Wooden Horse Strategies LLC

26/02/2026

We are sharing the final post in our team’s reflection series marking four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Our Director of WHS and leader, Brian Mefford, led us through the challenges of war, keeping our team together, safeguarding our jobs, and ensuring the continuity of our work. ✊

"In the first hours and days of the invasion, it seemed all was lost. However, our team stayed together to endure the hardships and trauma, and we are still standing strong today. Through this horrible war, we have affirmed the age-old truth that there are some things in life worth fighting for: family, friends, faith, and country. Ukrainians fight every day, both on the front lines in combat and in the relative safety of their homes and offices. By living their lives without fear, taking care of family and friends, working hard and paying taxes, even Ukrainians who are not soldiers are doing their part to help the country. Of course, the soldiers give us pride and assurance that not only is Ukraine “not dead yet” but that Ukraine will win this war and the evil of Russia shall be defeated."

25/02/2026

Vitalii Zhuhai, our Digital and Research specialist, has gone a long way from doing translations and studying, to co-running a humanitarian organization, and helping partners fund another one for veterans, back to doing translations, just on a far higher level.

Life has never been so chaotic and unpredictable for Vitalii. Today, he will share what it means to work in wartime in Ukraine:

"I got used to living day by day, working week by week, and spending month after month and year after year closely following the news, checking analytics, listening to experts’ opinions on the war and the world events that influence it. It’s almost hard to remember what life felt like before the full-scale invasion. However, it seems that my own problems and desires faded into the background some time after this began. What’s the point of dreaming if you’re living day by day?

At some point, I disappeared from social media and stopped posting altogether. What used to bring fulfilment is different now. It’s less about what I want and more about helping others. You work because you have to work, but you also work because you’re doing something important. Life can get repetitive quickly, but at the end of the day, it’s worth it, isn’t it?"

24/02/2026

Today, 24 February, marks four years since russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

On this day, we reflect not only on the challenges our country has faced, but also on the strength, resilience, and dedication of the people who continue to work, support others, and move Ukraine forward despite everything. 🇺🇦

Mykhailo Shcherbakov, our logistics manager, has travelled thousands of kilometres to deliver aid wherever it was needed most. No task was too difficult for him. He was always there when people needed him.

Mykhailo shares what working in Ukraine means to him today.

For me, it means adapting quickly to whatever happens. If there is no electricity, we use EcoFlow. If there is no water, we find a hotel or another place with water, and we try to help others at the same time. Living under the constant threat of shelling, rockets, and drones changes how you see and value life. You work for yourself, your family, and for Ukraine.

Together with HU22, we opened shelters in various regions, provided targeted support, established businesses for IDPs, and supported children and people with nowhere else to go. Working in Ukraine is very hard right now, but Ukrainians are courageous and hardworking. We are ready to do a lot for our country and for each other.

At work, the war has taught me to make quick decisions and think creatively. I have taken a lot of training, like “Behaviour in a Hostile Environment,” where you learn to spot dangers and act quickly, because it can save your life and others’. The war also showed me how important teamwork is, both at work and with family. You either have it or you don’t. The war made me see things as they really are, without any illusions. Most of all, it taught me to be grateful for every day and to never give up on my goals.

23/02/2026

Today, our Communications Director, Ivan Bachynskyi, shares his thoughts on what it means to work during wartime.

At times like these, one can never take what one has for granted.

Today you have electricity, heat, and water, and tomorrow you don’t. Thanks to the 🐖🐕, the basic human necessities are a privilege. A privilege granted to you by the fearless technicians and repairmen of the utilities companies.

Working in Ukraine today is a challenge. You stay up all night due to the missile/drone strike, and the next day, you work out the peculiarities of the new website design with your foreign client.

Times like these have taught us to be resilient. This is the war of attrition now, and we, the people, just have to strongarm through this.

In the dry sum - I believe Ukraine will prevail, with the help of our foreign partners, of course, but also with the unbreakable spirit of its own people.

22/02/2026

We continue our series of posts about the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and life during the war. Today, our Government Relations Director, Taras B*k, shares his memories.

The first days of the russia’s full-scale invasion brought back the same feelings as during the final days of the Revolution of Dignity — we had to defend Kyiv at any cost. Kyiv could not fall. 🇺🇦

Every possible step was taken to achieve this goal. We contacted friends who had remained in the city, removed street name plates from buildings to confuse the enemy in case they entered Kyiv, dug trenches, coordinated with the Kyiv Territorial Defence forces, and connected volunteers from other regions to organize support for those preparing to defend the capital and giving interviews to international media with one clear message: Kyiv is not giving up!

Those first days were extremely tense, especially since my building was located in the district closest to Bucha, where russian forces were already committing their atrocities. Fortunately, the Armed Forces of Ukraine managed to stop them there, which gave me enough time to undergo military training with the local Territorial Defence units. Thousands of men joined the movement, preparing to give the russians a 'warm welcome' in case of their breakthrough.

The russians eventually retreated from the Kyiv region. Yet the feeling of victory was overshadowed by the discovery of the russian war crimes in Bucha, as well as by the reality that vast parts of Ukraine remained under occupation. The road to victory was still long.

21/02/2026

Four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we are sharing the voices of our team.

We continue to live and work in Kyiv. We face daily challenges, lose sleep to explosions, and often live without electricity in our homes. Yet every day, we keep working and moving forward. 🇺🇦

Today, we are sharing the reflections of our company’s accountant, Olena Kuznetsova:

“I am from Kyiv, and I love my city very much. I clearly remember the first hours and the first day of the war — a confusing and overwhelming feeling. Some people were still going to work, not fully understanding what was happening, while others were already trying to leave Kyiv. I packed a backpack, took my cat, and went to my father’s place on the right bank, in Obolon.

On February 27, together with volunteers, I left for the Vinnytsia region to stay with friends, but soon returned home.

In the photo, you can see the view from my window — a daily reminder of how close the war is. But I believe that all wounds will heal, every house will be rebuilt, and once again we will have a peaceful sky above our homes.”

22/01/2026

Today, Ukraine marks Unity Day, commemorating the Act of Unification of East and West, held on January 22, 1919, in Kyiv’s St. Sophia Square.

With every passing day and year, Ukrainian unity is strengthened. This winter has been among the harshest in the last 20 years, with widespread power and heat outages, including most of the left bank of Kyiv. Despite these challenges, Ukrainians remain unified , support one another daily, continue their work, and remain strong in the hope of a victorious peace.

We witness this strength daily in our team’s resilience and our client’s determination to persevere. Unity is evident not only in history but also in our everyday actions.

Unity is our foundation. Resilience is our choice.
Wishing everyone a meaningful Unity Day!

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

As the year comes to a close, we would like to thank our clients, partners, and friends for their trust, resilience, and collaboration.

Working from Kyiv, we hold a special hope this season — for peace, freedom, and victory for Ukraine. May the coming year bring safety, strength, and a just peace to our country and to all who stand with it.

We wish you a New Year filled with new opportunities, meaningful partnerships, and continued success!

05/12/2025

Happy Birthday, Brian! 🇺🇸🇺🇦

Today, we celebrate not only your special day but also the inspiring leader who leads our team with vision, integrity, and unwavering dedication. For more than 25 years in Ukraine, you have continued to build bridges between cultures, empower people, and show what genuine leadership looks like - leadership grounded in empathy, respect, and genuine care for others.

Your ability to recognize opportunities in every challenge, support each team member, and create an environment where people feel valued sets you apart. Thank you for your guidance, your humanity, and your ongoing belief in each of us.

On behalf of the entire team, we would like to wish you a year filled with new achievements, strong partnerships, and meaningful moments. We are proud to work alongside you and grateful for the impact you make every day.

Happy Birthday! Wishing you many more wonderful years to come! 🎉

27/11/2025

Happy Thanksgiving! 🇺🇸

Today we pause to reflect with gratitude - for meaningful partnerships, shared goals, and the power of working together.

Wishing you a day filled with warmth, appreciation, and time spent with those who matter most.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Wooden Horse Strategies! 🍂

11/11/2025

Today, November 11, is Veterans Day in the United States. 🇺🇸

In the days leading up to this day, many restaurants set a special empty table to honor the brave individuals who served and never came home.

As a company working in Ukraine, we understand deeply the meaning of service and the price of freedom.

Today, we honor all veterans and remember those who gave everything. We will never forget. Thank you for your service.

10/11/2025

Our Director Brian Mefford was quoted by United24 Media about the dangerous influence of the Russian Orthodox Church.

“It is now apparent that he (Putin) views the war as a sacred mission and will not stop until Ukraine has been wiped off the map of Europe.”

The Russian Orthodox Church is spreading across Africa helping Moscow quietly extend its own political, economic, and military influence.