Sir Iain Duncan Smith, MP joins Ukrainian Action as Patron
1 Sept 2025
Sir Iain Duncan Smith drove an emergency support vehicle from London to Kyiv in July with Ukrainian Action’s 77th aid convoy, meeting with Ukrainian MPs and Ministers.
Ukrainian Action will benefit from Sir Iain’s experience in public engagement.
Formerly leader of the Conservative Party (2001-2003), Sir Iain is MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, and Chair of the Social Justice Policy Group.
London, - 01 September 2025 - Ukrainian Action (UA) is proud to welcome Sir Iain Duncan Smith, MP as Patron of our charity. Sir Iain will assist the charity by enhancing public engagement and providing strategic guidance, as well as continuing to participate in charity activities and generating political support for Ukraine.
Sir Iain drove with UA volunteers from London to Kyiv in UA's 77th humanitarian aid convoy, delivering five emergency support vehicles to the country. Sir Iain delivered two vehicles alongside UA CEO Jeffrey Hartman to the Head of the Zvahel Region, Rivne Oblast in western Ukraine. The vehicles will enable local citizens to deliver aid to the eastern front and to provide evacuation services in eastern parts of the country under attack. The vehicles were purchased by UA thanks to the fundraising efforts of our volunteer drivers.
In Kyiv, Sir Iain and Jeffrey met with various Ukrainian MPs and signed an agreement with Ukraine's Minister of Veterans Affairs, Natalia Kalmykova, to support Ukrainian veterans through the Ukrainian Action Heroes rehabilitation programme. This initiative brings together world-leading expertise and specialists across all areas of rehabilitation: psychological, physical, and social, to help Ukrainian defenders on their reintegration journey back into civilian life. The Ministry provides organisational and informational support for veterans to the programme.
Sir Iain and Jeffrey also dialled into the Telegraph's Ukraine the Latest podcast to describe their journey to the capital and the impact that UA convoys have in Ukraine, not only providing emergency support but also for the morale of the beneficiaries.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: "I am delighted to become a patron of Ukrainian Action, a remarkable charity delivering vital humanitarian aid to communities affected by Russia’s ongoing war. Since the outbreak of the conflict, I have made a number of visits to Ukraine and witnessed first-hand the devastation it has caused. I recently joined the charity’s 77th convoy and saw that this aid is not only essential but truly a lifeline for many. Ukrainian Action is doing extraordinary work, and it is an honour to support them."
Jeffrey Hartman said: "Sir Iain has been a strong voice of support for Ukraine in UK politics and his patronage is a tremendous asset to our cause and a powerful symbol of solidarity with Ukraine. His support and advocacy will enhance the political stature of, and public trust in, our mission. It will also raise awareness of our activities and expand our impact during this critical time for Ukraine. I was humbled by his participation in our 77th humanitarian aid convoy and impressed with his tireless efforts to drive for four days from London to Kyiv. His presence was deeply appreciated both by our volunteer team and by the many Ukrainians who we continue to serve through our collective efforts. We are grateful for his support, and we look forward to expanding our charity's activities under Sir Iain's patronage."
About Ukrainian Action
Ukrainian Action is a volunteer-run, US non-profit and UK charity dedicated to supporting the survival and recovery of Ukraine, through providing humanitarian aid, medical support, and veteran rehabilitation. Since 2022 the organisation has delivered critical supplies and support to front-line and liberated regions, with a special focus on supporting the psychological and physical recovery of war veterans. UA regularly drives and donates vehicles filled with humanitarian and medical supplies to Ukraine, and supports local reconstruction and healthcare projects.
Ukrainian Action Heroes is a pioneering rehabilitation program welcoming injured Ukrainian veterans to the Carpathian Mountains to learn to ski, snowboard and participate in other outdoor mountain sports and activities, while receiving psychological support in the serenity of the mountains. The program includes ski instruction, travel, room and board, daily access to experienced and qualified psychologists, group therapy, wellness, and mindfulness activities.
The goal of the program is to help Ukraine’s heroes recover from the trauma of active warfare, provide tools to deal with PTSD, and introduce new activities in a place of refuge and solace. In March 2025, the program was expanded to offer adaptive skiing for veterans with amputations. Our winter and summer programs have supported over 100 participants since February 2024.
Media Contact:
Jeffrey Hartman
