The Veterans Behind Our Recycled War Parts

Andriy and Mykhailo are two Ukrainian veterans who design and create all of our recycled war part products. Their story is a combination of friendship, war, entrepreneurship, and faith in victory.

How it all began

Andriy is originally from Shostka, in the Sumy region, but has long lived in Lviv region. It was in Lviv that he met Mykhailo: first as his brother’s friend, later as a close companion and godparent.

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, they both volunteered to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“On February 28, we were already at the military enlistment office,” says Mykhailo. “We spent a few days wrapping up things at home, handed everything over to our wives, and went to the army. Because it had to be done — so we went.”

They served in the newly formed 15th Battalion of the 5th Brigade. They were deployed in Lviv region, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions. There, on the frontlines, Andriy was wounded. “There’s little pleasant about war, but at that moment, there was no other choice,” they say.

Why Ukrainians fight

“There isn’t one single answer why people go to the front. Some fight for a fallen brother-in-arms, some for Ukraine as a state, some because they simply cannot do otherwise. But the goal is the same: to push the enemy back. Evil must be punished.”

The birth of their business.

Their business began back in 2014, coinciding with the Revolution of Dignity.
“We tried different things — from importing string bags from China to the meat business,” Andriy laughs. “And thank God, we found our niche. We’re doing something that brings us joy and brings joy to people. And it’s unique for Ukraine.”

Cooperation with Saint Javelin

They were introduced to Christian by a mutual friend. At first, they produced items for the Ukrainian World Congress, and later joined projects with Saint Javelin.

“We got a lot of ideas from Christian and made them real. The statuettes were his wish. We showed how to make them properly and well, and they became part of our shared work,” the men say.

“When we were still on the Donetsk front, I took shell casings right from under the cannon, still warm,” recalls Andriy. “From them, we made our first items and donated them to charity auctions. They spread around the world, and we were amazed at how much money they raised. That’s when we decided to name this project ‘I gave gold for iron.’”

“All the products we make for Saint Javelin are also cast from weapons-grade brass. Although honestly, it’s a heavenly punishment to work with it. The metal differs wildly from casing to casing: it either pours badly or becomes too brittle, and then you have to deoxidize it. Plus, hauling the casings now from the east — that’s no easy task either,” says Andriy.

Why support Saint Javelin

Saint Javelin not only creates unique products to raise funds for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but also unites countless Ukrainian businesses, most of them veteran-owned. In other words, by purchasing these products, you’re supporting not just Ukrainian business, but veteran business. And you’re supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“I know how the team treats quality. I myself have been wearing a T-shirt gifted by Christian for several years now — and it’s still as good as new.

I think it’s incredibly important when money comes in from abroad, because everyone understands: Ukrainian business is bled dry today. This cooperation makes it possible to cover many essential needs. Everyone wins: businesses, the Armed Forces, and those who buy Saint Javelin,” says Andriy.

“There’s a win-win principle here. The business wins, the client wins, Saint Javelin wins, and the Armed Forces get what they need,” says Mykhailo.

About Independence Coin

“This coin is extremely important because it is probably the simplest in its execution. We were looking for complex ideas, but we came to the conclusion that everything here should be simple and concise.

We have a Constitution, we have state borders, we have independence — and all of this must remain as it was, is, and will be. This coin, dedicated to Independence Day, simply shows our Ukraine. And it bears the date when we gained our borders and our independence within them.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of these coins go to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They are directed to the Unite with Ukraine fund, which directly helps the army by purchasing weapons.

This is a wonderful opportunity to obtain a collectible, commemorative item with a difficult history. It carries a piece of our struggle: cannon brass that once thundered on the battlefield can now quietly lie on your shelf — and still bring benefit to our army.”