Over 6 Million Hryvnias Raised in Poland in Just 4 Days to Buy Buses for Vinnytsia

Fundraising Campaign for Vinnytsia

According to Radiotrek — Світ: In just four days, more than 500,000 zlotys (over 6 million hryvnias) were raised in Poland to purchase 15 decommissioned Solaris buses for the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia. This effort came after the Kielce city council refused to donate the vehicles free of charge. As of June 15, 2026, over 6,500 individuals had contributed, bringing the total collected to 534,670 zlotys. For context, these buses are essential for maintaining public transport services in Vinnytsia, which has faced significant strain due to the ongoing war.

The campaign was launched by the Sikorski Foundation in Ukraine. The fundraising drive was triggered by local right-wing politicians in Kielce who blocked the free transfer of the buses to Ukraine. In response, the campaign organizers stated:

“If politicians couldn’t help, we’ll do it ourselves.”

The mayor of Vinnytsia has since formally withdrawn the request for assistance and also demanded that a street named after Stepan Bandera in Vinnytsia be renamed. Despite these political hurdles, the community-driven effort in Poland continues to focus on securing much-needed transportation for Vinnytsia.

Polish Solidarity in Action

This initiative highlights the strong solidarity between Polish society and Ukraine. It also shows how local communities can come together to achieve a common goal when official institutions are either unwilling or unable to help. The fundraising for Vinnytsia’s buses could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges under political pressure and constraints.

The fundraising efforts for Vinnytsia's buses have garnered significant attention, showcasing the power of community support in challenging times. For those interested in the broader impact of this initiative, Polish activists have also raised substantial funds to ensure the delivery of essential transportation solutions to the city, further emphasizing the solidarity between Poland and Ukraine amidst ongoing adversity.