Lviv entrepreneur and philanthropist Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy initiated a charity auction to raise funds for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The event, held under the patronage of the head of the Lviv regional military-civilian administration Maksym Kozytskyi and the mayor of Lviv, Andriy Sadovyi, had the symbolic name “Victory begins with you”. In addition, the charity funds “Ridna Obolon”, “Cultural Innovations”, and “Knyazha Ukraine” also joined the campaign.

Businessmen, politicians, collectors, and art connoisseurs who gathered that evening at the Lviv “Emily Resort” had the opportunity to purchase one of the 100 items put up for auction. All of them are valuable and exclusive and represent cultural or historical value. Funds from their sale will be directed to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, territorial defence units and the Mountain Children’s School of Arts of the Luhansk Region.

Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy commented on the course of the auction:

“We have been helping our army since the beginning of the war. Therefore, it is good that the auction took place on such a beautiful day – when our army entered Kherson. I am pleased that my friends and Emily Resort, “Rukh” Football Club, joined this event. By doing this, they contributed to our victory, which we will surely achieve soon. I believe that God’s resources should be invested in the right things, in good deeds. And our greatest victory is the defence of Ukraine. I hope that the prophetic words of Stepan Bandera will soon come true: “And the time will come when they will say: “Glory to Ukraine!”, and millions will answer: “Glory to heroes!”. We are invincible, and every Ukrainian contributes to our overall victory,” the philanthropist noted.

Among the exhibits is a book from 1663, published in Lviv at the printing house of the Lviv Brotherhood by the first printer Ivan Fedorov. And also the “Gospel” of 1891 and a bronze mace of the 12th century.

“All the works presented here can become the pride of any museum. Therefore, there should be more such museums in Lviv, and the guests of our city could admire the sights of the great Ukrainian culture. Therefore, interest in it is constantly growing because it is worth it,” says Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi.

Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy and his wife – the president of the “Rukh” football club, the famous singer Yuliya Dumanska – bought exhibits at a charity auction for 30,000. Dollars – in particular, ancient icons, paintings and old prints.

“Most of the things we bought will be donated to charity. Yes, we plan to give the ancient Gospel to the church organisations where they belong. But let’s leave “Kobzar” to our children – in memory of the great Ukrainian culture, thanks to which Ukrainians remain strong and will definitely win. Now every Ukrainian is doing everything he can to bring this victory closer. And we will not stop helping until all our lands and our people return home,” Yuliya Dumanska said.

Among the trophies exhibited at the auction were won by the defenders of Ukraine during fierce battles – particularly, the liberation of Zmiiny Island. In addition, those willing could purchase collectable coins, swords and lighters bearing the signatures of Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi and Head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyryll Budanov.

According to the head of the Lviv regional military-civilian administration, Maksym Kozytskyi, buying something at the auction is unnecessary. On the contrary, participation in the event proves support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“But if there is an opportunity to help, it is worth joining and helping. I thank the organisers for doing the right thing: supporting the Ukrainian army at an important moment. Thank you to everyone who participated – this is how they show their support. Together we are invincible,” said Kozytskyy.

And the head of the Fund for Cultural Innovations, Vladyslav Trubitsyn, thanked Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy for the initiative.

“The war is on, and everyone on the front lines is coming together to bring victory closer. Previously, similar events took place in Poltava and Kyiv, where we collected over 7 million UAH, which were used to purchase body armour, generators, thermal imagers, and other items needed by our fighters. I want to thank Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy, who joined the organisation of this process,” said Trubitsyn.

The coach of the Shakhtar football club Ihor Jovichevich also joined the auction. According to him, it is essential to help the army and fight for freedom to feel free on our land.

4.5 million UAH were collected during the charity auction at Emily Resort. They will be aimed at the needs of Ukrainian defenders.