carries a powerful symbolism: it uses technology that was pioneered by Igor Sikorsky – the Kyiv-born aviation legend.
At the ceremony on Tuesday, April 15, General Budanov personally accepted the helicopter on behalf of Ukraine’s military intelligence. He expressed deep gratitude for the support and emphasized the importance of the aircraft for the evacuation and protection of HUR personnel, noting that this kind of assistance saves lives and brings victory closer.
“Thank you for saving our lives”
The Sikorsky S-76 was provided through the efforts of the Maple Hope Foundation, supported by the Ukrainian World Congress and Canadian aviation company HeliJet International.
HeliJet International president and CEO Danny Sitnam called the handover of the helicopter to Ukraine one of the most meaningful moments in his company’s history.
“It is a pleasure to be here today,” Sitnam said during the ceremony, adding that his team was “very proud and honored” to donate the helicopter to Ukraine.
He noted that the project took nearly a year and involved numerous dedicated partners. He said that the delivery of the helicopter to Ukraine had become one of the most rewarding experiences for HeliJet’s entire staff.
Sitnam also thanked the Ukrainian World Congress and all those who supported the initiative, emphasizing that this achievement would not have been possible without the collective effort of Ukrainian communities in Canada and around the world.
“It’s a joyous day,” he said. “It is hard to believe what has happened – but it has happened thanks to collaboration and belief in a shared mission.”
The name “Sikorsky” carries particular significance for Ukrainians – Igor Sikorsky, a legendary aviation engineer and pioneer of rotary wing aircraft was born in Kyiv.
“Today, the circle is complete: Sikorsky’s helicopter returns to Sikorsky’s city to help save Ukrainian lives.”
Svitlana Kominko, co-founder of the Maple Hope Foundation, said the fundraising campaign became “the biggest Christmas gift from the diaspora to the people of Ukraine” – not only in material terms, but emotionally as well. The project began when a Canadian family hosted Ukrainian refugees from Odesa in their home. That human connection became the driving force behind the initiative.
“This helicopter is here to save lives. If it saves even one – it was absolutely worth it,” Kominko said. “This isn’t about politics. It’s about humanity.”
This Sikorsky S-76 has long served in Canada as a medical helicopter. Although retired from service, it still offers an operational capacity for evacuation missions. After the conclusion of its contract in Canada, it became available for transfer to Ukraine. According to a HeliJet estimate, the aircraft is valued at around CAD 1-2 million ($0.7 -1.5 million).
The delivery was made possible by Maple Hope Foundation’s global crowdfunding campaign, which drew support from ordinary people around the world. One of the most remarkable milestones was raising $101,000 in just three weeks to cover the helicopter’s transportation costs.
“It was a Christmas gift from Ukrainians abroad to Ukrainians at home. We had no idea how difficult this journey would be — but we made it,” Kominko said.
The Ukrainian World Congress initiative “Unite with Ukraine,” launched in 2022 in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion, has become one of the most impactful global campaigns in support of Ukraine’s armed forces.
To date, the initiative has raised over $61 million from donors in more than 70 countries, enabling the purchase and delivery of critical military and medical equipment, tactical gear, armored vehicles, FPV drones, UAV systems, and other essential tools for defense.