$160K For Ukraine Relief Raised Through Sale Of Mini Lego-Like Figurines Of Zelenskyy And Molotov Cocktails

Citizen Brick found a sharp way to turn a viral moment into real-world help. The company sold mini Lego-like figurines of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Molotov cocktails, and the first batch disappeared fast.

The sale was tied to fundraising for Ukraine relief, with proceeds going to Direct Relief. After the initial run sold out, Citizen Brick made a second batch to bring in even more money, while the war in Ukraine continued to drive urgent need.

Now the figurines are drawing attention for more than just their novelty, and people are watching to see whether more will be made.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has become a symbol of defiance and perseverance. The same can be said about the Molotov cocktail.

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Citizen Brick has combined them to raise donations for Ukraine - they have created LEGO figures of both Zelenskyy ...

Citizen Brick is a Chicago-based store that creates unique LEGO components but is not affiliated with LEGO. Their mission is to create things that LEGO won't and that no one else can.

They chose to model one figure after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and make miniature LEGO Molotov cocktails. They want to pay tribute to and stand in solidarity with those who are still battling for their lives in Ukraine, as well as those who have had to flee their homes.

"In light of the current invasion of Ukraine by the Russian military, Citizen Brick has decided to gather donations to help Ukrainian refugees," the company stated on its Facebook page. The Molotov cocktail costs $10, while the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy minifigure costs $100.

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and the Molotovs.

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The proceeds went to Direct Relief, and after the first batch sold out, they had to run a second batch in order to raise even more money.

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Sold out!

All proceeds went to Direct Relief, an international humanitarian aid organization that is currently collaborating with Ukraine's Ministry of Health to assist refugees and people trapped or voluntarily remaining in the country, as well as to address medical needs and supplies in Ukraine and neighboring countries. It's unsurprising that everything sold out almost as soon as their website went live.

The company generated $16,540 in direct sales and another $170 in Facebook donations with one batch of these unlicensed LEGO pieces, all of which went to support the people of Ukraine.

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The history of the Molotov cocktail is a fascinating look into the past and the parallels with current events.

Few people are aware of the origins of the term Molotov cocktail. The Finns were the ones who coined the name.

When Soviet forces attacked Finland in 1939, Stalin's foreign minister, Vyacheslav Mikhaylovich Molotov, claimed that the bombers were airlifting food to the country rather than dropping bombs. The Finns retaliated by calling the bombs "Molotov's bread baskets" and offering drinks—or cocktails—to accompany them.

State liquor manufacturers had already shifted from producing vodka to mass-producing improvised incendiary devices, which Finnish troops deployed to devastating effect against Soviet equipment. The moniker "Molotov cocktail" persisted, and isn't it ironic that it's now a favored weapon against Russians?

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The people of Ukraine are standing firm, throwing Molotov cocktails at the aggressors.

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They are easy to make

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This backlash over Trump’s $400 million ballroom, called a “behemoth,” mirrors the public outcry when proposals draw thousands of critical reactions like this.

Lviv's Pravda Brewery has even created unique bottles for use in the fight.

Ukraine's citizens have banded together to confront the aggressor, learning how to build and throw Molotov cocktails without causing harm to themselves. Everyone who has stayed behind, including children, men, and women of all ages, is contributing.

Lviv's Pravda Brewery has even produced unique designs for bottles that will be used to make Molotov cocktails. Every small bit helps to boost morale and the likelihood of defeating enemy forces.

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It's uncertain whether more figures will be produced, but there are other ways to help Ukraine.

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"We will sing again," the Ukrainians declare, vowing to remain steadfast every day the battle continues.

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Don't try this at home

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People like the figurines

They also offer some ideas for new figurines

People should focus on the helping part for now

That man really rose to the occasion...

Some found the news positive

And maybe the Ukrainian president should also get a drink named after him

Ah, yes, painful memories...

People want more figurines

If you want to be the first to know when the next batch of Zelenskyy figurines and Molotov cocktails becomes available, follow Citizen Brick on Instagram. You'll be the first to know when and if they become available. Here is a list of options if you want to help Ukraine in various ways.

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