Bringing Checkpoint Zoo to Your Community: A Story of Courage, Compassion, and Ukraine’s Resilience

Published: September 10, 2025

When Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, the world watched in horror as cities came under relentless fire. But few knew of the quiet heroism unfolding just outside Kharkiv, where the Feldman Ecopark Zoo sat between advancing Russian forces and the Ukrainian defenders. More than 5,000 animals were trapped in the crossfire – helpless, frightened, and in desperate need of rescue.

Against impossible odds, a small team of zookeepers and volunteers risked their lives day after day to save these creatures. Their daring mission is now immortalized in Checkpoint Zoo, an award-winning documentary directed by Joshua Zeman, supported by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson, and praised as “beautiful and beyond moving” by CNN.

This is not just a story about animals. It is about humanity, resilience, and the Ukrainian spirit of defying destruction with compassion and courage.

From Tribeca to Your Hometown

Checkpoint Zoo made its World Premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, where it earned the coveted Audience Award. Since then, it has been celebrated at festivals across the country, winning honors such as the Zelda Penzel “Giving Voice to the Voiceless” Award at the Hampton International Film Festival and the Audience Choice Award at Mill Valley. The film has also been screened in the halls of Congress and at human rights hearings, underscoring its power to inspire not just audiences but policymakers.

In 2024, Razom Cinema and the American Coalition for Ukraine co-hosted a special screening of Checkpoint Zoo, pairing the film with a moving conversation between director Joshua Zeman and Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Carol Guzy, who was on the ground documenting the rescues. For everyone present, it was more than a screening – it was a call to action.

Now, it’s your turn to bring this extraordinary story to your own community.

Why Organize a Screening?

Hosting a screening of Checkpoint Zoo with GATHR is more than an event. It’s a chance to:

Educate your community about Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for survival and freedom.
Inspire audiences with a story of selfless courage and resilience.
Mobilize support for Ukraine by connecting new audiences to Razom and other organizations providing humanitarian aid, medical training, and advocacy.
Engage in meaningful dialogue, with opportunities for Q&A sessions, panel discussions, or cultural programming alongside the film.

Every screening becomes a platform for solidarity and action.

How GATHR Makes It Easy

Thanks to the GATHR platform, anyone – individuals, schools, community groups, or cultural organizations – can bring the film to a local theater or venue.

Here’s how it works:

Sign up on GATHR – Choose Checkpoint Zoo and request a screening in your area.
Pick a Date and Venue – GATHR handles theater bookings or supports community/partner venues.
Spread the Word – Share your event link with friends, colleagues, and local networks. GATHR provides customizable landing pages, embeddable ticketing, and even “Pay It Forward” tickets that let others attend for free.
Reach Critical Mass – Screenings are confirmed once a minimum number of tickets are reserved, ensuring no financial risk for organizers.
Host and Inspire – On the big day, your community gathers for a film that stirs hearts and sparks action.

GATHR’s model has powered documentaries like RBG and Free Solo, making films into movements. Now, it’s your chance to do the same for Ukraine.

Take Action Today

The animals of Feldman Ecopark survived because ordinary people refused to stand by. Checkpoint Zoo reminds us that even in the darkest moments, acts of courage and compassion matter. By bringing this film to your community, you become part of that story – helping ensure the world does not forget Ukraine’s struggle for freedom and dignity. Here is a Razom fundraising toolkit in case you’d like to go further and fundraise for Ukraine.

👉 Ready to host a screening? Visit GATHR’s Checkpoint Zoo page and take the first step. Together, let’s turn powerful storytelling into powerful action. Razom—together—we can make a difference.

Razom for Ukraine Presents the Third Annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival “Against the Grain”

Published: September 8, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Razom for Ukraine Presents the Third Annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival “Against the Grain”: A Month-Long Celebration of Art, Theater, Film, and Literature in New York City

Discover how Ukrainian artists defy convention and forge new cultural paths with bold, boundary-pushing creativity. Tradition remixed. Vision uncompromized.

Highlights Include:
Theater: NYC debut of Lesia Ukrainka’s groundbreaking drama “Cassandra”
Film: Vibrant showcase featuring U Are the Universe, Viktor, and 2000 Meters to Andriivka, alongside short film selections from the Kyiv International Short Film Festival (KISFF) and Linoleum Contemporary Animation and Media Art Festival
Visual Art: Defiant aesthetics partnering with The Ukrainian Museum to support two exhibitions: Boris Mikhailov, showcasing the work of one of Ukraine’s most acclaimed photographers, and Light on the Waves: Video Art of Odesa by Andrii Siguntsov
Literature: Spotlight on innovative works by Booker Prize–nominated Maria Reva, Oksana Lutsyshyna, Olia Hercules, Volodymyr Rafeyenko, Sam Wachman and more

(New York, NY – September 5, 2025) – This October, Razom for Ukraine announces the return of its acclaimed Ukrainian Cultural Festival, now expanded into a month-long citywide celebration with the theme Against the Grain. From October 1 to 31, audiences will experience daily events spanning theater, film, literature, and visual art, spotlighting the fearless creativity of Ukrainian artists who defy convention and reshape global culture.

In just two years, the Ukrainian Cultural Festival has become a vital fixture of New York City’s fall arts calendar. For 2025, Razom deepens its commitment with an unprecedented 31 days of programming across leading cultural venues. Against the Grain’s goal is to highlight how Ukrainian artists, through defiance, resilience, and innovation, create works that challenge assumptions and expand the boundaries of contemporary art.

Performing Arts – Spotlight on Lesia Ukrainka’s Cassandra
At the heart of the festival is Razom’s first-ever theatrical co-production with Ekletika Productions: Lesia Ukrainka’s Cassandra. This visionary play, never before staged in the U.S., will run for ten performances (October 10-19) during the month. Ukrainka’s epic reimagining of the Trojan War, through the eyes of Cassandra, a prophetess doomed never to be believed, resonates with striking relevance today. The production underscores the festival’s theme, as Ukrainka herself was a writer who went against the grain, challenging imperial and patriarchal narratives and affirming Ukrainian identity through literature and drama.

The festival also showcases Razom’s commitment to the performing arts with music, poetry, and additional theatrical works. A Romantic from Kharkiv is a piano recital and album release by Anna Shelest that channels both intimacy and resilience through music. Apocollapse! by Dean Temple brings audiences a staged reading of a provocative new play interrogating endings, survival, and rebirth. Our Life Behind Barbed Wire by Alex Averbuch with Olga Zaitseva-Herz, presented at the Shevchenko Scientific Society, is a musico-poetic experience blending words and sound to illuminate histories of displacement and memory. Together, these projects exemplify the festival’s mission of working against the grain by crossing disciplines and challenging form.

Film – A Bold Showcase of Ukrainian Films
Cinema lovers will encounter a striking cross-section of Ukrainian stories. Feature films include U Are the Universe, Viktor, 2000 Meters to Andriivka, My Dear Theo, and Editorial Office, alongside short film selections from the Kyiv International Short Film Festival (KISFF) and Linoleum Contemporary Animation and Media Art Festival. These screenings bring together urgent, poetic, and provocative voices in contemporary Ukrainian cinema.

Razom Cinema will also host Kyiv to LA with Asha Bukojemsky. Kyiv to LA is a cross-cultural initiative that invites Ukrainian artists, researchers, and art historians to participate in a Los Angeles-based residency and public program. UCF will host a one-night screening featuring four short films by Ukrainian artists Daryna Mamaisur, Oleksiy Radynski, Darya Tsymbalyuk, and the ruїns collective (Teta Tsybulnyk and Elias Parvulesco), who participated in the residency and explored the topics of environment, borders, and shared spaces.

Literature – Voices that Witness

From crossing lines of identity and queerness to bearing witness at a time of war and occupation, literature takes the center stage as an act of resistance and testimony with this year’s programming.

Lines We Cross: Translating Ukraine – An event at the Center for Fiction exploring the complexities of migration, queerness, and identity through fiction (Oksana Lutsyshyna and Sam Wachman.)
Voices of Occupation: Stories of Cultural Survival brings together writings from temporarily occupied regions of eastern and southern Ukraine, including Crimea. This event, held at the New York Public Library’s Stavros Niarchos Library, features Olia Hercules, Volodymyr Rafeyenko, and Natalia Shpylova-Saeed.
Poet as a Witness – at Poet’s House, featuring Ilya Kaminsky, Anna Malihon, Irina Vikirchak and Lesyk Panasiuk and others.
A Reading and Conversation with Ukrainian born Canadian author Maria Reva. In her Booker Prize–nominated novel Endling, Maria Reva explores the metaphor of the “endling” — the last of a species — to examine war, loss, and resilience.

Visual Art – Defiant Aesthetics
In addition to partnering with The Ukrainian Museum, this year’s festival includes an incredible lineup of visual artists across multiple mediums: Memory Patterns by Anna Seniuk, DIA/spora by Igor Martiniouk, I dream of seeing the steppe again by Darya Tsymbalyuk, What the Water Told Me by Oleksandra Zborovska, and Yurko Gutsulyak’s striking Blue-Yellow Series.

Against the Grain

The 2025 festival marks a turning point: what began as a two-week initiative has now grown into a full month of daily events, cementing its place as a platform for cultural exchange and creative resistance. “Against the Grain reflects the spirit of Ukrainian artists today,” says Dora Chomiak, CEO of Razom for Ukraine. “They are responding to war, displacement, and trauma through boldly reshaping tradition, transforming vulnerability into power, and ensuring their voices are in the global conversation.”

Festival Information
Against the Grain: Ukrainian Cultural Festival 2025
Presented by Razom for Ukraine
October 1–31, 2025 | New York City
Full calendar and tickets: www.razomforukraine.org/ucf2025/

Press Contact:
Olga Samofalova
Press Lead, Ukrainian Cultural Festival
olga.samofalova@gmail.com

Building a new career thread by thread: Svitlana Rohozyan’s path from oil to needle

Published: September 4, 2025

“I was about to become an engineer,” says Svitlana Rohozyan, 51, a woman from Lysychansk, Luhansk Oblast. She used to work at the local oil refinery and was getting ready for a promotion. She was raising the child she had long prayed for. “Life began to get back on track,” she said. However, the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine changed it all. Part of the Luhansk Oblast was occupied back in 2014, so Rohozyan’s hometown authorities and volunteers immediately began evacuating people, knowing that Russian attacks would escalate.

The Rohozyan family relocated to their farmhouse, not too far from Lysychansk, thinking it would be safer there. “Still holding on to hope that everything will be okay—I planted parsley, carrots, beets, and dill. My child loves those very much,” the woman said. However, severe explosions were getting closer, and she decided to flee.

In mid-April 2022, Rohozyan took her 6-year-old son, Yaroslav, and boarded the cramped evacuation train to Lviv, after getting to the station by bus—all while Russians were shelling the area. The family escaped before the missile damaged their apartment in Lysychansk, and the city was completely occupied in July 2022.

“The only thing I regret is that the icon [holy image] we used for our child’s baptism—I didn’t take it with me. That’s what I regret the most. That little icon stayed behind. You know, I looked at it and left it there, thinking it would protect the house,” Rohozyan said.

Starting from scratch in Lviv was tough. They settled in a dormitory and had to fit in a tiny room with only two beds, together with another family, surviving on internally displaced persons (IDPs) financial aid. Her chemical engineering background became useless, as there were no such businesses nearby. There were some customer service job openings in the area, but Rohozyan could not leave Yaroslav alone.

One day, Rohozyan saw an announcement on Facebook about the School of Sewing Arts, hosted by the West Ukrainian Fashion Industry Cluster (WUFIC) and sponsored by Razom.

“Sewing was my hobby. I used to hem costumes for my son. I also made a lot of clothing for myself. But I understood that I had little knowledge,” she said. She was excited to join the course, but evening sessions didn’t work well with her son’s schedule. Later, she received a call saying a daytime group had been formed and asking if she wanted to join. “I joined with such joy! I was waiting for this,” she recalls.

The School of Sewing Arts’ goal is to teach IDPs tailoring skills, provide graduates with job placement support, and promote growth within the field. It is being implemented in two cities—Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk. 84 women have already graduated from sewing courses.

Every cohort of future seamstresses is trained for three months. “We sewed skirts, pants, and tops. I sewed myself the skorts I wanted so much,” Rohozyan said. She shared that her favorite part was learning the technology of measuring and cutting out fabric.

“The most interesting is the technique of making those patterns. It’s really fascinating. At first, you don’t understand where the line goes or what it leads to, and then suddenly, you already have a pair of pants,” Rohozyan said.

Rohozyan described her experience during the course as “fun and amazing,” saying she felt like part of a family with the other students and teachers. The group had two instructors—a garment technician and a tailor. “One teaches us how to make patterns, and the other teaches us how to sew on the machine. First, we learn to make the pattern, then we transfer it from paper to fabric [and sew],” Rohozyan explained. “I’m grateful that they [WUFIC, supported by Razom] provided us with fabric, and we didn’t have to run around looking for any.”

The project inspired Rohozyan to seek opportunities to expand her knowledge in the craft. Together with the women she met at the sewing school, she started spending her Saturdays at her former instructor, garment technician Viktoria Karpova’s place, striving to learn more advanced techniques.

After the project, “a job found me on its own,” Rohozyan said. Karpova was looking for women to work at her sewing business, which she relocated from the currently besieged city of Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, to Lviv. Rohozyan accepted the offer and now works part-time for KVK Pokrovchanka.

“I gained knowledge. I now have a job that I enjoy. I like the products we sew, and if you like the products, you like the work that goes into making them. It [apparel] is beautiful, high-quality, and well-made, and you realize that your hands helped create it,” Rohozyan said.

Rohozyan dreams of starting her own business. When she joined the sewing courses, she had a clear goal in mind—to learn the craft and eventually open a clothing repair shop. For now, she hopes to begin with something small. “I want my own home sewing machine—not a professional one, but a modern one,” she said. Rohozyan added that even a basic machine at home would allow her to get started and earn some income. At the moment, she works on an old treadle machine, which can’t compete with electric models, but as she laughed, “it’s great when there’s no electricity.”

“I truly want peace, so that my child is no longer afraid of the sounds of explosions,” Rohozyan said. She recalls her son imitating missile and drone sounds, which he should never have heard. “I don’t want children to know that kind of fear—the fear of losing everything,” she continued. “Yes, you’ve saved your life and your child’s life, but everything you’ve worked for your whole life—it’s all gone.”

8-year-old Yaroslav now studies at a local school, plays fortepiano, and attends drone construction courses. Rohozyan’s husband is fighting for Ukraine.

Rohozyan believes that Ukraine’s prosperity is deeply tied to the well-being of its people. With so many IDPs having lost their jobs, reskilling initiatives like Razom Jobs are key to driving change. “If Ukraine prospers, so will its people. If everyone gets a job, the country will become wealthy. If everyone is willing to work and to earn money, then the country will have money, too,” she said.

Thanks to your support, Razom is able to provide avid learners like Rohozyan with opportunities to gain skills and thrive in a new, exciting field on a professional level.

Razom Recommends September 2025

Published: August 28, 2025

Late August and early September mark the time of returning to school, with families preparing supplies and settling back into school time routines. In Ukraine September 1 is known as the Day of Knowledge – it is usually the day classes start and celebrations are held in schools across the country to mark the beginning of the academic year. But you do not have to go back to school to engage in learning – the events below provide ample opportunities to explore culture, traditions, and the arts. Whether through photography, architecture, sculpture, fashion, or film – you have a chance to explore the rich facets of Ukrainian creativity and resilience.

P.S. Don’t miss an important save the date at the end!

3 September 2025| NYC

An Evening with Vladimir Kanevsky and Xavier Salomon

An exceptional evening with renowned porcelain artist Vladimir Kanevsky in conversation with Xavier F. Salomon, Deputy Director and Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator of The Frick Collection. Together they will explore Mr. Kanevsky’s Ukrainian roots, his exquisite porcelain flowers, and the remarkable installation now on view at the newly reopened Frick. The evening will include a Q&A, book signing, reception, and a special auction of a one-of-a-kind piece created by the artist to benefit Ukrainians affected by the war.

🔗https://ukrainianinstitute.org/event/an-evening-with-kanevsky-and-salomon/

2 May – 3 September 2025| Chicago, IL

Constructing Hope: Ukraine

The exhibit presents the work of over a dozen participants currently applying architectural thinking to support Ukraine’s short- and long-term reconstruction efforts. In the face of Russia’s unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine—a war that has destroyed and existentially threatened Ukrainians’ lives, ecology, culture, and infrastructure—these multidisciplinary creatives regain agency over their environment by employing architectural strategies and practices as a form of resistance.

🔗https://www.centerforarchitecture.org/exhibitions/constructing-hope-ukraine/

13 September – 18 January 2025| NYC

Boris Mikhailov Photography

The Ukrainian Museum will proudly host the first major museum exhibition of Boris Mikhailov’s photography in New York. Revered as the most celebrated living Ukrainian artist, Mikhailov invites viewers into the complex tapestry of post-Soviet life, confronting the juxtaposition of vulnerability and resilience. Among the exhibited masterpieces are selections from the acclaimed “Yesterday’s Sandwich” and “Parliament” series.

🔗https://www.theukrainianmuseum.org/boris-mikhailov/

14 September 2025| 1 PM| Los Angeles, CA

Ukrainian Fashion Show

An evening of powerful and elegant Ukrainian fashion and a charity fundraiser dedicated to supporting humanitarian aid efforts for the people of Ukraine affected by war. This unique event brings the heart of Ukraine to the United States through fashion, history, art and traditions. The showcase will present a breathtaking blend of traditional Ukrainian style and modern design celebrating the beauty and resilience of Ukrainian culture. With special guests Roksolana Bogutska and Mariya Mulyava.

🔗https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ukrainian-fashion-show-los-angeles-ca-tickets-1343401864139

16-21 September 2025| NYC

When the Hurlyburly’s Done

The Public Theater welcomes Kyiv’s Theater on Podil for a limited run of When the Hurlyburly’s Done – a play centered on a group of young actors led by Les Kurbas in 1920 who leave war-torn Kyiv and perform plays in exchange for food. The opening night will feature a post-play talk with the founder of the Borsch of Art and the playwright and actors from Theater on Podil. They will discuss the vital role of women in cultural diplomacy, the presentation of Ukrainian identity abroad, and the importance of building cultural bridges between the U.S. and Ukraine.

🔗https://publictheater.org/productions/season/2526/when-the-hurlyburlys-done-yak-stikhne-shuru-burya-zla/

28 September 2025| 12 PM| Houston, TX

Slavic Heritage Festival

The festival will feature traditional music and dancing, including a professional band. Attendees will enjoy numerous craft vendors, delicious Slavic food, pastries, and beer. The famous kolache eating contest is not to miss as well. There will be a crafting corner to keep the kids busy while parents explore the festival.

🔗https://houstonslavicheritagefestival.com/

5-29 September 2025| CA, PA, TX, AZ, NY, VA

Checkpoint Zoo Screenings in partnership with Razom

Checkpoint Zoo documents a daring rescue led by a heroic team of zookeepers and volunteers, who risked their lives to save thousands of animals trapped in a zoo behind enemy lines during the initial days of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Drawing from first-hand footage, Award-winning filmmaker Joshua Zeman’s Checkpoint Zoo showcases a story of human compassion, bravery, and sacrifice during Ukraine’s darkest hours -shining a light on the best of humanity when it is all too easy to focus on the worst.Presented in various cities across California in partnership with Razom.

🔗https://checkpointzoo.com/screenings/

6 September 2025| 6:30 PM| San Francisco, CA

Match in a Haystack Screening in partnership with Razom

Match in a Haystack follows a group of Ukrainian dancers in Kyiv as they prepare for a performance against the backdrop of the Russian invasion. The film is directed by Joe Hill, a five-time Emmy Award–winning director and cinematographer best known for his work with the VICE News International Team, edited by Arielle Sherman, executive production by Misty Copeland and movement direction by Stefanie Noll.

🔗https://roxie.com/film/match-in-a-haystack/

18-21 September 2025| IL, MI, PA, WA, VA, NY

MALEVYCH Screenings

A whirlwind of passion, defiance, and genius unfolds in the life of Kazymyr Malevych — the world-renowned Ukrainian artist who dares to challenge the Soviet regime for the right to create “free” art. For his rivals, his works are a fraud; for the Soviet authorities — a secret code; for one woman — a confession of love; and for the people of Ukraine — a prophecy. MALEVYCH is not a conventional historical biopic, but a bold, symbolic portrait of Ukraine — seen through the prism of a man whose art refused to bow to power.

🔗https://www.uafilmusa.com/malevych

13 September – 5 December 2025| Various locations on the East Coast

Vira + Friends Fall Concert Series

In the coming months Vira + Friends will be up and down the East Coast with all new and signature programs: Ukrainian Music Initiative, songs and stories of people finding their way, songs by women composers past and present, and others. Enjoy Vira Slywotzky’s beautiful contralto paired with pianists Pavlo Gintov, David Sytkowski, and Ana Glig, as well as cellist Valeriya Sholokhova and the Hudson Festival Orchestra.

🔗https://www.viraandfriends.org/

A LOOK AHEAD: SAVE THE DATE

1-31 October 2025| NYC

Ukrainian Cultural Festival

This October, Razom for Ukraine announces the return of its acclaimed Ukrainian Cultural Festival, now expanded into a month-long citywide celebration with the theme Against the Grain. From October 1 to 31, audiences will experience daily events spanning theater, film, literature, and visual art, spotlighting the fearless creativity of Ukrainian artists who defy convention and reshape global culture. Keep an eye on the Festival’s Instagram page and the web page below.

🔗ucfnyc.org

Supporting Ukraine’s Mental Health for Resilience and Victory

Published: August 26, 2025

The psychological toll of war on Ukrainians is staggering. According to the World Health Organization, 68% of Ukrainians report a decline in their overall health since the full‑scale invasion, with 46% specifically citing mental health concerns—making psychological distress the most prevalent impact of the conflict. Others estimate that 9.6 million Ukrainians are currently at risk of or living with mental health issues, including 3.9 million experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. Moreover, around 80% of citizens live under chronic stress and anxiety, carrying an ever‑present psychological burden. These numbers are not mere statistics – they are real people: mothers coping with trauma, children whose innocence has been stolen, veterans wrestling with nightmares, and families who confront loss every day. Addressing these deep-seated wounds is both a humanitarian and a strategic imperative, as a resilient nation is built not just by battalions, but by healed hearts and minds.

A New Beacon of Hope in Khmelnytskyi: “RAZOM with You”

Amid the chaos, a hopeful light has emerged in Khmelnytskyi. The newly opened psychological support space “RAZOM with You” symbolizes resilience, compassion, and unity. For three years, this initiative has been championing the mental health of Ukrainians impacted by war – offering a lifeline to those grappling with loss, trauma, burnout, and emotional crisis. The new center also serves as the local pillar of the Razom for Ukraine charitable foundation – creating a warm, safe refuge where individuals can find understanding and solace.

The opening ceremony was a testament to communal solidarity. Deputy Mayor Mykhailo Kryvak, Inna Pikalo from the veterans’ policy department, and a representative from the Ombudsperson’s office – among others – joined to celebrate the center’s new chapter.

Their presence reflected both civic recognition and commitment to collective healing. Words of hope were also shared by two remarkable figures: psychologist and war veteran Pavlo Molchaniuk, recently joined to support others through shared experience, and former border guard and veteran Igor Korsun, whose journey through captivity and healing underscores the profound need for psychological solidarity.

Expanding Reach: From Rooms to Regions

Since 2022, RAZOM with You has grown into a robust psychosocial network – providing both individual therapy and group sessions tailored to communities, military families, internally displaced persons, youth, veterans, and social service professionals.

Project Lead Iryna Gudyma stresses the unique strength of their multidisciplinary team: “The expertise of the “RAZOM with You” team makes it a reliable partner for government initiatives in the field of mental health. Half of our psychologists combine practical work with academic research, which allows us to test newly developed programs and have them approved by university academic councils. Currently, a rehabilitation program for people with experiences of captivity and torture is being piloted, and a training program is being launched for specialists working with military personnel and veterans.” The center’s offerings – psychoeducational workshops, support groups, training programs, webinars – now stretch across Khmelnytskyi region, empowering communities with tools to rebuild mental resilience.

Tetiana Kril, Head of Mental Health for RAZOM with You, shares what sets their team apart: “These are not just psychologists. They are people whose lives have been shaped by war – military spouses, defenders themselves, volunteers. Their professionalism is informed by personal courage and the peer-to-peer support they provide.” The team’s impact extends into civic structures, with psychologists Nataliia Durdas and Tetiana Kril serving on the advisory council for veterans’ rights and the project entering into a memorandum with the regional council to expand accessible, high-quality mental health systems across the region.

Why Your Support Matters

This is the story of a community rising from trauma – of spaces transformed by empathy, expertise, and shared purpose. But projects like RAZOM with You hinge on ongoing support. Each donation, each shared story, each volunteer hour fuels outreach, innovation, and healing.

How You Can Help:

Donate to Razom for Ukraine to empower mental health services and expand these life‑saving programs.
Raise awareness – sharing stories like this creates momentum and mobilizes more support.
Advocate for mental health to be a core component of Ukraine’s national resiliency strategy.

Ukraine’s victory will be won on many fronts – not least of all psychological. Strong minds and compassionate hearts are as vital as any defense. By supporting RAZOM with You, you’re not just aiding recovery – you’re investing in Ukraine’s strength, dignity, and future.

Together in Healing: Co-Pilot Project Expands Training and Partnerships for Ukrainian Medical Professionals

Published: August 22, 2025

When Ukraine’s defenders are wounded on the battlefield, every second counts. Survival depends not only on courage but also on skill, knowledge, and the ability of medical professionals to deliver care under extreme pressure. That is why Razom’s Co-Pilot Project under the Razom Health program is so critical – it equips Ukrainian doctors, surgeons, and instructors with world-class training and connections that directly save lives.

This summer has been a season of impact and growth for the Co-Pilot Project. From presenting Ukrainian innovations at one of the largest U.S. military health conferences, to hands-on training in leading American hospitals, to building the next wave of international partnerships, the message is clear: Ukraine’s medical leaders are not only learning -they are also teaching the world.

Ukrainian Voices on the Global Stage

In early August, Razom supported three Ukrainian medical professionals whose research was accepted at the Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS).

Dr. Oksana Popova, surgeon, ultrasound specialist, and Director of ELLING Training Center, presented her work on advancing emergency ultrasound including FAST-U and TRIDENT protocols.
Dr. Oleksandr Raboshchuk, anesthesiologist and lecturer at the Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, shared outcomes of Ukraine’s groundbreaking methodology in treating hypovolemic arrest.
Dr. Kateryna Maslyak, TacMed instructor and anesthesiologist from Kharkiv, highlighted the critical role of lyophilized plasma in managing hemorrhagic shock during large-scale combat operations.

These presentations marked more than academic milestones—they were powerful reminders that Ukraine is contributing to global knowledge in trauma care. U.S. and European doctors, military leaders, and researchers left inspired by Ukraine’s resilience and ingenuity.

And the knowledge exchange went both ways – Dr. Raboschuk shared that he gained a great deal from the conference and during his observership at the University of Florida: “During MHSRS, I learned about advanced issues in military healthcare, including strategies to overcome antimicrobial resistance and modern approaches to resuscitation of patients with hemorrhagic shock. I participated in the Bootcamp for Anesthesia Fellowship. The main takeaway was the importance of simulation-based training and practicing different clinical scenarios. This approach would be highly applicable and valuable to implement in Ukraine. I also participated in Ground Rounds in the General ICU and Orthopedic Department, where I gained an understanding of the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in solving clinical tasks.”

Building Partnerships for Long-Term Impact

Beyond the conference stage, Razom facilitated vital meetings with high ranking leaders from the US and Europe. One Ukrainian delegate joked that they could “fill a binder with Razom business cards,” underscoring just how deeply our teams are embedded in Ukraine’s health and defense ecosystems. Every card represents a project, a training, or a life touched through Razom’s collaborative work – and that is why the project team has no intentions of slowing down. They are actively planning to further develop partnerships that will benefit Ukraine.

Learning Shoulder-to-Shoulder in U.S. Hospitals

Conferences are just one part of the journey. The heart of the Co-Pilot Project is immersive observerships in U.S. hospitals. In August alone:

At the University of Florida, Dr. Raboshchuk trained in advanced resuscitation methods and anesthesia, while Dr. Popova prepared her ultrasound data for international publication.
At the University of North Carolina, Dr. Popova exchanged insights with colleagues on the TRIDENT protocol and recorded an episode for the Prolonged Field Care podcast, amplifying Ukrainian expertise globally. Make sure to check the podcast page in the next few weeks to catch the recording of the episode.

In Ohio, Dr. Ilya Petrenko began a three-week oculoplastics observership with Dr. Raymond Cho, continuing a collaboration that grew from years of joint surgical missions in Ivano-Frankivsk.
At OU Health in Oklahoma, eight Ukrainian surgeons—including military doctors from frontline regions—are training intensively in trauma, neurosurgery, orthopedics and facial plastics. Their schedule includes flap reconstruction courses, ATLS certification, and grand rounds lectures.

These experiences create ripple effects. When Ukrainian doctors return home, they bring not only new skills but also new teaching methods, curricula, and international networks that will strengthen Ukraine’s healthcare system for decades to come.

A Community of Support

None of this would be possible without the community that surrounds Razom. In Raleigh, North Carolina, Razom’s Public Engagement team hosted a dinner bringing together Dr. Popova with local leaders, state officials, and supporters. It was a vivid reminder that these efforts are not only about medicine—they are about solidarity, friendship, and building bridges of understanding.

Why It Matters

Every protocol refined, every skill mastered, and every partnership formed translates into lives saved on the battlefield and beyond. As Ukraine defends its freedom, the resilience of its medical community is a beacon of hope—not just for Ukrainians, but for all who believe in the power of human dignity and collaboration.

How You Can Help

The Co-Pilot Project is proof of what happens when we come together: Razom, our partners, and supporters like you. Your donations make it possible for Ukrainian doctors to train, present, and innovate at the highest levels. Together, we can ensure that those who sacrifice so much for Ukraine’s future have the best chance at survival and recovery.

Donate to Razom today and stand with us in building a healthier, stronger, and more resilient Ukraine.

Mini-MBA program on the development of management competencies for medical units: how management skills change the system in wartime

Published: August 6, 2025

In the conditions of a full-scale invasion, when Ukrainian military medicine faces extraordinary challenges, it is the leaders on the ground who keep things together. But is it possible to effectively manage a team, processes, and resources if you have never been taught this? It was this question that began the story of the Mini-MBA – a unique educational program for leaders of medical units of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine, created by the Razom for Ukraine Foundation together with kmbs (Kyiv-Mohyla Business School), in partnership with the Department of Health of the Ministry of Defense and the Medical Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Mini-MBA emerged not in a “reform laboratory”, but in the reality of the full-scale invasion, where the medical service members work on the edge every day. The reform of military medicine is happening in real time – in the field, amid a shortage of people and resources. Often, the heads of medical services are the people who have no prior management experience, but only sincere motivation.

“Being a doctor, manager, and coordinator is something that no one teaches you anywhere. Especially when every decision matters today,” says Serhiy Savchenko, head of a medical station.

To identify real needs, the Razom for Ukraine team, together with the Medical Forces Command, conducted a survey of over 100 medical unit leaders. It turned out that over 80% of them had never received management training, and 90% felt they were in dire need of such training.

These answers became the basis of the program. The teachers at kmbs relied on them, forming training modules — practical, compact, and focused on a specific result. The competition was high: from more than 150 applications submitted for the first program, 40 of the most motivated participants were selected — those who have influence and are ready to transform their departments.

The Mini-MBA covers four strategic areas:

Leadership and Performance Management – how to build effective teams and think strategically.
Communication, Trust, and Change – how to build resilience and fairness in a team.
LEAN Processes – how to eliminate waste in logistics and medical processes.
Modern Management Skills – from delegation to crisis management.

“After the first few days, for the first time in many years, I drew ‘spaghetti’ – process diagrams – on the walls of my office. The team didn’t understand at first, but they quickly picked up on it,” says Pavlo, head of a medical department. “At home, the children laughed that I had taken all their crayons. And I wanted to work – again.”

Participants analyze real-life cases – from combat units to adapted international experience. All through the prism of management, leadership, and trust.

The program included those who make dozens of decisions every day, lead teams, and those who are responsible not only for the process, but also for human dignity and life. Many of them, for the first time in their years of service, had the opportunity not only to relax emotionally, but also to look at their work strategically.

“A breath of fresh air is a feeling that accompanied me all the days of training.

The feeling of oxygen, which was so lacking during these more than three years of service. And this increased oxygenation fills the brain with new meanings and a desire for changes that bring us closer to Victory,” shares Igor Artyushenko, head of a brigade’s medical service.

The program included not only classic management modules, but also unique meetings with practitioners who directly shape the culture of medical management at the front. The training involved heads of medical services of forward companies and corps, as well as specialists with experience in real management in combat conditions.

A special highlight was a lecture within the framework of inter-program collaboration with Razom Health, dedicated to planning medical operations in the military sphere. It was given by Michael R. Hetzler – a paramedic, a veteran of the U.S. Special Operations Forces, an expert in military medicine, and a defense strategist who currently heads the NATO initiative for the development of allied medical training. He conducts courses on special operations surgery and modern concepts of combat medicine.

The program also featured a separate lecture dedicated to Lessons Learned approaches in the medical unit system as a tool for analyzing, adapting, and implementing changes based on field experience.

The training did not end with a certificate. Each participant became part of a community that is being formed. They will be able to communicate with each other and continue learning – for this we are also preparing a resource base of lectures that will be available in online format.

“Mini-MBA is an example of how civil society can change systems. We don’t just teach, we create an environment where a new type of leader is born – resilient, thoughtful, open to change,” emphasizes Taras Hatalyak, director of the Razom Heroes program.

This is the first program in Ukraine where management is adapted to the real challenges of the medical system in crisis conditions. The format combines offline modules, online blocks, mentoring, and practice. Training runs parallel to the service – supporting, not distracting.

“I started the course as the commander of the battalion medical service, and I am leaving the course as the commander of the brigade medical service. The topic of leadership is very important to me. I see an example of how management works, both in civilian life and in the army. You work with people and you must have a certain knowledge base and skills. Especially when you hold a certain position. To know how to cooperate with these people, how to make management decisions and most importantly how to motivate people so that they want to work with you. This is a very cool, full-fledged program, and all this time everything I did on intuition has been replaced by real knowledge and actions that I am already implementing in my work,” Alina Mikhailova, commander of the brigade medical service, shares after the course.

Mini-MBA is more than an educational project. It is an investment in the people who maintain the system every day. They do not wait for reforms – they become them themselves.

Razom Celebrates Women in Translation Month

Published: August 5, 2025

Women in Translation (WiT) Month, celebrated annually in August, is an initiative focused on celebrating women writers from around the world – especially those writing in languages other than English. A fully volunteer-led movement, WiT was started by a book blogger and lifelong bibliophile Meytal Radzinski in 2014 and has become a staple of the literary community since. WiT aims to celebrate and promote translated literature by women and highlight the underrepresentation of women authors in translated works – a gender imbalance where a disproportionate number of translated books are written by men and come from Western European countries. We invite you to celebrate WiT Razom (together) with us by seeking out, reading, discussing, and sharing books written and translated by Ukrainian women. We share a few options to get your exploration started below.

Algometry by Iryna Vikyrchak (translated by Nina Murray)

Algometry is a lyrical portrait of the generation of Ukrainians who grew up and were shaped by the common and individual painful inner and outer experiences, to become the most resilient and brave nation. Algometry is a term of physiology and neurology, but it is not the physical pain that is the recurring motif of the book: the speaker, a millennial woman who grew up in Western Ukraine in the 90s, takes us through the three thematic corridors emphasizing emotional sensitivity, hyper-empathy, and inner strength.

Ivan and Phoebe by Oksana Lutsyshyna (translated by Nina Murray)

Married couple Ivan and Phoebe grapple with questions about family, tragedy, and independence. Although protagonist Ivan tells the story, Phoebe’s voice rings through the text. The two reflect on the harrowing aftermath of revolution: torture at the hands of the KGB and each other. Ivan refuses to talk about his pain, while Phoebe recounts her past wounds through poetic monologues. The story bounces between politically charged cities like Kyiv and Lviv and Ivan’s small, traditional hometown of Uzhhorod. As characters come to exercise their rights to free speech and protest, they must also reevaluate the norms of marriage and home life. These initially appear to be spaces of peace and harmony but are soon revealed to be hotbeds of conflict and multigenerational trauma.

Love Life by Oksana Lutsyshyna (translated by Nina Murray)

Love Life, the second novel by the award-winning Ukrainian writer and poet Oksana Lutsyshyna, follows Yora, an immigrant to the United States from Ukraine. A delicate soul who is finely attuned to the nuances of human relations, Yora becomes enmeshed with Sebastian, a seductive acquaintance who suggests that they share a deep bond. But the relationship ends, sending her into a period of despair and grief. Full of mystic allusions, Love Life is a fascinating story of self-discovery amidst the complexities of adapting to a new life.

The God of Freedom by Yulia Musakovska (translated by Olena Jennings)

In Yuliya Musakovska’s newest poetry collection, The God of Freedom, she reveals, facet by facet, the landscape of a turbulent, contemporary Ukraine. Equal parts intimate and expansive, the poems follow the societal struggles of women and their families, the trauma of returning soldiers, and the peoples’ future under the shadow of war and its tumultuous past.

Cecil the Lion Had to Die by Olena Stiazhkina (translated by Dominique Hoffman)

In Cecil the Lion Had to Die, Olena Stiazhkina follows four families through radical transformations when the Soviet Union unexpectedly implodes, independent Ukraine emerges, and neoimperial Russia occupies Ukraine’s Crimea and parts of the Donbas. Just as Stiazhkina’s decision to transition to writing in Ukrainian as part of her civic stance–performed in this book that begins in Russian and ends in Ukrainian–the stark choices of family members take them in different directions, presenting a multifaceted and nuanced Donbas.

https://bookshop.org/p/books/cecil-the-lion-had-to-die-olena-stiazhkina/18801733

My Women by Yuliya Iliukha (translated by Hanna Leliv)

Yuliia Iliukha’s My Women, translated from Ukrainian by Hanna Leliv, is an urgent and poignant story collection of women confronted by the countless brutalities of war. It locates the voices and devastating experiences of those who have been silenced, those who have lost loved ones, those who have fought and persevered, and those who have broken down.

Forgottenness by Tanja Maljartschuk (translated by Zenia Tompkins)

An award-winning novel from one of Ukraine’s most prolific contemporary authors, Forgottenness tells a spellbinding story of belonging and uprootedness, as understood by two exiles across time.

A Crash Course in Molotov Cocktails by Halyna Kruk (translated by Amelia M Glaser and Yuliya Ilchuk)

These stunning poems of witness by one of Ukraine’s most revered poets are by turns breathless, philosophical, and visionary. Leading readers into the world’s darkest spaces, Kruk implies that the light of language can nevertheless afford some measure of protection. Naming serves as a shield, albeit a wooden one.

Lost in Living by Halyna Kruk (translated by Dzvinia Orlowsky and Ali Kinsella)

Lost in Living presents Halyna Kruk’s unpublished work from the immediate “pre-invasion” years when life in Ukraine was marked by turmoil but full-scale war was not yet normalized. In these “dear poems that don’t pain [her] like those about the war do,” Kruk uses imagery and tone to underscore poetic agency, at times juxtaposing figurative language with a calm, direct voice to bring her poems to life. Nature cannot be relied on to sustain nor renew, and life is shown to be fundamentally vulnerable.

The Museum of Abandoned Secrets by Oksana Zabuzhko (translated by Nina Murray)

Spanning sixty tumultuous years of Ukrainian history, this multigenerational saga weaves a dramatic and intricate web of love, sex, friendship, and death. At its center: three women linked by the abandoned secrets of the past–secrets that refuse to remain hidden.

Fieldwork in Ukrainian Sex by Oksana Zabuzhko (translated by Halyna Hryn)

Called “the most influential Ukrainian book for the 15 years of independence, Field Work in Ukrainian Sex by Oksana Zabuzhko is the tale of one woman’s personal revolt provoked by a top literary scandal of the decade.

Read. Share. Advocate.

Literature is a tool for amplifying Ukrainian voices – especially women’s voices during WiT Month. Read these books, share them, and use them in your advocacy.

Learn more about Ukrainian books at razomforukraine.org/razom-literature

Razom Recommends August 2025: Ukraine Independence Day Events

Published: August 5, 2025

August marks one of the most important holidays in the Ukrainian calendar – Ukraine’s Independence Day. A state holiday celebrated on August 24 in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence of 1991, it marks Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union as it restored its rightful sovereignty. Ukrainian diaspora communities around the US plan festivals, parades, movie screenings, and concerts to mark this day. In this month’s #RazomRecommends we highlight some of these events in various states – we hope you’ll consider attending a gathering near you to meet the Ukrainian community and learn why this holiday is so important – especially during the full-scale invasion.

21-23 August 2025| California

Checkpoint Zoo Screenings in partnership with Razom

Checkpoint Zoo documents a daring rescue led by a heroic team of zookeepers and volunteers, who risked their lives to save thousands of animals trapped in a zoo behind enemy lines during the initial days of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Drawing from first-hand footage, Award-winning filmmaker Joshua Zeman’s Checkpoint Zoo showcases a story of human compassion, bravery, and sacrifice during Ukraine’s darkest hours -shining a light on the best of humanity when it is all too easy to focus on the worst. Presented in various cities across California in partnership with Razom.

🔗https://checkpointzoo.com/screenings/

23 August 2025| Lakewood, CO

The Colorado Ukrainian Festival

A celebration of 34 Years of Independence with Ukrainian culture, food, music, and community. The all-day event will feature performances – including a special guest Oleh Skrypka, authentic Ukrainian cuisine, local vendors and artisans, family-friendly activities, and community connection.

🔗https://www.ukrainiansofcolorado.org/events/s5hf11vov4zh6wh47z6v9xk0lknc7t

23 August 2025| Phoenix, AZ

Unbroken: Evening Honoring Ukraine’s Independence Day

A meaningful gathering to reflect on Ukraine’s enduring spirit, honor its path to sovereignty, and celebrate the resilience and support of our community. The evening will include delicious Ukrainian-inspired bites, a silent auction benefiting humanitarian aid through the Ukrainian Arizona Foundation, and community updates on local efforts committed to supporting Ukraine during this critical time. This is a ticketed event.

🔗https://www.cactusandtryzub.com/events/unbroken-ukrainian-independence-day

23 August 2025| West Palm Beach, FL

Ukrainian Cultural Fest

The Fest returns for its third year in a row, and will include live performances, art workshops, kids fun zone, arts and crafts market of handmade goods, and lots of authentic Ukrainian cuisine to sample and purchase. The event is free to attend.

🔗https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ukrainian-cultural-fest-tickets-1475253395619

23 August 2025| Raleigh, NC

Ukrainian Independence Day Festival

The event in Raleigh consists of two parts. The first part is a free festival with Ukrainian music and folk dancing, traditional cuisine, and a tour of the Ukrainian School of Raleigh. The second part is a concert of the famous Ukrainian artist Oksana Mukha benefitting Revived Soldiers of Ukraine.

🔗https://www.eventbrite.com/e/raleigh-nc-oksana-mukha-charitable-concert-tickets-1507757546409

24 August 2025| Washington, DC

Ukraine Independence Day Rally

The capital’s event centers around a rally and a march, followed by a concert featuring Ukrainian music, poetry, and dance, as attendees come together to honor Ukrainian Independence. Guests will assemble at the north side of the White House, hear official remarks and a musical interlude, and then march to the Taras Shevchenko Memorial where the main concert will take place.

🔗https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-celebrates-ukraines-independence-day-tickets-1425700652029

24 August 2025| Sacramento, CA

Ukraine Independence Day Celebration

All are welcome at this free event that honors Ukrainian heritage, celebrates cultural diversity, and fosters a sense of connection. The gathering will provide an opportunity to connect with community leaders, explore local and international resources, experience powerful national anthems, and hear moving performances from special guests and civic leaders. The event will be concluded by a headline performance by KAZKA, the internationally acclaimed Ukrainian electro-folk-pop sensation.

🔗https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ukrainian-independence-day-tickets-1531230063339

24 August 2025| Indianapolis, IN

Ukraine Independence Day Social

A free event in partnership between the Ukrainian Society of Indiana and Bier Brewery Noblesville. Community members are invited to enjoy food, mingle, and help raise funds for the charitable causes supported by the Society in Ukraine.

🔗https://www.ukrindiana.org/events

24 August 2025| NYC

24.FREEDOM – A charity immersive performance

The event will reflect freedom through music, movement, song, dance, and visual art. Main element of the event — large scale bird installation, as a symbol of resilience, flight, and freedom. To honor the fallen. To inspire the living. Performances by Pavlo Ginta, Alex Pryrodny, Fima Chupakhin, Valeriia Vovk, Angelina Statyeva, Hanna Datsko, Markiian Krysa, Maksym Lozynskyj, Dumka chorus, and others. All proceeds from the evening will go toward life-saving supplies for Ukrainian defenders.

🔗Event information on Instagram

24 August 2025| Jersey City, NJ

Vyshyvanka Run/Walk 5K

Organized for the fifth consecutive year by Ukrainian Jersey City, this event embodies the spirit of unity, compassion, and solidarity. A running race (or walk) with proceeds dedicated to supporting a humanitarian cause which is raising funds for a cornerstone project “Ambulances for Ukraine”. Vyshyvankas and Ukrainian symbols/flags are very much welcome!

🔗https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=154078

24 August 2025| 12-6PM| NYC

Open House at Ukrainian Institute of America

Celebrate the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s Renewed Independence at the UIA’s family-friendly Open House. Visit the Ukrainian Food Court to indulge in a variety of savory and sweet treats, shop for Ukrainian design treasures at the Code 380 pop-up, and see over a thousand pysanky in The Pysanka: A Symbol of Hope. Admire exquisite 19th-century Ukrainian traditional costumes and textiles, take home a book or two, and experience powerful contemporary films made by Ukrainian filmmakers during the war.

🔗https://ukrainianinstitute.org/event/open-house-independence-day/

24 August 2025| 7 PM| Washington, DC

Match in a Haystack Screening in partnership with Razom

Join us for a screening of the documentary Match in a Haystack and a panel discussion. The film will be followed by a 30-minute conversation about the fight for Ukrainian culture and Russia’s attempts to erase Ukraine’s unique identity with Arielle Sherman — an Emmy Award–winning film editor; Natalie Keyser — photographer with the NYT; Nina Murray — poet and an award-winning translator of Ukrainian literature and Program Director of Razom Connect. Match in a Haystack follows a group of Ukrainian dancers in Kyiv as they prepare for a performance against the backdrop of the Russian invasion.

🔗https://themiracletheatre.com/production/match-in-a-haystack/

24 August 2025| Chicago, IL

Ukraine Independence Day Parade

Similarly to DC, this event will focus on a public march along Chicago’s main street in honor of the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. Gathering begins at 2:00 PM at Congress Plaza Garden, and the march will conclude with a program at the western end of the Riverwalk.

🔗https://ukrainianchicago.com/event/ukrainian-independence-day-parade-in-downtown-chicago/

A Teen’s Innovation Making Sapper Work Safer with Recycled Plastic: The Story of Iryna Vynar

Published: July 31, 2025

Ukrainian teenagers are built differently. War makes them grow up quickly and take on responsibilities they were not supposed to handle. But tough realities create a strong nation and responsible young leaders who know the importance of being proactive citizens. Like the rest of the world, Ukrainians have to deal with ecological issues, but in addition, they face military pollution, which contributes to the degradation of the environment. Almost 20% of Ukraine’s territory is mined and might take a dozen years to clear, experts say.

Iryna Vynar, 17, from Boryslav, Lviv Oblast, has always been interested in ecology and biology. She was 14 when the full-scale invasion started, and her father joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. She has changed a lot since then.

“Each of us has grown up,” Iryna said. “I realized that now I have to take responsibility. Right after the start of the full-scale invasion, I knew I wanted to contribute somehow to bring our victory closer.”

This nudged Iryna to create a plastic shield—a tool that would both help reuse plastic and make the mines safer.

She developed her idea during the uBoost’s “Create HERE!” program, supported by Razom. Iryna’s grandma saw an announcement and encouraged Iryna to apply.

uBoost is a free educational platform empowering teenagers aged 13–23 from frontline communities and small towns in Ukraine to develop soft skills, launch their own projects, and connect with industry mentors to support their professional and entrepreneurial journeys.

During the program, Iryna learned the basics of entrepreneurship and marketing. The most impactful part, she said, was working with a mentor, who helped her feel more confident about her idea.

“At first, I was a bit worried—maybe something wouldn’t work out, maybe I was doing something wrong. But the support played a huge role for me. It helped me a lot.

By the time I was pitching my project, I wasn’t scared anymore—everything felt great,” she said.

Iryna created the plastic shield for mines that would protect people clearing and operating landmines and give new life to plastic waste. The shield is made of three strong layers that absorb shocks, provide insulation, and guard against mechanical damage. Iryna’s invention can be used for controlled detonation, post-war demining, and safe transportation of mines.

Iryna believes that her idea can make a significant impact, not just for people, but for animals, plants, and the entire ecosystem. “It can really help not only us,” she said, “but the ecosystem that affects us all so deeply.”

Iryna is currently looking for companies that can manufacture the plastic shield to help her dad be safer and the environment cleaner. She plans to continue her journey in the field of environmental protection in the future. This year, she finished her first year at the Ukrainian National Forestry University.

uBoost is supporting teenagers who develop their ventures in various areas, whether it’s creating psychological cards, personalized decorative boxes, or a modest clothing brand. Iryna said it was “incredibly great to talk to people who are developing completely different kinds of projects.”

“Our country will need to be rebuilt, and that responsibility will fall on the shoulders of this generation. And when you see young people developing and trying to do something, it brings a lot of joy,” she said.

With your support, Ukrainian youth have the opportunity to implement impactful projects and gain empowerment through mission-driven organizations like uBoost, supported by Razom.