Exploring how STRUM works — why it’s a vital supply artery for the Azov Brigade, how the fundraising system functions, and what the future of this community looks like
Why Does AZOV Need Strum?
Donations in support of the Ukrainian Defense Forces haven’t decreased — Monobank statistics, blogger reports, and the number of successful campaigns confirm this. But the war has entered its fourth year: it’s evolving — and so are the needs of those fighting it.
Besides vehicles, which are the typical focus of public fundraising, the frontline constantly requires expendables that are harder to rally donors around. While many donate toward popular campaigns, equally urgent needs remain: fuel, bandages, tourniquets, food, and ammo. These are essentials that are needed constantly and in large volumes.
Take the FPV drone: a single-use quadcopter equipped with an explosive payload that detonates on impact. It’s used to destroy enemy infantry or vehicles in transit or at their positions. Sometimes it takes 2–3 drones to hit a single moving vehicle transporting ammo. When targeting heavier equipment, even more is needed, especially since the enemy also uses EW systems and defense tech.
The cost of a single drone starts at 8,000₴. On top of that, operators often purchase add-ons like cameras, frames, power units, and systems to attach munitions. Launching a separate fundraiser for accessories is impractical. It’s far more efficient when a brigade has access to a fund, like STRUM, that lets them immediately purchase what’s needed to keep operations going.
Serhii Todosan was a former scout with the 110th Brigade and is now the partnership manager at AZOV.ONE and the conceptual founder of STRUM, said on the “Round Closed” podcast:
“It’s impossible to fully equip a brigade by 100%. But tech really matters. You might be going into the grey zone with a single thermal imager shared between the group… or you might each have two radios: one for close-range use, another for HQ. If every soldier has a thermal scope, night vision, and laser aiming — that’s a totally different level of combat capability.”
Stable sources of funding make it possible to plan purchases and outfitting. That has a direct impact on the brigade’s battlefield effectiveness right now.
How Strum Powers Consistency
STRUM ensures that Azov has reliable support and the resources it needs to work better. It allows the brigade to act without waiting for a donation drive to close — they can quickly acquire what’s necessary.
One-off fundraisers are unpredictable. When a brigade is raising funds for a vehicle, it usually means their existing one is no longer operational, and somewhere on the front, there’s a position not receiving ammo, food, or other supplies. Until the fundraiser closes, that problem remains unsolved.
Regular contributions are different — they can be planned, forecasted, and used more efficiently, without relying on the chaos or luck of spontaneous campaigns.
“War is changing. It drains the country. That’s why support must not only grow — it has to evolve. There was a time when shared donation jars were enough. But we’ve entered a new phase of protracted war. And we need new tools for those who want to support AZOV and the wider military effort.”
How Does Strum Work?
Today, 4,000 Ukrainians are subscribed to STRUM, generating monthly support of 1,745,942₴. The brigade constantly faces needs that must be covered quickly, and there’s not always time to organize a public campaign. The answer: predictable donations that allow for timely financial planning.
Once you subscribe, you’ll receive a login code by email for your STRUM account. Your personal dashboard offers features to help you feel like a part of the community.
In your account, you can:
- Generate social media images that identify you as a STRUM supporter
- Adjust your subscription amount (minimum is 100₴, but you can set any custom amount)
It’s a small donation — not enough to fund a campaign. Not enough to buy your partner a coffee. But it’s one electron in the current — the STRUM that powers AZOV.
Each subscriber can invite friends via their unique referral link and see who joins thanks to them. This grows the STRUM network and gives everyone a sense of influence and involvement in a cause greater than themselves — a community united in powering AZOV’s fight for Ukraine’s freedom.
More Than Just Funding
Beyond the technical side of fundraising, STRUM has a brand-driven layer. Every subscriber becomes eligible for gifts or rewards. The team is developing unique merchandise for long-term supporters and those who’ve donated substantial amounts. STRUM’s creators are also designing branded items that recognize and celebrate active members of the community.
Transparency is key — STRUM subscribers always know where their money goes. They feel the direct impact of their contribution on the brigade’s efficiency.
There’s also exclusive content that isn’t shared on Azov or AZOV.ONE’s social media — keeping a sense of intimacy and trust within the community.
Is Strum a Community?
Absolutely. It’s a collective of concerned civilians whose support forms the pulse of Azov’s operational life.
In the army, logistics, medical services, and rear support are just as vital as combat, and without them, no battle can be won. STRUM is that rear support for Azov — an outlet for those who want to be the force behind the force.
If you’ve ever felt your donations were just a drop in a massive campaign… if you’ve wanted to feel like you truly belong… maybe STRUM is the community that brings that back.
And it gets results.
- 78 thermal imagers, scopes, and laser designators have been purchased. These tools help detect enemy positions, both in offensive and defensive operations. A total cost: 13,113,000₴, with 2,500,000₴ covered via STRUM.
- 120 fiber-optic drones resistant to EW attacks have been delivered. These units let fighters resupply ammo and food much closer to the frontline, without putting people at risk over long distances. Total cost: 10,379,978₴, with 3,176,000₴ powered by STRUM.
Strum, Identity, and Belonging
The feeling of belonging will soon extend beyond official STRUM merch.
One upcoming collaboration, for example, includes a non-alcoholic beverage produced in partnership with UNDERWOOD. Not an actual merchandise item, but a product designed to promote a brand that supports the defenders. And that’s just one example.
STRUM will continue to offer its members — and ordinary Ukrainians — things that reflect who they are. Ways to identify with a growing network that powers AZOV, continuously and without interruption.
Join the community: https://strum.azov.one/en
