Cottage Industry Rearmament (and a muddy pawed dog called Dzyga)

In a non-descript pretty street is a non-descript pretty Ukrainian home. Actually, that’s not true it has some very beautiful distinguishing features but to prevent it being identified I had to resist the urge to photograph them.

Here lives Dzyga with her owners Dimko and Ira who established a charity foundation to support the various Armed Forces of Ukraine. One day Dzyga wanted to help out with the packing of uniforms that were to be sent out and her perfect muddy pawprint left as her ‘I was here’ moment, became the logo (and name) for Dzygas Paw Fund.

The front room of the house has the usual sofa, TV, desk, chairs, and a downed russian fly by wire drone.

From the ceiling hangs a chandelier whilst on the walls hang plaques shield and certificates of thanks from some of the units, they have provided bespoke equipment for.

Another room holds medals and decorated shells that troops on the front line have presented to the team. Some of these stunningly beautiful shells are available for sale and. If I thought I would have got it through air port security I would have bought one myself. I hope that we may be able to work out a way to ship some to the UK for live auction to raise much needed funds.

For those who fear misuse of funds rest assured that Transparency is crucial for Dzyga’s Paw as it builds trust and credibility with our donors.

I wont repeat what you can read yourself from their website but I can say that by visiting and talking directly with those using the drones on the front line Dzygas Paw ensures that all equipment is bespoke to the needs of their situation. Click this link to learn more about the individual units who have been assisted by Dzygas Paw

So, why the title “Cottage Industry Rearmament”? The Armed Forces of Ukraine are not just supported by their and other governments. All around the country in non-descript buildings in non-descript roads 3Dprinters are printing, electronics are being worked on, and once they are brought together to make exactly what is wanted at the front then volunteers drive the equipment, and any other donations needed, directly to the people who will be using it.

There is no one massive factory that could be targeted by the invading aggressors impacting on production. There are many mini ‘factories’ making many different things, and they are all manned by people who are just getting the job done.