So I bought two metal figurines from a seller in Ukraine

[orangecrush]

On ePay

His seller logo was Ukraine flag, so I sent the message "Slava Ukraini" (I hope that was correct spelling) and got the following message in return -

Hallo!
Thanks for your purchase and your words.
may your sky be peaceful
Nikolay



The figurines are 55 mm tall, unavailable in the U.S., absolutely beautiful tin alloy from Japanese fantasy world, and unfortunately not suitable for posting here.

I thought the message was rather poignant.

[bluedigger]

1. Ukraine has a pretty strong modeling community.

I follow several Ukrainian model companies on FB (ICM, Master Box, e.g.). They went quiet at the start of the war and then came roaring back a couple months later. If anything, they have increased their pace of introducing new kits, and seem to be thriving (at least as much as could be expected). As a percent of Ukraine's economy I imagine they are insignificant, but they have a high profile, and are making very good products from all accounts. Slava Ukraini!

[orangecrush]

3. I looked up two things

The cost of living in the city he is in in U.S. currency, and the location of his city to make sure it is not under Russian control, so as not to inadvertantly send any money to Russian posers.

The price I paid was not too much for me, but should be a good deal of help for him.

He is near the Polish border, and the city has indeed suffered missile attacks.

The figurines he and other Ukrainians have for sale are amazing in art and detail.

Slava Ukraini!

[The Magistrate]

5. ICM Does Good Stuff In 1/72, Sir

Glad they are still able to operate.

[bluedigger]

7. The Ghost of Kyiv was one of the first new kits they came out with.

I think you prefer older subjects, but here's a link if you are interested. Good to hear from you! https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Model_Aircraft/the-ghost-of-kyiv-mig-29-of-ukrainian-air-force/ICM00072140/product.php?

[orangecrush]

11. Just bought this!

Wow!

Thanks!

Just amazing, and half the profits go to Ukrainian military

[url=https://ibb.co/Y2vc4p2][img][/img][/url]

IIRC, this pilot died defending Ukraine.

A beautiful tribute.

[bluedigger]

14. Excellent!

Have fun with it! You should get it pretty quickly - good site - I use it regularly.

[orangecrush]

16. The box

Alone is worth the price

I did much modelling over the years

My best effort was an F-105 Thunderchief.

I managed to find milspec model paint colors for Vietnam era camo

I used the leftover spray to "tiger stripe" my toolbox for electronics school.

[orangecrush]

8. Thanks, Sir!

[orangecrush]

6. Here is a more tame example

"Miniature Tin 54mm 1/32 Figurine
Scale: 1/32/. The figurine's height from the foot soles to the eyes is 54 mm / 2.25 in.
The toy soldier is 54mm or 2 1/4 inch tall. This size corresponds to the scale of 1/32.
The figurine's height is measured from the feet to the eyes rather than the top of the head, therefore, a 1.83 m (6-foot)
figurine in 54 mm scale would be 60 mm tall. Material: tin alloy. Without original packaging. Made in Ukraine.
Package: It is very well packaged to avoid breakage in transit. But possible, that some thin and long elements
(sword, spear, etc.) can bend during shipping. Don't worry, just straighten them.
The figurines are made with great attention to historical accuracy. They are suitable for hand-painting.
Such miniatures are one of most common sizes to be used for wargaming and collections"

Here is an example -


[url=https://ibb.co/Y7DsYHv][img][/img][/url]

[calimary]

18. Oooooooh, Thanks! I was hoping for a photo!

Such beautiful and intricate work. The detail!

DAAAAAAAYUM.

[orangecrush]

41. Someone

Put a lot of their heart into this

[CoopersDad]

39. I saw the other items!

I would buy one if I had the spare change!

Very provocative!

[orangecrush]

40. Shhhhh!

[Sky Jewels]

2. The internet is a wondrous thing.

Having the ability to make a heartfelt human connection with a stranger on the other side of the globe … amazing.

[orangecrush]

4. Made me appreciate

Things I daily take for granted

[Sky Jewels]

15. I'll bet!

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

38. agreed.

[Raine]

9. Very touching message, beautiful. 💙🇺🇦💛 🥲 nt

[orangecrush]

12. Thanks, Raine!

[PortTack]

10. Kudos to you! Great way to get funds directly into the hands of the Ukrainians

[orangecrush]

13. Thanks

And yes, directly to them

[Evolve Dammit]

17. thanks for sharing

[orangecrush]

22. Most welcome

[Kali]

19. may your sky be peaceful

wow, there is a lot to those five words

[orangecrush]

23. Thanks Kali!

Something to think about when I start bitching about the weather.

[Irish_Dem]

31. May your sky be peaceful and free from relentless murdering missiles/bombs.

This means a lot to Ukraine right now.
No one bombing them is a good day.

[electric_blue68]

20. "May your sky be peaceful". Jeeebz, how sharply poignant. 🌻🇺🇦🌻

[orangecrush]

24. Yes

Something stuck in my throat.

[Irish_Dem]

32. Yes I know, struck a cord for sure.

[Deep State Witch]

21. Ukraine has a strong artistic community

I've purchased carved statues from one seller, and have purchased beading patterns from a couple of others. Mostly a person that goes by Lady Lunar Cat out of Lviv. She was down for a while, but I think her Etsy store is back up.

[orangecrush]

25. My seller

Is from Lviv as well.


I will check out Lady Lunar Cat, thanks!

[Deep State Witch]

26. She is from Fastiv

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LadyLunarCat?ref=shop_sugg_market

Still on break.

[orangecrush]

27. Thank you

I didn't mention it in the op, but the reason for the figurines in the first place is for occult purposes.

[orangecrush]

28. Just checked it out

Beautiful earrings!

I hope she is o.k..

[Deep State Witch]

29. Me, too

I'm into doing the 3D geometric stuff. I have a couple of her star and pod patterns.

[orangecrush]

30. Beautiful art

Post some pics sometime!

[Irish_Dem]

33. You can see in the national dress and elaborate floral headdresses, the artistic eye.

And love of beauty.

[orangecrush]

35. Indeed

Sad to see such cultural centers terrorized by a madman.

[Irish_Dem]

37. Putin delights in destroying art, beauty, goodness.

But he is not crushing the spirit of Ukraine, I hope they can rebuild their beautiful social and cultural centers again.

[MissB]

34. I've been buying seeds from Ukraine

Nikitovka Seeds, based in Ukraine. I haven't had any issues with the seeds at all, but the shipping time is understandably long (3-6 weeks).

The seeds are inexpensive, compared to US seed companies. They also offer free shipping over $20 in orders. And they have a Garden SOS Seed Pack for Ukrainian families that you can buy for about $10 that they'll send to some harder hit regions in Ukraine so that families can grow food.

[orangecrush]

36. Thanks

I will check it out!