PrivatBank and the competent army assistance foundation 'Come Back Alive' have completed a joint fundraising campaign to support the 'Yatagan' UAV pilot school. The campaign, which involved millions of Ukrainians, has significantly strengthened the training base and capabilities for servicemen's preparation.

Over 53 million UAH was raised for the school's development during the second wave of fundraising, which lasted from March last year until February 2026, of which 5 million UAH is a contribution from PrivatBank.

"We are proud of our partnership with the 'Come Back Alive' foundation and 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 translates into high mastery, which, thanks to modern technologies, protects lives," says Olesia Zhulynska, Head of Public Relations and Communications at PrivatBank.

The raised amount allowed for the expansion of the facility's throughput 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: people's safety during air raid alerts was taken care of, and the training complex was provided with backup power.
• Strengthened logistics: 7 units of transport were transferred 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 preparation of military specialists are crucial. That is why at the 'Yatagan' center, we created an environment where both new operators and experienced servicemen who are upgrading their qualifications are trained. And the training programs are constantly updated by instructors with combat experience according to how the situation at the front changes," notes Oleh Karpenko, Deputy Director of the 'Come Back Alive' foundation.

'Yatagan' is a story of dedication and professionalism. During the cooperation, the School has graduated almost 2,000 servicemen who have joined the ranks of defenders. Among them:

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

"Drones are technology, they are the eyes of the military, capable of changing the situation on the battlefield. I enjoyed working with 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 the current realities," says a serviceman with the call sign "Lys," who shot down seven Russian drones in his first combat sortie.

We remind you that the fundraising for the creation of the 'Yatagan' UAV Specialist Training School in the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine started in March 2024. At that time, 33 million hryvnias were accumulated, which allowed the facility to open and train the first thousand servicemen who acquired a new military occupational specialty. The total contribution of PrivatBank to the creation and development of the project over two years amounted to 8 million hryvnias.

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