The fundraising for the "Yatagan" school is complete: UAH 53 million raised to enhance the UAV pilot

PrivatBank and the Come Back Alive competent assistance foundation for the army have completed a joint fundraising campaign to support the "Yatagan" UAV pilot school. The campaign, which was joined by millions of Ukrainians, significantly strengthened the training base and opportunities for the preparation of servicemen.

During the second wave of fundraising, which lasted from March last year until February 2026, over UAH 53 million was raised for the school's development, of which UAH 5 million was contributed by PrivatBank.

"We are proud of our partnership with the 'Come Back Alive' foundation and the fact that we became a co-founder of the 'Yatagan' school. For us, this is much more than a financial contribution. It is a direct investment in the security of our country and the protection of every Ukrainian. We understand that every hryvnia invested in training transforms into high skill, which protects lives thanks to modern technologies," notes Olesya Zhulynska, Head of Public Relations and Communications at PrivatBank.

The collected sum allowed for the expansion of the facility's capacity and ensured the continuity of the training process. Specifically:

• Expanded training program: Three new training areas were opened.
• Improved material and technical base: Three more lecture rooms and two simulator classes were equipped.
• Ensured resilience and safety: Safety for people during air raids was taken care of, and the training complex was provided with backup power.
• Enhanced logistics: 7 units of transport were handed over for the needs of cadets and equipment.

"We constantly emphasize: people are our main priority and advantage. They are the key factor in this war, so investments in the training of military specialists are crucial. That is why, at the 'Yatagan' center, we have created an environment where both new operators and experienced servicemen who are upgrading their qualifications can train. And the training programs are constantly updated by instructors with combat experience in accordance with how the situation on the front is changing," notes Oleg Karpenko, Deputy Director of the "Come Back Alive" Foundation.

"Yatagan" is a story of dedication and professionalism. During the time of cooperation, the School has graduated almost 2000 servicemen who have joined the ranks of defenders. Among them:

• Pilot Nataliia, who successfully mastered large bombers.
• Alim, who, despite an amputation, returned to the army and became a pilot.
• Bohdan, who destroyed 7 aerial targets on his first combat flight.

"Drones are technology, they are the eyes of the army that can change the situation on the battlefield. I enjoyed working on FPV the most, as it is difficult to control, and therefore more interesting. I was impressed that everyone who taught our course has combat experience, so the training is adapted to current realities," says a serviceman with the call sign "Lys," who shot down seven Russian drones in his first combat sortie.

We would like to remind you that the fundraising campaign for the creation of the Yatagan UAV Specialist Training School in the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine started in March 2024. At that time, UAH 33 million was raised, which allowed the facility to open and prepare the first thousand servicemen who acquired a new military occupational specialty. PrivatBank's total contribution to the creation and development of the project over two years amounted to UAH 8 million.

The 'Come Back Alive' Foundation continues the development of 'Yatagan,' and the 'support hotline' for further donations is always open: bit.ly/yatgn.