02/24: The Hidden Body Armor Manufacturer of Ukraine

    KYIV, UKRAINE, June 04, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- 02/24 is a body armor manufacturer who supplies ballistic vests to soldiers fighting in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. They started this initiative two months ago and are named after the date when Russia invaded Ukraine. The company manufactures these products in a secret bunker in the center of Ukraine.

In an interview with Roshni Ravi of BodyArmorNews.com, Mr. Alex Kulikov, Retail Director at 02/24, spoke of the company and his experiences during the war.

On the 24th of February, Mr. Kulikov's life was turned upside down. Before this day, he worked as a general producer at Ant Hill, an event agency in Ukraine. For 15 years, they organized events for big corporate brands such as JTI, Metro Cash and Carry, PepsiCo and Carlsberg.

"Nobody was ready for this war," said Mr. Kulikov. "We didn't have enough body armor. Not just for civilians, but also for soldiers and journalists who need to be protected. So, we decided to create this company."

The company manufactures two types of body armor. The 4th class is for press and civilians. The 5th class is for soldiers. Using European steel, 02/24 created around 1000 ballistic vests for soldiers and sent them to the Donetsk region, near Mariupol, where the war is. They sent about 500 vests for press and journalists as well.

After the war began, Mr. Kulikov and his family travelled to another district in the center of Ukraine to hide from the war. Eventually, Mr. Kulikov and his contacts got in touch with Eugene Lukashevich, the founder of 02/24, and his team. They decided to create a company that supplied high-quality body armor to soldiers, journalists and civilians.

The 02/24 factory is set up in a secret bunker, where the company can work in safety. It is in a location that is close enough to the war to get the supplies to soldiers in time, but far enough for it to be safe.

"We work for 24 hours a day," Mr. Kulikov explained, "It's hard, but you know that each minute you waste can cost somebody their life. This gives us energy to work harder and strive for better quality.

"I don't understand why the Russians think about us in such a bad way. We are a normal country. We love liberty. I don't understand why they created this war and kill our people. I spoke to Russians in the first few days, and I still don't understand what they have in their minds."

When asked about what it is like working in a dangerous area, Mr. Kulikov responded with the following. "The first time you see a rocket flying above your head, it's very scary. You hear a big boom, and you immediately drop down to the ground.

"It's very scary. But now, some time has passed. The sound of the rockets repeats and it becomes less horrible over time. It becomes more of a habit that you get used to. For now, we can work. It's our job to change the world and keep our people safe."

02/24 faces shortages of materials such as good-quality steel and textiles. Any body armor manufacturers who want to support their cause are invited to connect with the company to aid in the effort to supply Ukraine with body armor.

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