Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings is investing in the Ukrainian defence industry
This was revealed by Oleksandr Kamyshin, the President’s adviser on strategic issues, in an interview with Forbes Ukraine.
According to Kamyshin, the majority of UA1’s investors are American tech entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. The fund itself has a mandate to invest in technologies that can be used on the battlefield, with a focus on Ukrainian developments.
Kamyshin also announced that he is joining UA1 as an adviser and will be responsible for attracting investors. He estimates that the Ukrainian defence industry could attract over $1 billion in investment this year.
What is known about the UA1 fund
UA1 was founded by William McNulty, an American Marine Corps veteran who assisted Ukraine at the start of the full-scale invasion, notably by equipping passenger trains with first-aid kits through White Stork. The fund’s website describes its mission as transforming Ukrainian combat innovations into an arsenal for the free world.
In October 2025, UA1 had already announced the launch of a $50 million fund to scale up Ukrainian defence technologies. At the time, it was reported that the fund had already secured $18 million in commitments from investors. Priority areas include defence technologies, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, unmanned systems and robotics.
For Hastings, this is not his first public move in support of Ukraine. In March 2025, White Stork reported his $2 million donation to Ukrainian defence efforts, and in February 2026, Variety reported a further $5 million for a Ukrainian charitable initiative.
As a reminder, since the start of 2026, the minimum wage in Ukraine has already been increased, but the question of its actual amount after tax remains a pressing issue for millions of citizens. In April, the figure will remain at the current level, but actual payments have their own nuances
