Hey,
As I am writing this, I just crossed the border into Ukraine.
I am once again on my way to deliver pickup trucks to Ukrainian soldiers who desperately need them to evacuate the wounded, transport supplies, and move quickly between positions on the front lines.
This is already my 11th convoy to Ukraine since the war began, and while I have made this journey many times before, I must admit that this one feels a little different.
The security situation has deteriorated significantly in recent months. Russia is increasingly using new, jet-powered Shahed drones that fly much faster and are considerably harder to intercept. Ukraine has become very effective at shooting down traditional drones, but these newer models are proving much more challenging, and more of them are making it through Ukrainian air defenses.
At the same time, Ukraine is facing growing uncertainty about American support. The Trump administration has taken an increasingly tougher stance toward Kyiv, and some critical military assistance has been delayed.
Ukrainian officials have reported interruptions in vital early warnings about incoming Russian ballistic missiles. On several recent occasions, missiles struck Kyiv before the air-raid sirens could even sound, leaving civilians with no time to reach bomb shelters.
More recently, restrictions on the Starlink and Starshield satellite communications systems used by the Ukrainian military have further disrupted their drone operations, including their ability to intercept Russian attacks.
Unfortunately, the consequences of Russia’s intensifying attacks are very real. More missiles and drones are reaching their targets, and more innocent civilians are being killed. According to the United Nations, civilian casualties in September were 85% higher than during the same month last year.
For these reasons, we have decided to shorten this convoy and spend just one night in Kyiv instead of our usual two. We are taking additional precautions, but the trip is still important, and I am determined to continue helping.
After all, the risks we face during a brief visit are nothing compared to what Ukrainian soldiers and civilians have to endure every single day.
And that is precisely why I am writing to you today.
Ukraine is going through an exceptionally difficult period. Its soldiers continue to fight with extraordinary courage, but they are being asked to do more with less. With American support becoming less certain, it is increasingly important that ordinary people like us step up and help fill the gap.
Whatever your views on American foreign policy, I think we can all agree that these brave men and women deserve our support. Especially now, when the situation is becoming increasingly difficult for them.
And with Christmas approaching, I cannot think of a more meaningful time to show that support.
While most of us will soon be celebrating Christmas with our families, exchanging gifts, and enjoying the peace and comfort of our homes, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers will be spending the holidays in freezing trenches, risking their lives to defend the peace, security, and freedom that we enjoy throughout the Western world.
As a Finn, I am particularly conscious of what is at stake. My own country knows what it means to face Russian aggression, and I am profoundly grateful to the Ukrainian heroes who are holding the line today.
Without their sacrifices, the world we live in would be a much more dangerous place.
So, just like in previous years, my biggest Christmas gift this year will not be something I buy for myself or put under a Christmas tree.
It will be another significant personal donation to purchase desperately needed military trucks for Ukrainian defenders.
These vehicles might not seem particularly exciting, but on the front lines, they can mean the difference between life and death. They allow soldiers to evacuate their wounded comrades, escape incoming artillery fire, and carry out critical missions that would otherwise be impossible.
And I hope that you will consider joining me.
Our goal for this Christmas fundraiser is to raise €85,500 (About $100,000) to purchase and equip these urgently needed vehicles. Thanks to the generosity of family and friends, we have already raised €38,000, putting us at nearly half of our target. We now hope to raise the remaining €47,500 with your help.
We are incredibly fortunate to live the lives we do, and I believe that the least we can do is give something back to those who are sacrificing so much to protect that privilege.
Whether you can contribute $100, $1,000, $5,000, or more, your generosity can make a real difference. We have already seen firsthand how much our previous donations have helped, and I want us to continue making that difference for as long as it is needed.
This Christmas, let us give a gift that truly matters. A gift that can save lives, support the men and women fighting for freedom, and remind them that they have not been forgotten.
Here is how we are helping:
How We Are Helping: ‘Freedom Convoys’
This war resonates deeply with me as a Finn, given our long history of resisting Russian aggression. As a reserve intelligence officer, I also know that if this conflict ever escalated, I would be among the first called back to defend my own country.
Recognizing those stakes early in the war, I knew I had to get involved. That realization led me to help organize what we now call our “Freedom Convoys.”
We quickly identified critical gaps in the support Ukraine was receiving, and one of the most urgent was the shortage of basic transportation. While Ukraine has received sophisticated weaponry, it often lacks the vehicles needed to move troops and equipment efficiently. This shortage has cost countless lives, as soldiers struggle to evacuate the wounded or escape artillery fire simply because they lack the means to move fast enough.
To help close this gap, we began purchasing trucks and equipping them for combat. Each vehicle is fitted with camouflage, mud tires, drone jammers, and night vision to withstand the harsh conditions at the front.
At first, these efforts were entirely self-funded. I purchased several trucks myself, proudly placing the Finnish and Ukrainian flags side by side as a symbol of solidarity.
But as the war intensified, so did the need. That is when we turned to our community for help, and I am proud to say that the High Yield Landlord community rose to the occasion in an extraordinary way.
Thanks to your generosity, we have now raised over $900,000, allowing us to buy and deliver 50+ fully equipped trucks filled with critical supplies to Ukrainian soldiers. I am constantly humbled by this outpouring of support. Some of you have donated $50,000 or more, while many others have contributed between $1,000 and $10,000. Even the smaller donations, $100 to $500, have added up to make an incredible difference.
Together, we are making a real and measurable impact.
The Next Convoy: How You Can Help
I will head back to Ukraine for my 12th trip in December, and I am again raising donations from family, friends, and my community here at High Yield Landlord.
Our goal is to raise about €85,500 ($95,690) in order to buy four vehicles that will be equipped with mud tires, night vision, and drone jammers. With the donations of friends and family, we are already at nearly half of the goal, and hope to complete this with your help:
These trucks will then be donated to four specific units that have been selected by our team based on their critical needs:
40th Separate. Artillery Brigade named after Grand Duke Vytautas, Art. Recon. Division, UAS crew
411th Separate Brigade of Unmanned Systems “Hawks” (YASTRUBY)
1st Separate Assault Regiment “Da Vinci”, 2nd Assault Battalion, Company of UAS
426th Unmanned Systems Regiment
Each unit has recorded personal messages for you, explaining how critical this support is. You can watch their videos on our website by clicking here.
Here is one example:
On our website, you will also see that we have set up incentives for each donor:
Badges of Honor: All donors will receive a badge as a keepsake of their contribution, something you can proudly display as a symbol of your support for Ukraine.
Personalized Vehicles: Based on your donation, you can also have your country’s flag, company logo, or a personal message placed on one of the trucks we send to the front lines.
Join the Convoy: For our largest donors, there’s the incredible opportunity to join me on this next convoy to Kyiv! My brother, Joni, will also join this one. Imagine seeing the difference you are making firsthand, meeting the soldiers you are helping, and experiencing Ukraine’s resilience up close. If this interests you, make sure to read the Q&A below.
I have said this before, and I will repeat it again: for most of us, it makes no real difference whether we have an extra $1,000 in our account or not, but it makes a huge difference for the people in Ukraine.
In my mind, this is the best kind of charity because the volunteers work for free, we take all the risks ourselves, and we top up your donations with our own money. Typically, if you donate $1,000 to a charity, you would be happy if half of that actually goes into helping people. Here, it is the opposite. Every dollar you give goes directly to the cause, and we stretch your donation by contributing our own time, resources, and funds. It’s a true value investment in the future of freedom, and that is why I am putting my own money into this effort.
Click here to visit our website and donate
Q&A Section
(1) How can I donate?
We have set up a website to raise donations, and you can donate with a wire transfer, credit card, Apple Pay, PayPal, or even crypto.
Click here to visit our website and donate
(2) Is my donation tax-deductible?
If you are a U.S. donor, you can make a tax-deductible contribution through our 501(c)(3) partner. For instructions, please visit our 501(c)(3) donation page by clicking here.
Please also inform me if you make such a donation. Here is my email address: jaskola@leonbergcapital.com
Thank you!
(3) What is your organization?
Its name is “Help99” and you can learn more about it by clicking here.
We are backed by many high-profile politicians and entrepreneurs who support our efforts and regularly join us on our convoys. Here is what we have achieved so far:We are also well connected in Ukraine. As an example, our group has previously met with Ukraine’s then Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba:
(4) What are the badge designs? How can I get my badge?
You will see three different designs on our website by clicking here.
NAFO, short for the North Atlantic Fella Organization, is a clever play on ‘NATO.’ It represents a grassroots social media movement aimed at countering Russian disinformation while crowdfunding aid to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
The badge on the right is the logo of the Osprey group, which belongs to the 26th Unmanned Systems Regiment. One of my Finnish friends is fighting in Ukraine in this exact unit.
The badge in the middle shows Putin and Stalin side by side, split down the middle to emphasize how little has really changed. It reads “Defeat Russia” and is meant to symbolize the continuity between Soviet-era oppression and today’s Russian aggression.
The badge on the left has a Christmas theme, showing Magyar dressed as Santa Claus and delivering drones as gifts to the Ukrainian military. It reads “Been Naughty?”, adding a humorous holiday touch while also highlighting the very real role that drones now play on the battlefield.
After donating, you will be requested to provide an address for the delivery of the badge. We ship worldwide!
(5) I want to donate and join the convoy. What should I know?
The minimum donation to join our convoy is $11,200 (€10,000). That might sound like a lot, but for what you’re getting, it is truly exceptional.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the kind of trip that money alone can’t typically buy. Access like this requires the right relationships, and we have taken care of everything: the paperwork, the logistics, the planning. All you have to do is show up and be part of something extraordinary.
Worried about safety? You are not alone, but the reality is far less dramatic than it may seem. Foreign presidents, diplomats, and even celebrities now visit Kyiv regularly. Ukraine is a large country, and the fighting is far from the capital. Kyiv itself is well-protected with advanced air defenses, and civilian casualties are now rare relative to the size of the city.
This will be an unforgettable journey. You will meet me, the full crew, and most importantly, Ukrainian defenders on the ground. You will stay two nights in a nice hotel in Kyiv (yes, it has a bomb shelter), explore this beautiful and resilient city, and take part in meaningful, memorable activities.
And most of all, you will make a real impact on this war.
One of our members, Stan Miller, made a generous $25,000 donation in 2023 and joined us on one of our convoys. He made a 5-minute video about the experience:
Since then, many more members have joined our convoys, and every single one has said that it was well worth the cost.
Our next trip will be in December and will last five days (please send me an email at jaskola@leonbergcapital.com for the exact dates).
You will fly into Tallinn, Estonia, a day or two before we start the convoy. From there, we will drive all the way to Kyiv, Ukraine, passing through Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland along the way - five countries in one unforgettable journey!
You will be paired with at least one other person per car so you can take turns driving and rest when needed. We also stop every few hours for breaks, meals, and coffee.
Can’t drive? No problem. Just let me know in advance, and we will arrange additional drivers.
We will take care of all the necessary paperwork ahead of the trip to ensure smooth entry into Ukraine. All you need is a passport that’s valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
Once we arrive in Kyiv, we will park the cars, check into the hotel, freshen up with a shower, and head out for a well-deserved dinner to celebrate another successful convoy.
Kyiv currently has a midnight curfew, so we will return to the hotel before then, but the lobby bar stays open later if you are not quite ready to turn in.
The next day, we will meet with Ukrainian soldiers to deliver the vehicles and supplies. You will have a chance to talk with them, take photos, and witness firsthand the impact of your support.
We will also spend time exploring Kyiv, and if the schedule allows, visit places like Bucha and Hostomel Airport. While we can’t guarantee anything in advance, every past trip has included meaningful and memorable experiences.
We plan to spend two nights in Kyiv, giving you time to enjoy the city, try Ukrainian cuisine, and take part in additional activities.
After our time in Kyiv, we will board an overnight train to Warsaw, which has sleeping compartments. It is surprisingly comfortable!
From Warsaw, you can catch your flight home or stay an extra night or two at a local spa or hotel. That’s what I usually do. Warsaw is a beautiful city, and even its top hotels are very affordable.
Your donation covers most major expenses, including:
Hotel accommodation in Kyiv
Welcome dinner on the first night
Train ticket back to Warsaw
If you are interested in joining the next convoy, send me an email at jaskola@leonbergcapital.com, and I will share more details.
You can also watch this documentary by YouTuber Artur Rehi (700,000 subscribers), who regularly joins our trips:
(6) What are the exact dates of the convoy?
The trip is scheduled to begin in the second half of December.
Once you reach out, I will share the exact dates so we can coordinate your arrival in Tallinn, Estonia.
If you are interested, please email me at jaskola@leonbergcapital.com
(7) I can’t join in December. Can I join another convoy?
Yes! If you donate $11,200 or more but can’t join this convoy, you are welcome to participate in a future one when the timing works for you. We organize convoys every month.
Just let me know so we can reserve your spot. This specific campaign may not be repeated, so it is best to confirm your interest early.
(8) Can I take a friend with me?
Of course!
As long as the donation is at least $11,200 per person, you can take as many people as you want with you. We can always buy additional cars and supplies with the funds.
(9) Do you have any other questions?
Please let me know in the comment section or send me an email at jaskola@leonbergcapital.com, and I will be happy to help!
Let’s stand with Ukraine and show the world that, when freedom is under attack, we come together to defend it.
Click here to visit our website and donate
Thank you for your support!
Jussi
