UAH 118 Million+ Raised for Ukraine’s Defence Forces and Support for Social Campaigns: The 2026 Results of the “United News” Telethon

In the first nine months of 2026, the “United News” telethon supported more than 20 social campaigns, while participating broadcasters and viewers jointly raised over UAH 118 million for the needs of Ukraine’s Defence Forces. From supporting military personnel and veterans to providing information to Ukrainians in temporarily occupied territories, the telethon continues to fulfil an important public service role, combining timely news coverage with practical assistance for those who need it.

During Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the role of news broadcasting extends beyond daily coverage of events. It also helps Ukrainians navigate available government programmes, access information about support opportunities, contribute to assistance for the Defence Forces, and find answers to pressing social challenges. These were the key areas of focus for the joint efforts of the “United News” broadcasters throughout the year.

More Than 20 Social Campaigns: From Supporting Military Personnel to Helping Civilians

Supporting the Defence Forces, military personnel and veterans remained one of the telethon’s priorities in 2026. In particular, the broadcasters shared information about recruitment opportunities, military personnel provisions, updated contract service terms, and procedures for returning to service after unauthorised absence from a military unit.

The “United News” telethon also joined the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine’s “Choose Your Commander” information campaign. As part of the initiative, officers from various units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shared their experiences, military service and the people they work with in a series of interviews. This format helps make military service more accessible and relatable, allowing audiences to see the people behind unit names and military ranks.

Particular attention was also given to fostering a culture of respect for military personnel and veterans, public health issues, wartime safety guidelines, and access to government support programmes.

In cooperation with government institutions, the telethon covered initiatives providing energy-related support to businesses and households, including “YeOpora” and the “National Cashback” programme. It also shared practical recommendations on saving electricity and information about opportunities for preventive health screenings.

Another particularly important area was providing information about opportunities to leave temporarily occupied territories. Through the telethon’s broadcasts, Ukrainians could learn about available mechanisms for returning to territory controlled by Ukraine and receive practical guidance.

In this way, the social campaigns featured on “United News” serve a vital public information purpose, helping people learn about concrete support opportunities and make decisions that are important for their safety and well-being.

“Symbols of Strength and Honour”: The Stories Behind Military Insignia

Another key initiative of the telethon is “Symbols of Strength and Honour,” a project dedicated to Ukrainian military units and the people serving in them.

Its goal is to tell the stories of the military personnel whose experiences, values and daily service lie behind the insignia of Ukraine’s Defence Forces brigades. To date, videos featuring 57 brigades have been produced as part of the project.

The initiative also gives visibility to the people who defend the country every day, strengthening public respect for their service.

Overall, more than 350 social campaign videos, with a combined duration of 14,800 minutes, were broadcast as part of the “United News” telethon in 2026.

More Than UAH 118 Million for Ukraine’s Defence Forces: The Result of Broadcasters and Viewers Working Together

Supporting Ukraine’s defenders remains an important focus of the telethon. In 2026, charitable initiatives led by the teams at Starlight Media, 1+1 Media, “We Are Ukraine” and Inter Media Group, together with contributions from viewers, raised UAH 118,651,219 for the needs of Ukraine’s Defence Forces.

The funds were allocated to purchasing drones, communications equipment and electronic warfare systems, repairing military vehicles and equipment, supporting medical evacuations, and meeting other military needs.

Behind every sum raised are the collective efforts of editorial teams, donors and viewers. By leveraging television broadcasts and digital reach, the broadcasters help draw attention to the urgent needs of military personnel and unite Ukrainians around tangible support initiatives.

The Public Service Role of News Broadcasting During Wartime

The “United News” telethon began broadcasting on 26 February 2022 as a joint response by Ukrainian media groups to Russia’s full-scale invasion. Today, its production involves the newsrooms of Starlight Media, 1+1 Media, “We Are Ukraine” and Inter Media Group.

Behind the continuous news coverage is the daily work of journalists, editors, producers, camera operators, technical specialists and other teams who ensure that news is prepared and broadcast even amid air raid alerts, shelling and power outages.

This work requires not only professional expertise but also reliable technological infrastructure, production resources and ongoing coordination between newsrooms.

The results of the social campaigns and fundraising initiatives demonstrate the additional public value of collaborative news broadcasting. Beyond informing audiences, it helps bring together the efforts of the government, media organisations, civic initiatives and millions of Ukrainians around shared goals.