SAUNAS FOR UKRAINE
We will plan, build and deliver 10 sauna complexes
fit for battalion-sized units in Ukraine.
Let's collect 1.5 million euros!
Members of the NGO Saunas for Ukraine visited the sauna complex built for the Azov Battalion.On a beautiful day in July, members of the NGO Saunas for Ukraine visited the third sauna complex we built, which is used by the renowned Azov Battalion.We met with representatives of the battalion in the Kharkiv region, where, after adventures on dusty roads through sunflower and watermelon fields—encounters that included local scrap metal scavengers and bottomless potholes—we finally reached the well-hidden sauna complex in the forest. It stood proudly next to destroyed enemy equipment, in a place where, just a few years ago, the dirty boots of the occupier had marched.Right there by the sauna, while tapping with a toe at a grease-covered mess tin lid that had flown off an exploded Soviet tank, we discussed the finer points of washing in the woods. We also jotted down in our notebook the lessons passed on to us by Ukraine’s finest sons as they fought the enemy and competed for the best spots in the sauna.War waits for no one, and time flew by—before we knew it, we were in a fancy lemonade café in Izium, where we celebrated our reunion with a cold drink amidst the sounds of air raid sirens. We wished the fighters strength, shook hands with the battalion commander, and, after loading our trunk with peaches, apricots, and a huge watermelon, we set off home in good spirits.But one picture says more than a thousand words, and ten pictures more than a million:The board of the NGO together with the flag received as a token of gratitude.A temporary landmark installed by the army pointing in the right direction.The immortal Scania, the 3rd sauna at its stop in the Kharkiv area.The Azov chief sauna master with a thematic headgear brought from Estonia.The inspecting board lined up.A member of the NGO's board, A. Hallika, making a political statement while also marking valuable scrap metal.Read more
A somewhat unexpected greeting came from our first saunaKarpatska Sich is fighting, and our sauna is fighting alongside them. The pictures show our good friend from Latvia, Juris Jurašs, who has been fighting in Ukraine. Now he sits at the door of the sauna and confirms that all the complex's machines are in use: the sauna, the laundry, and the support vehicle. Thus, this complex has endured for a year and a half now. Feedback is good. This message brought more joy than I would have expected. Good comrades with whom we started in the fall of 2022, thank you! This has not been in vain!Read more
Our report of the 4rd Sauna Complex is readyIf there’s anything to comment on, this report proves a fundamental principle of production: for larger orders, the cost price of each complex will be slightly lower. Currently, we’ve been treating each sauna complex as a separate project, but in the long run, optimization is necessary. For example, some additional washing machines and dryers were purchased for the previous complex, which we could utilize this time. From an accounting perspective, this raises a minor theoretical question about which complex these machines should be allocated to, but ultimately, it’s just a matter of paperwork. Similarly, VAT refunds play a crucial role in the creation of each subsequent complex. Finally, we must always express our gratitude to the sponsors mentioned in our report. Last Sunday, our team visited Alatskivi and met with the local Saunas For Ukraine support team. Once again, I received confirmation that with people like them, mountains can be moved. A deep bow. Another profound bow goes to our team, who works voluntarily.The production of the 5th complex is already on the way. You can find our report of the 4rd here ›› (Only in Estonian so far, but AI will help you to translate, if needed.)Read more
Situation
Most fighters spend their days in trenches
Many ukrainian fighters are in the trenches every day, under fire from enemy artillery and tanks, but they remain defiant. The situation is reminiscent of the first world war where soldiers can too easily get sick just from the absence of hygiene.
The weather in Eastern Ukraine can be very cold during winters and very hot during summers
The infantryman in the winter feels constant cold. There are cases of the amputation of frozen limbs. During the summer heat, soldiers dehydrate quickly. At the same time, the sweat mixed with dust and mud created formidable environment for different kind of
bacteria.
There are no organized washing facilities
Most of the Ukrainian units don't have centrally organised washing facilities. "Last time, I washed myself was a month ago," explained a soldier to us near Bahmut. Uniforms have to be washed by hand and infrequently. Living in constant damp conditions affects the morale of defenders.
Rest & clean
Main concept: 3 trucks
Support truck
- Water tanks, pumps and generators~8 tons of water used each day
Sauna
- 50-60 men can wash and steam every dayResting area in a heated tent
Laundromat
- Washing machines and dryersUp to 50 uniforms per day
Technical details
Take a look at the mobile sauna & laundry complex options we are delivering to Ukraine
The design of saunas is constantly evolving based on Ukrainan defenders' feedback and is tailored to the specific requirements of each unit.
Team
Behind the project 'Saunas For Ukraine' stands an Estonian NGO 'Saunad Ukrainasse'
This special organisation unites around the common mission different Estonian sauna producers and members of Estonian Defence League. Today we invite people around the world to join us.