The Cost of Freedom is an independent Ukrainian human-rights and anti-corruption organisation. We work so that the freedom for which Ukraine pays the highest price is protected not only at the front, but also inside the country: from corruption, impunity, human-rights violations and oblivion.
The organisation was founded in 2024 by a community of concerned citizens. We are not affiliated with any political party, receive no state funding, and operate solely on charitable donations and grants.
Our principle is simple: what they want to hide, we bring to light.
We document and preserve the memory of the people who gave their lives for Ukraine's freedom, and of the events that shaped our statehood. Memory is a safeguard against repetition: we work so that the names of the fallen are not lost, and their choice is carried on in the actions of the living.
We track and document human-rights violations, help those affected navigate the legal mechanisms of protection, and draw public attention to cases where the state fails to meet its obligations to its citizens.
We analyse open data, work with anti-corruption and law-enforcement bodies — and publicly insist that our requests receive a response. Corruption during wartime is not a "minor everyday matter" but a direct threat to the country's defence capability.
We stand for the equality of citizens before the law, regardless of status, position or wealth. Rules must work the same for everyone — otherwise they don't work at all.
We use lawful legal instruments: requests for public information, appeals and complaints to state bodies, participation in public campaigns. We rely on open data and documents, verify facts, and take responsibility for what we publish.
We are funded by charitable donations and grants. Funds are directed to our statutory activities across the directions described above.
