World News

Ukrainian students fight Russia in their own way — even making drone parts on December 25, 2023 at 10:00 am

Published

2 years ago

December 25, 2023

After Russian forces occupied her town near Kyiv in the early days of the February 2022 invasion, 14-year-old Ukrainian student Tanya Bondarchuk remembers feeling shocked and in disbelief.

Her parents woke her abruptly and said the war had started.

“Later, I got up and really understood that the war had begun,” she told The Hill. “While my parents collected documents, food and clothes that we need, I just sat and cried. I really didn’t know what to do in the situation because I was a little girl and did not understand the political situation in our country.”

Ukrainian soldiers have since reclaimed the Kyiv region around her town, Katyuzhanka. And Bondarchuk herself has now joined the fight against Russia: She’s part of a group of students building drone parts for the military, working from a unique school program funded by private American dollars.

The program is a window into how Ukraine’s youths are defending and rebuilding their country against the Russian invasion, an overlooked but vital part of the Ukrainian mission.

Colleen Denny, the regional director of Europe for the American nonprofit organization Spirit of America, said Russia has destroyed roughly 10 percent of schools across Ukraine in missile attacks that she claims are purposely aimed at educational infrastructure.

“This is a deliberate targeting of Ukrainian youth so that it will hurt Ukraine’s opportunities to continue developing the future and hurt their future human capital,” she said.

But Denny said Ukrainian students are fighting back: now, by supporting Ukraine’s current needs, and in the future through long-term projects and skill-building.

“I truly see this as a way to help Ukraine win the peace after the war. We talk about winning the war, but then also winning the peace that follows it,” she said. “And by enabling the young generation now — they are the generation that will be responsible for rebuilding Ukraine — we think we will reap huge returns on investment for post-conflict Ukraine.”

The program, called UActive, was spearheaded by Spirt of America and the Ukrainian charity group savED, which aims to rebuild schools and keep education alive across Ukraine.

UActive is built to ensure students find out how to get involved in their communities and learn business and design thinking, and to prepare the next generation for rebuilding Ukraine and managing a war-torn country.

Anna Novosad, the founder of savED, said the students are often “psychologically affected” by the war but have shown resolve in working for their communities and country, noting that when the program started, some students “were really in really bad emotional shape.”

“But within the eight-week program, they transformed incredibly,” Novosad said.

“Some kids who lived through occupation” are supporting “a potential Ukrainian victory,” she continued. “This is not just blah, blah, about civic education. This is like, they can do real things.”

The idea for UActive, funded in its first year by $150,000 donated to Spirit of America, was borne out of talks between the American nonprofit and savED. It came to life in October 2022.

UActive is spread across five high schools in the Chernihiv and Kyiv regions, with close to 100 students participating. The program is expected to expand to more locations next year.

Under the program, students form a team of 10 or 12 at their school and brainstorm for weeks before they pitch an idea to win $5,000 in grant funding. The winning teams work closely with teachers and mentors from the assisting nonprofits to oversee project completion.

Students have helped their communities in various ways — overseeing the construction and renovation of sports fields and assembly halls and creating a coworking space that allows for the training of mine safety and first aid.

A project in the town of Mykhailo-Kotsiubynske also directly benefits the military: Students helped create a rehabilitation center for wounded Ukrainian soldiers and veterans.

The drone project — now a major success story for UActive — had an unlikely start.

Ukrainian students behind the idea initially failed to win the $5,000 grant to go ahead with the project. The winning team drafted a plan to renovate a theater hall near the Kyiv-area school, Katyuzhanka Lyceum.

But students behind the drone manufacturing were determined and continued to work with a mentor to realize their efforts.

They were eventually sent to Lviv, in western Ukraine, to meet with information technology experts and companies to refine the project. Before long, they had secured funding from the Ukrainian private sector for the project at their school.

In six months, students have created 6,000 drone parts, according to the team.

Ironically, the students in the drone program are working out of a classroom that was used by Russian forces as an interrogation room. Spirit of America and savED said the town of Katyuzhanka was used as a command center for Russia before troops were forced to retreat during a Ukrainian counterattack that pushed them out of the west in the spring of 2022.

Spirit of America’s founder and CEO Jim Hake noticed the success of the drone project.

“At Spirit of America we work hard to quantify impact and return on investment. But the most important things about our work can’t be measured,” he wrote in a letter. “Ultimately, our work is about the kind of world we want our children to live in. It’s about what America stands for: preserving the promise of a free and better life.”

The drone parts are built from a 3D printer before they are sent to the front lines. Two brigades of Ukrainian soldiers on the front have worked closely with the students, according to savED.

Denny, from Spirit of America, said the parts the students build can be just a $10 piece — but they become an invaluable component in drones with a price tag of $5,000 or more.

“What the students are doing has huge returns on investment for these surveillance drones and for the front-line troops that they’re sending them to,” she said.

The drones are generally for surveillance, but they can have a wide range of attachment capabilities, including potentially for lethal use.

The Russia-Ukraine war has highlighted the importance of drone warfare, with surveillance drones monitoring movements being one big reason for the stalemate, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

Ukraine has received drones from Western allies but is also pushing to manufacture more drones in-house. The Ukrainian fundraising project, United24, which has raised more than $500 million, includes a major effort for drone procurement.

Novosad, from savED, said some people have questioned why students are participating in a program to build drone parts that can be used on the battlefield. But she noted the children came up with the idea themselves and were adamant about it, even after the proposal did not win an initial grant.

“Kids are also not supposed to live under Russian occupation,” she said in defense of the program. “These kids have lived through a lot and they want to [have a connection] to victory.”

Bondarchuk, who was 13 when Russian soldiers stormed her town, said the occupation felt like a “zombie apocalypse” with troops everywhere and a lot of looting and destruction.

After Ukrainian troops reclaimed the region, Bondarchuk at first resumed schooling from her basement as residents worked to clean up the school.

When UActive was brought to her school in the fall of 2022, Bondarchuk, who wants to be a graphic designer when she grows up, was immediately drawn to the pitch to create drone parts and other items through 3D printing.

“The project seemed incredible to me,” she said.

Bondarchuk said participating in the drone program makes her feel part of the defense of her country.

“I’m really happy that I can help my country … to win this war,” she said. “War is very terrible, and I want to help my country.”

After Russian forces occupied her town near Kyiv in the early days of the February 2022 invasion, 14-year-old Ukrainian student Tanya Bondarchuk remembers feeling shocked and in disbelief. Her parents woke her abruptly and said the war had started. “Later, I got up and really understood that the war had begun,” she told The Hill. “While…

Business

GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Published

1 month ago

May 16, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

News

US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

Published

7 months ago

November 30, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

News

Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

Published

7 months ago

November 20, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.