On Friday, January 23, the Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce (CUCC), together with the Ukrainian Canadian Professional & Business Association (UCPBA) and the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), hosted a closed-door fireside chat at the KUMF Gallery in Toronto. The event brought together Ukrainian and Canadian leaders for a candid and timely discussion on Ukraine’s defense innovation amid a rapidly evolving, technology-driven war.
The fireside chat featured Serhiy Prytula, Founder of the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation; Oleksandr Yarmak, Senior Lieutenant of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Commander of the Darknode UAS Battalion (412th “Nemesis” Brigade); and Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress. The discussion was moderated by Roman Waschuk, Business Ombudsman in Ukraine.
The gathering took place as a side event of the One United Fundraiser (Єдинозбір) 2026 North American Tour, an international initiative aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities through targeted support for advanced technologies.
Innovation on the Front Lines
As the war in Ukraine becomes increasingly technology-driven, drone and counter-drone systems have emerged as critical tools for protecting civilians, safeguarding infrastructure, and maintaining battlefield resilience. Ukrainian-developed solutions are now among the most effective lines of defense, demonstrating both ingenuity and urgency under extreme conditions.
Speakers shared firsthand insights into how innovation is being deployed in real time, the operational realities on the front lines, and the growing importance of international support to scale these technologies.
Supporting One United Fundraiser
The One United Fundraiser aims to raise 1 billion UAH to support smart drone interceptor systems and other critical equipment for Ukraine’s defense forces. With nearly 198 million UAH already raised in Ukraine, the campaign continues to build strong momentum globally.
This leadership-focused gathering created a trusted space for open dialogue and meaningful engagement between Canada’s Ukrainian business community and those directly involved in Ukraine’s defense efforts. Thanks to the generosity of participants, $178,000 was raised during the event in support of Ukraine’s resilience and security.
A Renewed Commitment
The evening served as a powerful reminder of Canada’s unwavering commitment to standing with Ukraine—not only in defense, but also in the long-term rebuilding and modernization of the country. CUCC is proud to convene conversations that connect business leaders, policymakers, and frontline innovators in support of Ukraine’s future.
