Discover Borscht Collective, a branding initiative turning retired kitchen gear into nutritious meals for Ukrainian soldiers. Support this vital cause. 

Most Ukrainian military units still depend on outdated Soviet-era field kitchens. These machines, built decades ago, can only produce basic and often flavorless meals. The Borscht Collective was born to change that.

The idea came from Oleksii Vykhrenko, known by his callsign “Yogurt”, head cook of a unit in the 47th Brigade. With creativity and determination, his team repurposed retired restaurant equipment into a fully working kitchen. The result proved that soldiers could enjoy meals that are flavorful, nutritious, and uplifting.

What began as a single improvised kitchen has grown into a movement with the goal of reaching the entire Ukrainian army. The model is simple: a truck or container, some secondhand restaurant gear, and a few days of work. In return, soldiers gain access to proper meals that restore both energy and morale.

Branding With Purpose

To expand into European markets and secure resources, the project needed a clear identity. That’s where Community 0, a volunteer organization that unites the creative community in support of the military, stepped in. Together with the agency 9.8, they developed a brand system that included naming, identity, and a website.

The chosen name, Borscht Collective, reflects the spirit of the initiative. Just as borscht combines many ingredients into one dish, this project brings together people from different fields to serve a common purpose. The visual language centers on a borscht stain, a simple circular mark symbolizing shared effort and care. Flexible by design, the identity works across everything from websites and communications to patches and packaging.

Why It Matters

Borscht is more than food. It is a cultural emblem of hospitality and unity, showing how many small parts can create something greater together. By scaling this initiative, more mobile kitchens will reach the front, ensuring that soldiers eat with dignity and receive meals that support both body and spirit. This project is not only about nourishment. It is about boosting morale and reminding soldiers that they are cared for.

Join the Collective

The Borscht Collective shows how a simple cultural symbol can evolve into an international project with real impact. But to grow, it needs visibility and support.

Share this story. Spread the word. Help more kitchens reach the frontlines, so every soldier can have access to food that is made with care. Because no one fighting for their country should settle for survival rations. They deserve a meal that restores strength and spirit.