Cactus + Tryzub

05/13/2026

Sharing photo highlights and guests' reflections from a recent sold out event hosted by Prescott United Methodist Church which featured decorated Ukrainian veterans Микола Мельник, Олег Бончинський and Denys Haida.

"Last week our Church hosted three Ukrainian soldiers to talk about their experiences fighting against Russian aggression. One of them took a few minutes to play the piano beautifully before their program started, in the empty sanctuary. The program was very powerful, but here is something that stood out to me. These. Young men were not one dimensional soldiers only. They were people with families waiting at home(if they still had a home). They had professions and interests and favorite foods. Some had children. They had hobbies and books they liked to read. And one of them could make music that stirred my heart for a few minutes when nobody was shooting at him. I wish we could create a world where peace stands alongside justice and instead of the sound of bombs exploding we could listen to a handsome young man play the piano until it brings us to tears" - Diane Iverson, member of Prescott UMC congregation

"This Wednesday afternoon I attended a Ukraine event at Prescott United Methodist Church with over 120 people. We heard first-hand accounts from 3 well decorated soldiers that fought on the front lines of the war. True Hero’s each one. There was a woman interpreter who teaches Ukraine Studies at ASU and had to flee her home in Ukraine two times before receiving a Fulbright Scholarship. She has no home to go back to, but is very grateful to be here in AZ. There was also woman at the Prescott UMC event who lives in Phx and and was here to represent the Cactus and Tryzub volunteer initiative. After the speakers and a brief Q&A the Church and Society hosted a delicious dinner made from recipes from an actual Ukrainian cookbook." - Nola Burkhard

Moderation and translation by Olya Johnson and Dr. Olena Tanchyk
Olya ZJ
Olena Tanchyk

Photos by Jacob Hreshchyshyn and Nola Burkhard

Thank you to all the guests, sponsors and community partners for hosting and lodging our team as well as guest speakers.

05/12/2026

Catch the behind the scenes from the morning interview with Ukrainian soldiers Микола Мельник, Олег Бончинський and Denys Haida as they shared their stories with Arizona audience on KJZZ Phoenix and Phil Latzman.

Full article here⤵️

"Soldiers from Ukraine visit Arizona to tell stories about the war affecting their homeland"

https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2026-05-07/soldiers-from-ukraine-visit-arizona-to-tell-stories-about-the-war-affecting-their-homeland





Photo credits: Jacob Hreshchyshyn

05/11/2026

Recently, we had an opportunity to bring together Arizona Ukrainian and Iranian communities for a conversation centered on Russia's shadow war. The event took place in Fountain Hills, AZ and was graciously opened by the Mayor of Fountain Hills, Gerry Friedel.

The conversation was a moderated panel with focus on russia's brutal war in Ukraine, repression of freedom, the power of resilience, and the universal desire to live freely and determine our own future. For Ukrainians, that struggle continues on the battlefield against Russian aggression. For many Iranians, it takes the form of courageously speaking out against repression and standing for human dignity and basic rights. A shared conversation between Ukrainian defenders and members of Arizona’s Iranian community was a powerful reminder that, even across different histories and experiences, people can recognize shared values in one another.

The discussion also reinforced something important: these struggles are not isolated. Around the world, authoritarian systems continue to use force, intimidation, and disinformation to silence people and undermine freedom. That makes solidarity between communities more important than ever.

We’re deeply grateful to the Ukrainian defenders Микола Мельник, Олег Бончинський and Denys Haida, who shared their experiences and perspectives from participating in events on Maidan in 2014 to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And to the Iranian community leaders and activists, Farzan Faramarzi, Hessam Rahimian, Donya Ziraksari and others, who lended historical and personal perspectives to Iran's fight for freedom and left us with strong calls to action - from registering to vote to taking the time to understand candidates' positions on foreign policy and protecting human rights.

We want to acknowledge the most generous gift on behalf of the Iran Liberty Foundation to the Brave Children of Ukraine Fund in the amount of $1000. Raised funds will go to support children who lost a parent on the front lines in Ukraine. Thank you Renee, Hessam Rahimian, Farzan Faramarzi and friends for your generosity.

To everyone who attended, listened, asked questions, and helped create a meaningful dialogue and connection, thank you.
These conversations matter—and they shouldn’t end here.

Photos by Jacob Hreshchychyn

05/11/2026

Nothing says Ukraine more than the tradition of Pysanka easter egg painting and now more Arizonans can learn more about it thanks to Arizona Illustrated

05/09/2026

On May 1st, we were warmly welcomed at Scottsdale Elks Lodge 2148 for a meet-and-greet lunch with Ukrainian veterans Микола Мельник, Олег Бончинський and Denys Haida. The soldiers once again had an opportunity to share their personal accounts of the war in Ukraine and their journey from Maidan to the full-scale invasion. The themes that interested the audience included:

~the heavy toll the war takes on civilians, especially children. Threats faced in occupation, including deportation of children and militarization of them by the Kremlin regime.
~the adaptation out of necessity. Preservation of human life on the front lines with the help of robotic land drones and other type of tech aimed at preserving human life.
~learning from mistakes - battlefield and Ukraine's mobilization policy were high points for discussion
~knowledge transfer. Ukraine currently is #1 in the world in drone warfare. Textbooks can only get you so far and nothing can replace real life front line experience and Ukraine has plenty of it. Soldiers welcomed "learning from their mistakes".

The themes above much resonated with the principles of the Elks Lodge itself - Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, Fidelity and Patriotism. This event was well attended by members and guests of the Lodge, including US veterans and those in public service, with guests coming from as far as Payson, AZ. After the presentation, guests had a chance to take photos and shake hands with the Ukrainian defenders. The meeting concluded with a tour of the Lodge where guys had a chance to learn about its history and its iconic location.

On behalf of Cactus and Tryzub, we want to thank the Elks Lodge team for opening up their doors to us and for hosting these brave men so they can share their stories. Much gratitude to the Hreshchyshyn Family for facilitating this meet-and-greet. We could not have done this without you. THANK YOU.

🇺🇸🇺🇦 Photos by Brian Wilke

05/09/2026

A delayed post but an important one to share and for people to understand what the end of WWII meant for Ukraine.

05/08/2026

Voices From Ukraine's Front Line speaking tour was punctuated with several media appearances. One of them was a KKNT 960 radio appearance. The Patriot station together with Rex Parry show hosted us for a 2-hr special with Ukrainian soldiers Sr. Ltc Mykola Melnyk, Denys Haida and Oleg Bonchynksyi as they talked about their experiences defending Ukraine. To listen in, please click on the link below.

Микола Мельник
Олег Бончинський
Denys Haida
Olya Johnson

https://youtu.be/7UGKkxo_HC0?si=onuL_gZd6uwxSmQw

05/06/2026

At Arizona State University, Ukrainian defenders Sr. Ltc. Mykola Melnyk Микола Мельник and Sr. Soldier-Operators Олег Бончинський and Denys Haida shared personal stories in "War from the Ground Up" panel and meeting with ASU faculty and students. This insightful conversation about modern warfare and constant arms race on the battlefield was moderated by Dr. Daniel Rothenberg and Dr. Robert Ferguson.

Drawing from over a decade of war, several key themes emerged:

• Speed and adaptability are everything. Decisions are made in real time, with constant feedback from the battlefield shaping strategy on the ground.

• Decentralization drives effectiveness. Small units operate with autonomy, allowing for faster responses and continuous innovation.

• Technology is changing the rules. From drones to communication systems, modern tools are not just supporting warfare—they are redefining it.

• Innovation comes from necessity. What begins as survival becomes scalable solutions with global relevance.

But beyond tactics and technology, some introduction of AI and mechanized units, the human factor cannot be underestimated and to this day plays an important role in modern warfare. Behind every operation are individuals—people who once lived ordinary lives, now navigating extraordinary circumstances in defense of their country, their families, and their future.

Events like this remind us that Ukraine’s experience is not only shaping its own fight for freedom, but offering critical tactical lessons for the future of global security.

Photos by Brian Wilke and Jacob Hreshchyshyn

05/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EB6DptEKY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

04/30/2026

Please join us on May 4th to hear the stories and ask questions of a visiting delegation of three front-line Ukrainian soldiers. 🇺🇦✨

In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Many expected a rapid Russian victory, but Ukraine resisted the initial assault and has continued defending its sovereignty for more than four years.

The event will feature:
Sr. Lt. Mykola Melnyk, Company Commander 47th OMBR, Founder and Director of the charity “Brave Children of Ukraine,” PhD in law from Kyiv National University

Sr. Soldier-Operator Denys Haida, awarded multiple military honors, former member of the Ukrainian Volunteer Corps, former bartender, and carpenter

Sr. Soldier-Operator Oleh Bonchynskyi, Co-Founder of the Khodoriv Organization to Support ATO Veterans, awarded multiple military honors, former member of the Ukrainian Volunteer Corps, former specialist in agricultural production and processing

04/21/2026

Incredible opportunity for aspiring Ukrainian leaders

The McCain Global Leaders Ukraine Fellowship honors Senator John McCain’s legacy of character-driven leadership, serving a cause greater than ourselves, and his strong support of a free and independent Ukraine by bringing together a diverse, cross-sectoral cohort of Ukrainian leaders for a pilot l...