Aug 26, 2026 6 min read

Nearly $4 billion, 145 countries, one cause: Xpand at the UNITED24 MODE summit

On August 21, 2026, Kyiv hosted the UNITED24 MODE Summit, marking four years since President Volodymyr Zelenskyy launched UNITED24 – Ukraine's official fundraising platform – in April 2022. Ambassadors, partners, medics, engineers, and volunteers spent the day taking stock of what four years of collective effort have built. Xpand's team was there among them, as a company that has partnered with UNITED24 over the past year.

Anastasiia Stoliarchuk Marketing Team Lead

The number that opened the summit is hard to take in at first: close to $4 billion raised, from donors in 145 countries. It isn't an abstraction. Behind it are more than 117,000 pieces of medical equipment – ambulances, armored evacuation vehicles, anesthesia machines, neurosurgical microscopes – worth over $51 million, along with drones, reconstructed schools, and rebuilt bridges.

The summit's name spells out what it stands for: MODE – Innovative, Just, Resilient, Bold, United. Its eight panels were built around that idea, and several are worth recounting.

Ukraine in the Spotlight opened the day with a conversation about the country's place in the global information space – how Ukraine holds attention and stays part of the international agenda, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNITED24's own editorial team, and independent investors weighing in from different angles.

Ukrainian Defense Tech looked at how the country built a domestic drone and defense industry nearly from scratch since 2022, and what it takes to keep scaling it responsibly.

The Power of Voice brought together actors Katheryn Winnick and Liev Schreiber with Mstyslav Chernov – the war correspondent and Academy Award–winning director of 20 Days in Mariupol. The panel wasn't about donation totals; it was about words and creative work as tools in their own right, and about how film, journalism, and public advocacy keep Ukraine's reality visible to a global audience that has plenty of other things competing for its attention. The framing that stood out to our team: on that stage, Ukraine wasn't presented as a victim asking for sympathy. It's a country producing some of the most-watched investigative journalism and battlefield documentation in the world right now – treated, accordingly, as a leader in the field.

Ukrainian Medics Bring Hope Back featured Dr. Borys Todurov, the cardiac surgeon behind some of Ukraine's highest-profile heart transplants, alongside UNICEF's Dr. Kateryna Bulavinova and combat medics from the 1st Separate Medical Battalion. Discussing what wartime medicine looks like today, doctors described testing drone transport for donor hearts and lungs – an idea that would have sounded far-fetched four years ago, now being piloted to shorten the delivery window that keeps a transplant viable.

Demine Ukraine turned to a quieter, longer war: clearing land contaminated by mines and unexploded ordnance. GSC Game World – the studio behind S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 – announced a second joint fundraiser, a collectible raffle aiming to raise $100,000 for humanitarian demining in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, alongside Ukraine's Humanitarian Demining Foundation.

Empowering Ukraine's Next Generations and the summit's broader business track made the same point from two directions: education and reconstruction can't wait for the war to end. One of the speakers put it at the summit: "Reconstruction of Ukraine must happen today and now. Recovery begins with restoring people's confidence in the future." Businesses that keep operating through the war, he noted, aren't just an economic statistic – they're jobs, investment, and proof that people can still build a life here.

Two more panels rounded out the day: a newly launched Sports Development direction, created with Ukraine's Ministry of Youth and Sports to fund infrastructure and support young athletes, and The Antarctic Dream, the story of Ukraine's Antarctic research expedition – a reminder that support for Ukraine reaches into fields far beyond the front line, science included.

Across every panel, one thread held: this wasn't a moment for pity. It was a moment for partnership – practical, ongoing, and built on people showing up for each other.

Why Xpand was there

Xpand's connection to UNITED24 goes back further than this one summit. Last year, our team helped bring wider visibility to Arina's Story – an immersive fundraising experience UNITED24 built with support from Microsoft and Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation. Accessible from any browser, it recreated the House of Culture in Irpin, a cultural center destroyed early in the full-scale invasion, and told the story of Arina, an 8-year-old girl whose dream of dancing on that stage was interrupted by war. Every contribution made through the project went toward rebuilding Ukrainian schools and equipping them with shelters and generators, addressing a real need: as of September 2025, Ukraine's Ministry of Education had recorded more than 2,000 schools destroyed or damaged since 2022. The project was later named Project of the Month by the international FWA Awards and included among the year's twelve best digital projects worldwide – recognition that said as much about the strength of Ukrainian creative talent as it did about the cause behind it.

We introduced Arina's Story to a wider audience at Directions EMEA 2025, the largest European conference for the Microsoft Dynamics community – a natural fit, since ERP and CRM implementation is our own core business. That campaign wrapped up in 2025, but our support for UNITED24 hasn't: Xpand continues to contribute to UNITED24 initiatives directly as a company, and a good number of our people choose to donate individually as well, without being asked to.

Our marketing team lead, Anastasia Stoliarchuk, attended this year's summit and put it this way:

"At a time when Ukraine is fighting for the values of democracy, when its bravest people are earning the rest of us the right to simply drink our morning coffee and keep fixing systems in global markets, it's a relief to know we're not alone. We have friends – people who help us materially, who run programs for children, who help get cars and ambulances to the front line, who use their words to tell the world exactly what it costs Ukrainians to stay alive right now. It was good to see the drones and vehicles being developed, in part, with partner funding. But the summit's real message was simple: we have to keep supporting each other, stand together, and answer this with action, not just words. And I was glad to see people who are already doing exactly that.
Support Ukraine directlyWe're publishing this because what we saw on August 21 is worth passing on, and because UNITED24 makes it genuinely easy for a company, a team, or a single person anywhere to help. Every contribution made through the platform goes to a specific, trackable purpose – medical equipment, drones, demining, school reconstruction, or one of UNITED24's other funding directions. If you, your team, or your company are looking for a direct way to stand with Ukraine, the place to start is u24.gov.ua.
For our own team, days like August 21 are a reminder of why this matters to us. For anyone considering joining Xpand: this isn't a one-off gesture. It's part of who we are, and we intend to keep showing up.

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Ukraine celebrates 35 years of independence

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February 23, 2026

Living, working, staying strong: our four years of full-scale war

On February 24, 2022, at 5 AM, many of us woke up to sounds we had never heard before – or to messages we desperately didn't want to believe. That morning drew a line between everything that came before and everything that followed. Not just for the country, but for each of us personally. The first hours were filled with fear and confusion. Then came decisions. Where to go, how to help, what to do next. And somewhere in the middle of that chaos, one thing became clear: stopping was not an option. Not because we had to keep going, but because continuing to live, to work, to build - that itself was the answer to everything happening around us. Four years have passed. Four years that have held more within them than an entire decade sometimes does. And yet – today marks four years of full-scale invasion, but Ukraine has been at war with russian aggression for twelve. Twelve years. Nearly twice as long as World War II lasted. Some wars are measured in history books. This one is still being measured in losses, in courage, and in the stubborn will to keep going. This is not a report, and it's not a timeline of events. It's a story about people - about how our company and every Ukrainian have lived through these four years, through loss and joy, through anxiety and hope.

April 11, 2024

Keeping the lights on: how Xpand responds to blackouts and challenges during the war in Ukraine

С omments Maria Didyk, Xpand's administrative manager In today's Ukrainian business landscape, where unexpected disruptions can throw operations off the course, the ability to adapt to challenging conditions is vital. As the Administrative Manager at Xpand, I've been at the heart of our efforts to protect our offices against potential blackouts. In this material, I would like to share the measures implemented by Xpand and the resilience we showcased during the demanding winter months. Ensuring the smooth functioning of our offices spread across key cities like Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Bila Tserkva goes beyond mere convenience — it's a strategic necessity. By foreseeing and addressing potential risks, we not only safeguard our day-to-day operations but also prioritize the well-being of our employees and ensure the continuity of our services. To begin with, we really prepared for various challenges, calculating various scenarios to minimize risks for the entire company and achieve uninterrupted work and project delivery. Most of our employees relied on office desktop computers, accessing them remotely through desktop connections. We clearly understood that this could be a problem in case of blackouts, so we decided to move all computers from the Kyiv office to Zhytomyr (this particular office had been equipped with a large generator for several years). This provided us with a sustainable solution when the blackouts started. Picture the lounge area - tennis room, typically designated as a relaxation spot, now filled with computers from Kyiv. This interim measure proved invaluable, affording us the time needed to procure laptops for every Xpand employee, ultimately replacing desktop computers with more portable and versatile devices. While moving computers to Zhytomyr, we tried to buy a generator or a flashlight at least. Of course, we understood the responsibility and were determined to provide Xpanders with the necessary equipment. Everyone who remembers November 2022 knows what a hard task it was. We managed to buy 2 EcoFlows ( rechargeable portable batteries that charge via solar energy or power outlets and produce AC and DC power which would last several hours ) and they were delivered to the office in the middle of the missile attack when the electricity was gone. Talk about timing! We joked that it was perfect, crossing our fingers that they were charged. And guess what? They were! Well, at least 30% charged, which was enough to keep us going for the day. We investigated all marketplaces 24/7 and eventually bought more EcoFlows, a generator, Starlinks, flashlights, power banks, candles, blankets, more drinking and technical water, and food with a long-term due date. After hours in a queue, we bought enough gasoline for the generator. In those challenging times, when rechargeable portable batteries fell short and blackouts persisted, our generator stood as a lifeline of hope, ensuring that we could keep our operations running and our team safe. I remember the night when one of our teams worked for a customer for the whole night and it was important to ensure stable work conditions , the generator was just delivered and we tried to turn it on under the pouring rain, even though none of us knew how to do it. It is worth noting here that before the full-scale war, none of us were experts in this field. So thanks to instructions, determination, and a little luck, we managed to get it running. Now, I can operate that generator with my eyes closed. People were back in the offices! We implemented shared workplaces mode and developed our own “workplace booking app”, so that our employees could visit the office with their relatives and guests. This not only promoted a sense of community but also helped us, as the administration, effectively manage our office capacity. Our IT team went above and beyond, creating comprehensive lists of instructions detailing what to buy and where to buy it for setting up home offices. They were available 24/7, providing invaluable assistance and support to address any questions or concerns our employees had . Their dedication ensured that everyone had the necessary resources and guidance. Even though it was a hard time, being back in the offices with the team was very inspiring - we joked, we laughed, and supported each other no matter what. Being a part of such an amazing community helps us to go through these hard times.

July 19, 2023

The strength of Xpand: what advantages and benefits have emerged during the crisis

We interviewed the HR manager Oksana Kovenya of our company about the challenges that Xpand and its employees faced during the full-scale invasion. How did the experience of overcoming the COVID-19 crisis help the company/employees adapt to the full-scale invasion? Undoubtedly, a full-scale war in your country and a pandemic are incomparable events. However, certain aspects and lessons we learned from the pandemic have helped us adapt to the realities of war. First and foremost, when the pandemic hit, we swiftly transitioned to a fully remote mode of operation, while also maintaining our physical offices. Like many other companies, we underwent significant technological transformations and restructured our business processes accordingly. As a result, when the full-scale invasion began, we could continue working almost without interruption. Our top priority was the safety of our people, and we did everything we could to assist in relocation to safe or relatively safe areas without disrupting our workflow. The COVID-19 crisis forced all companies to reassess their crisis management methods and procedures. Several months before the full-scale invasion, we established a crisis response team, preparing in advance and considering various future scenarios to make informed decisions. We updated our Business Continuity Plan and revised our processes and protocols to handle unforeseen and challenging situations. We maintained clear communication with employees about the company's actions for different scenarios, providing them with informational support and security measures. Our IT team ensured uninterrupted operations by adapting all IT processes to enhance information security and business continuity. While nothing can fully prepare you for all the challenges of war, these preparations and adaptations served as our navigational anchor when the time came. Furthermore, we all learned to be more flexible and adaptive. The change management skills we honed during the pandemic helped us accept and adjust to the rapid and daunting changes that war brought. This flexibility applies to the company's strategies and plans and our team members' ability to adapt to changing tasks and projects while maintaining the highest quality of work. All of this was possible due to the strengthening of our corporate culture, promoting open communication, effective teamwork, and support for every member of our Xpand family. What are the main priorities and responsibilities of the HR department today? First and foremost, it's the safety of our employees. This includes the HR team's involvement in developing and implementing emergency response plans, coordinating and formulating action plans with management during crises, and ensuring swift, timely communication with employees regarding the situation, and any necessary preventive measures. Secondly, crisis communication plays a crucial role. It involves participating in the coordination of evacuations and relocations, ensuring that employees are properly informed about all related matters. Thirdly, supporting and assisting our employees. Sometimes, it's significant to have conversations with individuals, listen, remove emotional barriers, offer support, guide them to relevant specialists if needed, provide counseling, and inspire. For this, we have one-on-one meetings in our company. Fourthly, productivity and efficiency. We are all working under abnormal and extremely challenging conditions. However, we are all working to build our business, fulfill our commitments to clients, support our families, boost the Ukrainian economy, and bring victory to Ukraine. Thus, ensuring high levels of productivity and efficiency is a priority. Fifthly, ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and labor standards during the war, and providing social guarantees to employees. Last, but not least, providing professional support for the emotional well-being of our employees. This is why we launched the Mental Health Program. We care about the physical and mental health of our people. The Mental Health Program provides psychological support services to employees, offering consultations with psychologists and coaches seven days a week. We believe this aspect of our care is currently one of the most crucial, as it helps Xpandians cope with the horrors of war. What trends in employee performance has the company observed during a full-scale invasion spanning over a year and a half? Have there been any increases or decreases? On February 24, 2022, we, of course, suspended our operations. On the same day, we informed our partners about this decision and ensured that our support team remained in contact with clients for critical matters. Our initial concern was to prioritize the safety of our people. However, after the first and most critical wave of employee relocation, we resumed our work. During that time, the efficiency was not as high as during peacetime, but this decline was relatively brief. When considering the employees' effectiveness over the year, we can proudly state that we maintained the same productivity as before the war. Those who took leaves or time off due to the war were flexible in managing their work hours and delivered high-quality performance on all their project commitments. Several factors influenced this outcome: Firstly, work served as one of the essential pillars of support and stability amid the chaos of military actions, providing a respite from dreadful news. Secondly, every Ukrainian, and accordingly, every member of the Xpand team, understood that supporting the home front was crucial for bolstering the frontlines and preserving Ukraine's economy, which, in turn, meant fighting for its independence. Thirdly, our culture promotes expertise in each person's domain, individual responsibility for work and efficiency, as well as mutual support and assistance among colleagues. We have a reliable circle of friends and support, which is currently vital for every Ukrainian. What do you think are the current strengths of Ukrainians and Xpand’s employees? We are a nation that has gone through terrible events in its history and has always fought for its independence. No matter how much they tried to destroy us over the centuries, we are still independent, and free, and will continue to be so. Therefore, in my opinion, the strength of Ukrainians lies in their resilience. When I see every Ukrainian, every Xpandian, after heavy night shelling, after news of terrible tragedies, after blackouts and experiencing incredible stress, getting up in the morning and continuing to do their work, and doing it with dignity, I believe that we are invincible. The strength is in unity. Each of us will fight for our family, our land, our brothers and sisters, our colleagues, and our freedom until the very end. Everyone fights on their front, whether on the frontline, clearing rubble, providing medical aid, or continuously donating, it's all about unity. Similarly, every Xpandian knows that we are one team and will always support and help each other.

March 2, 2023

From Coders to Soldiers and how we Fight for Freedom

For many Ukrainians, russia's war against Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014, but one of the largest wounds and deepest scars for every Ukrainian was carved on February 24, 2022. On that morning the war invaded the home of every Ukrainian, sowed death, and ruined dreams... Young, talented Ukrainians, those who used to write codes, be actors or brew coffee in local cafes, joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine to protect their families and stand for freedom and independence. We are grateful to everyone who protects our children, sacrificing their dreams and makes it possible for us to do our job effectively here, in our homeland, in Ukraine. Our special thanks to our colleagues, friends and all their family members who are heroically defending the Ukrainian frontline. Your bravery and selflessness are impressive! Our hearts beat in unison with your hearts every day. The only difference is that yours are on the front line..and ours are here... in front of computers. We believe in Ukraine's victory over russia, light over darkness, and democracy over tyranny. Hence, for a long time we have been focusing on helping our friends and teammates. We have chosen several types of assistance, one of which is the provision of drones that practically perform the function of "eyes" for our intelligence forces and help them see enemy's actions day and night and under any weather conditions. Modern technologies help our defenders to respond promptly to aggressive attacks of the enemy and, most significantly, to save lives! We want to hasten the victory and, therefore, we have initiated a fundraising campaign for a powerful drone called "Leleka". Our partner, Steel Wings , is a non-profit charity organization that helps us implement this initiative. You can support us and thus save hundreds or even thousands of lives of our warriors, as well as boost the victory by making a donation. More details here . MANY thanks to all those who care! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Heroes!