Razom Stronger 3.0: Knowledge, Partnerships, and a Generation Shaping the Future

На днях у Києві відбулася третя щорічна конференція грантерів Razom for Ukraine — «Razom Сильніші 3.0». Подія зібрала понад 200 представників громадських та благодійних організацій, які працюють із громадами, ветеранами, молоддю, освітою та відбудовою.

Published: November 14, 2025

Recently, the third annual Razom for Ukraine Grantee Conference – “Razom Stronger 3.0” – took place in Kyiv. The event brought together more than 200 representatives of civil society and charitable organizations working with communities, veterans, youth, education, and reconstruction.

This year’s central theme was learning—not academic learning, but living, experience-based learning born from mistakes, new ideas, and networking. Among the speakers and participants were well-known public figures, educators, and veterans whose organizations Razom also supports through its grant programs. This once again highlights Razom’s systemic approach: we not only organize events that strengthen communities but also empower those who drive change on the ground every day.

The two-day program featured over twenty sessions, ranging from panel discussions with donors and businesses to workshops on team emotional resilience. One of the most anticipated lectures was delivered by Valerii Pekar—entrepreneur, educator, and public intellectual—who spoke about “Scenarios for the Future” and the civic agenda for Ukraine after the war. His statement that “Ukrainians must not only rebuild, but also rethink” became a recurring theme throughout the conference.

Another powerful highlight was the panel “Warrior. Leader. Community,” featuring Andrii Zelinskyi, military chaplain, chair of the supervisory board of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation, and educator, alongside Maksym Butkevych, human rights advocate and veteran. They spoke about the cost of experience, post-frontline transformation, and the responsibility of civil society in helping people return to life.

Participants noted that this year’s focus shifted from exchanging grant practices to building a shared vision. “The conference created an incredible atmosphere of networking, new connections, and learning. We’re already planning projects with new partners,” one participant shared. This synergy is precisely what defines Razom Stronger 3.0.

Over two days, the event became an intensive laboratory for leaders, featuring practical sessions on fundraising, communications, cooperation with businesses, and team development. Participants suggested creating regional chat groups, an open contact database, and more time for informal discussions. “After meeting here, we can now launch joint projects,” one attendee summarized.

Ultimately, Razom Stronger 3.0 demonstrated that Ukraine’s civil society sector is entering a new stage of growth—a space where not only organizations but also people evolve, proving each day that rebuilding is not merely a process but a state of a society that refuses to break.

ImpactUA Internships: From Three Weeks to a Lifetime of Commitment

Published: November 12, 2025

Every year on November 17, the world marks International Students’ Day, honoring the power of student voices to shape societies and spark change. It is a day that reminds us that young people are often at the forefront of movements for freedom, democracy, and justice.

At Razom, we believe that students are not just learners – they are leaders, connectors, and future changemakers. That is why, on this International Students’ Day, we highlight the stories of three remarkable young people – Olha, Conor, and Aidan – who took part in the first-ever ImpactUA program that Razom partnered on with Brave Generation. Their experiences in Ukraine demonstrate how students can become lifelong advocates, allies, and builders of the future.

Olha: Building Pathways for Veterans

For Olha Burdeina, a Ukrainian student at Brown University, ImpactUA was more than an internship – it was a step toward realizing her vision of creating reintegration opportunities for veterans. Paired with the Unbroken Rehabilitation Center in Lviv, Olha found herself not only supporting administrative tasks but also engaging directly with veterans.

Her most powerful memories come from facilitating stop-motion animation workshops designed for veterans. She recalls how difficult it was at first to connect with participants:

“Working with veterans is not easy, especially if you are with them only for three days. Sometimes they don’t feel like opening up. Sometimes you just need to sit in silence. But then they start to share, and those conversations change you.”

One veteran in particular left a mark on her: Michael, an American who lost his arm while fighting for Ukraine. Olha served as his interpreter during the workshops and later helped organize a special evening – opera tickets and dinner – so that Michael and his fellow servicemen could simply feel like ordinary people again.

“I just wanted them to feel like they are people. They are not defined by their trauma. They can connect, laugh, and be part of something bigger.”

But Olha’s story doesn’t end with ImpactUA. Over the summer, she launched Reborn, a veteran reintegration initiative in her home region of Chernivtsi, with support from the Projects for Peace Foundation. The program offers English language training and community engagement for returning soldiers.

Looking ahead, Olha dreams of a Ukraine where veterans are fully reintegrated into society, recognized not only for their sacrifice but also for their potential.

“I want to see a Ukraine where veterans have the skills, the opportunities, and the community support to live full lives after the war. That is the country I want to help build.”

Conor: Teaching Ethics for a Technological Future

For Conor, a student pursuing a dual degree in artificial intelligence and data science between CentraleSupélec (Université Paris-Saclay) and ESSEC Business School, the experience in Ukraine reshaped not only how he views the country, but also how he intends to apply his academic expertise.

During his internship, Conor worked with Unbroken, engaging with staff and veterans and seeing firsthand how technology intersects with healing. But what truly struck him was the resilience and openness of the Ukrainian people.

“I don’t want to give clichés like ‘resilient,’ but it’s true. What impressed me most was the ambition and forward-thinking attitude of Ukraine’s young people. Ukraine is a country run by people who are determined to create a future against all odds.”

Inspired by this spirit, Conor has already made plans to return. Later this year, he will travel back to Ukraine to lead workshops for students on AI ethics, ensuring that Ukrainian youth are not only rebuilding their country but also preparing to lead in the rapidly evolving technological world.

When asked about the Ukraine he envisions, Conor reflected on the balance between rebuilding and innovating:

“The Ukraine I want to see is one that doesn’t just recover from war, but that sets an example for the world – showing how ethics and innovation can go hand in hand. It’s a future where young Ukrainians are shaping technology responsibly, and where their creativity drives global conversations.”

Aidan: Journalism with Purpose

For Aidan Stretch, a recent Yale graduate, ImpactUA was the doorway to a new chapter of life. With a background in history and journalism, Aidan had long been interested in Eastern Europe. But it was the program that gave him his first immersion in Ukraine, introducing him to organizations like Cities4Cities and connecting him with networks that continue to support his work.

Aidan now lives in Kyiv, working as a freelance journalist and contributing to outlets like The Free Press and The Kyiv Independent. He’s committed to staying for at least three years. He credits ImpactUA with giving him the soft skills, networks, and cultural insights to begin this journey:

“The network itself was incredibly important. And just beginning to understand how to have conversations with Ukrainians – how to skip the small talk and get to the real stories – was essential. Those are lessons I use every single day now.”

For Aidan, Ukraine is not just a subject of reporting; it’s a cause. He sees journalism as a way to bring real Ukrainian voices into international conversations that too often exclude them.

“The worst things in history happen when decisions are made in rooms without the people who are actually affected. Programs like this ensure that their voices are heard – through us, through our work, through the stories we tell.”

When asked about the Ukraine he envisions, Aidan was clear-eyed but hopeful:

“Ukraine will be a Western democracy and a part of the EU – that’s inevitable. But my hope is that alongside reconstruction, people pay attention to what comes next: building inclusive institutions, dealing with migration, strengthening civil society. Ukraine’s fight is not only to survive, but to thrive.”

A Common Thread: From Observers to Advocates

Though their paths differ, Olha, Conor, and Aidan share a common transformation. They arrived as students eager to learn. They left as advocates determined to act. For Olha, it’s through building her own NGO for veterans. For Conor, it’s through returning to teach ethical AI in Ukraine. For Aidan, it’s through embedding himself in Kyiv to tell Ukraine’s story to the world.

Their journeys prove that Impact UA is not just a summer internship. It is a seedbed for lifelong advocacy. What makes these stories even more powerful is that none of the students spoke only about their own careers. Each reflected on the Ukraine they hope to see – and their answers reveal a deep sense of responsibility.

For Olha, it is a Ukraine where veterans are not left behind but are empowered to contribute to society. For Conor, it is a Ukraine that doesn’t just rebuild but innovates—one that leads global conversations about ethics and technology. For Aidan, it is a Ukraine firmly integrated into the democratic West, resilient enough to face future challenges while building inclusive institutions.

Impact that Endures

The war in Ukraine is not only fought on battlefields – it is fought in classrooms, boardrooms, media outlets, and global conversations. The students who participate in ImpactUA return to those arenas equipped not only with knowledge, but with lived experience. They know what it feels like to descend into a bomb shelter during an air raid. They know the sound of laughter in a café where life continues in spite of war. They know the faces of veterans who refuse to be defined by trauma. And they carry these truths with them wherever they go.

As Olha put it:

“Ukraine gained real advocates in the United States and beyond. These are people who will always be connected to Ukraine. They’ll be our ambassadors.”

From Ukraine to Campuses Worldwide

ImpactUA shows how powerful student engagement can be in shaping the future of Ukraine. But the journey does not end with three weeks on the ground. For many students, it sparks a lifelong commitment.

That is why Razom also leads Ukraine on Campus – a movement connecting students and educators across the U.S. who are raising awareness, investing in the interdisciplinary study of Ukraine, organizing cultural events, and advocating for Ukraine in their universities and communities. (Learn more at ukraineoncampus.org). If you are inspired by Olha, Conor, and Aidan’s stories, there are many ways to get involved. Whether you are a student starting a Ukrainian club, a professor seeking to host Ukrainian scholars, or simply someone who believes in amplifying Ukrainian voices, Ukraine on Campus provides a pathway to act. While not every student has the chance to experience Ukraine firsthand like Olha, Conor, and Aidan, Ukraine on Campus has set up toolkits to help bring Ukrainian stories to campuses here in the States: right now, you can apply for a university film screening toolkit of 2000 Meters to Andriivka, where, in his follow-up to Oscar®-winner 20 Days in Mariupol, Pulitzer-winning AP journalist Mstyslav Chernov again immerses us, cinematically and emotionally, in the war in Ukraine.

International Students’ Day is a reminder that student voices matter. ImpactUA has proven that short-term immersion can create long-term allies. For donors, it is an investment in leadership that multiplies over decades. For students around the world, it is an invitation: come, learn, and stand with Ukraine – not as an observer, but as a creator of its future.

Healing the Invisible Wounds: How Razom z Toboyu is Changing the Culture of Mental Health in Ukraine

Published: October 9, 2025

On October 10, the world marks World Mental Health Day. For Ukraine, a country enduring its third year of the full-scale invasion, the day resonates in profoundly urgent ways. The violence of Russia’s aggression has left deep scars not only on the land and bodies of Ukrainians, but also on their minds and hearts. The invisible wounds – trauma, anxiety, depression, grief – will outlast the missiles and sirens if not addressed with compassion, professionalism, and persistence.

Razom’s Razom z Toboyu (Together with You) initiative exists for exactly this reason. It is a growing network of psychological support centers and online services providing free, high-quality mental health care to Ukrainians affected by the war. More than a project, it is becoming a cultural shift: building a future in which seeking psychological support is not taboo, but normal, valued, and accessible.

This transformative vision has recently received a powerful boost. Direct Relief awarded Razom z Toboyu a $1 million grant to expand access to mental health services across Ukraine.

The Mental Health Landscape in Ukraine

The statistics paint a sobering picture. At the beginning of 2025, only 36% of Ukrainians reported satisfaction with their psychological state, down from 41% in 2022. More than 83% live under high stress, and experts estimate that 40–50% of the population – some 15.7 million people – will need psychological assistance in the coming years.

Symptoms are widespread and pervasive: 58% report anxiety and tension, 50% sleep disorders, and nearly half report exhaustion and low mood. Among the most vulnerable are 1.8 million veterans, 7 million elderly people, and around 4 million children. The stakes are high, as untreated trauma risks translating into intergenerational harm, rising rates of depression, suicide, and social instability.

And yet, amid these challenges, there are signs of hope.

Stigma around therapy is diminishing, as demonstrated by the share of Ukrainians willing to see a psychologist growing from 7% in 2022 to 17% in 2025, while the overall demand for psychological support jumped from 41% to 71%. This is where Razom z Toboyu has stepped in, not only to meet the need but to accelerate this cultural transformation.

Building a Network of Care

Razom z Toboyu was founded on a simple yet profound conviction that healing is possible, and help is close by. With physical centers in six cities and nationwide online access, the program combines local expertise with global best practices. Its 50+ specialists offer individual and group therapy, outreach support, psychoeducational programs, and webinars.

The numbers are impressive: since the launch, the program delivered 25,730 individual

consultations, 2,883 hours of group sessions, and trained 1,373 professionals across Ukraine.

Nearly 90% of clients said their challenges became more manageable, and 100% would recommend the program.

But behind every number is a human story (names changed for anonymity):

Larisa, who lost one son to war and whose other son remains in captivity, found in Razom z Toboyu the strength not only to survive but to create a nonprofit for other grieving women. She now leads art workshops and support groups, becoming a beacon of solidarity.
A veteran with survivor’s guilt after losing his entire unit began to heal through therapy, eventually remarrying and rebuilding his life.
Oksana from Mariupol, who lost her home and future, arrived at the Bucha center unable to stop crying. With steady support, she regained hope, found work, and now uses her craft both as therapy and as income.

These stories embody what Program Director Iryna Gudyma describes as the essence of the initiative: “Resilience is woven into our DNA – we fall, we rise, we rebuild. And all that while carrying unimaginable loss – Ukrainians keep choosing dignity, solidarity, and hope.”

Innovation for a New Culture

Razom z Toboyu is not just delivering therapy; it is pioneering models that can redefine mental health in Ukraine for generations.

One innovation is the digital HealthSuite system, which securely documents consultations, monitors outcomes, and enables large-scale planning. Another is the introduction of VR-assisted therapy and digital EMDR tools to scale trauma-focused care. In the future, a voice-first pilot will allow Ukrainians – including those in rural or isolated areas – to receive coping exercises and risk monitoring via phone.

Equally important is the focus on psychoeducation. Through resilience trainings, webinars, and partnerships with schools and workplaces, Razom z Toboyu normalizes conversations about mental health and equips people to support one another. As Gudyma notes, the program is building systemic resilience so “the next generation can grow without the shadow of untreated trauma.”

A Wise Investment in Ukraine’s Future

This work has not gone unnoticed. A recent award from Direct Relief is a recognition that mental health is as critical to Ukraine’s recovery as physical reconstruction. “How forward-looking they are,” Gudyma reflected, “that they realize the importance of mental health for the future of Ukraine. We are so grateful for their support.”

Indeed, the grant is more than funding; it is a vote of confidence in the vision that healing minds is foundational to rebuilding a nation. In the words of one veteran’s wife, “They gave me a DREAM that makes me strong.”

Why Continued Support Matters

As the war drags on, and even more so when active hostilities subside, the temptation for the world will be to move on – to redirect funding to physical reconstruction projects while mental health quietly falls down the list of priorities. But the lesson from other wars is stark. As a fact, after the Vietnam War, U.S. veterans suffered a very high rate of suicides because invisible wounds went untreated. Ukraine cannot afford such a tragedy.

As Gudyma reminds us: “War never ends at the frontlines – it continues in the hearts and minds of those who carry its invisible wounds.” Healing those wounds is not a short-term emergency measure; it is a generational project.

Ukraine’s ability to rebuild schools, businesses, and communities depends on whether its people can process grief and rediscover meaning. A resilient Ukraine begins with resilient Ukrainians.

Together With You

Razom means “together.” And Razom z Toboyu means that no Ukrainian has to face their trauma alone. This World Mental Health Day, as we reflect on the global call for mental health equity, Razom z Toboyu offers a powerful example of how community, innovation, and international solidarity can transform lives and societies.

The path to a free, thriving, democratic Ukraine runs not only through victory on the battlefield but also through healing in clinics, group sessions, and quiet conversations where pain is met with compassion and stigma gives way to acceptance.

Supporting this work is not just charity. It is an investment in stability and human dignity. It is how Ukraine will win the peace, and establish lasting justice and security for itself and for the global community.

Connecting the Dots: Razom Advocacy Expands Outreach—Now in Spanish

Published: October 6, 2025

At Razom, every program shares a common purpose: building a secure, prosperous, and democratic Ukraine. From delivering aid and medical training to supporting veterans and artists, each effort contributes to that goal in a different way. Advocacy is one of the ways we make that impact felt beyond Ukraine’s borders – by helping people everywhere understand why Ukraine matters.

Today, that work is expanding into new spaces. Our team is reaching Spanish-language audiences across the United States – because support for Ukraine should transcend language and geography. The team works hand-in-hand with experts, lawmakers, and local leaders to keep Ukraine’s story alive in the places where decisions are made.

Sometimes that means taking the conversation straight to the top. In 2024, Razom helped explain to House Speaker Mike Johnson why additional U.S. aid to Ukraine was not just necessary, but moral. Ukrainian religious leaders – Evangelical Baptists who had suffered persecution under Russian occupation – traveled to Washington to meet him face-to-face. As a Southern Baptist himself, Johnson listened. Around the same time, Razom placed six billboards across Louisiana, including one directly in front of his Cypress Baptist Church. They carried a verse from the Book of Esther that Johnson often quotes: “You were chosen for such a time as this.”

From Policy to Progress

In 2025, those efforts paid off in tangible results. Razom helped write and promote Senate Resolution 236, which demands that Russia return abducted Ukrainian children before any peace negotiations. The bipartisan resolution – introduced by Senators Grassley and Klobuchar – was picked up by Reuters, The Hill, and Newsmax.

Razom also backed a House letter that secured $8 million for the U.S. State Department to document and preserve evidence of the Russian war crimes. The Russian Frozen Assets Initiative, led by Yuliya Ziskina, resulted in real action abroad: a proposed Canadian law to seize $22 billion in frozen Russian assets, and a European Parliament resolution echoing Razom’s own policy language.

On Capitol Hill, the team organized a briefing with the American Enterprise Institute, bringing together GOP staffers to discuss the cost of abandoning Ukraine. They hosted five Ukrainian delegations, earned coverage in NBC, The Washington Post, and The Guardian, and trained more than 80 advocates and community leaders to speak confidently to journalists through media workshops led by Kateryna Lisunova.

Every week, activists from across the United States join Razom’s Advocacy coordination calls – sometimes hearing directly from guests like General Philip Breedlove or historian Serhii Plokhy. Together, they’re building more than policy momentum – they’re building a movement.

Local Roots, National Reach

While the Washington team keeps busy on Capitol Hill, Razom’s Public Engagement team works across the country, focusing on states that shape America’s political and moral compass. Right now, the priority states are Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania.

Florida matters because it is home to many key figures in the current administration. North Carolina serves as a defense and research hub, where military partnerships can help both countries build strength. Louisiana, Speaker Johnson’s home state serves as a hub for conferences and events with extensive media coverage, helping shape national opinion. In the state, the city of Shreveport stands out as a major commercial and industrial center, offering opportunities for economic cooperation. Michigan ties directly to U.S. defense manufacturing, while Pennsylvania – a longtime swing state – helps set the tone for national elections.

Florida is where the political agenda is being shaped today. Nearly a third of Floridians identify as Hispanic or Latino, and in Miami-Dade County, two-thirds of residents speak Spanish at home. To connect with that audience, Razom realized it had to speak their language – literally.

Spanish-language outreach isn’t just local-it has a global impact. Russian propaganda, particularly through RT en Español, has long spread distorted narratives across Latin America. Fortunately, most of the Public Engagement team are fluent in Spanish, including Daniel Balson, Director of Public Engagement and media advisors Kateryna Lisunova and Ostap Yarysh.

Kateryna, a former international journalist who studied Spanish at Kyiv’s Dragomanov University, leads this effort. She began her career as a Spanish-language editor for the multilingual channel Jewish News One (JN1) in its Kyiv headquarters. With over 13 years of experience in international and multimedia journalism, including work with VOA and the BBC, her fluency in Spanish and journalistic instincts make her a natural communicator for Spanish-speaking audiences.

In an August interview with Spanish-language outlet Univision North Carolina, ahead of President Trump’s meeting with Putin, she shared her analysis:

“These negotiations are only necessary for Putin to buy some time, try to win more battles on the ground, and cause more damage in Ukraine—because in reality, he will never win this war,” Kateryna said. Regarding the potential territorial swap, she added, “It’s not just about land—it’s about people who have been tortured, raped, and whose children have been kidnapped.”

Connecting Communities

From Palm Beach to Orlando and Miami, Kateryna spent weeks connecting with local activists, influencers, and journalists to bring Ukraine’s story closer to home.

In Orlando, she met with Revived Soldiers Ukraine, a nonprofit providing rehabilitation for wounded soldiers, and helped share their work with local media. She also connected with Marc McMurrin, CEO of the Ginsburg Family Foundation, who after the 2022 invasion had led the first U.S.tour of Ukraine’s National Ballet in over 30 years. That tour inspired the documentary “The Sky Was on Fire,” which earned McMurrin and director Jonathan Maricle a Suncoast Emmy Award. After meeting Kateryna this September, they began collaborating on new events and exhibits to highlight abducted Ukrainian children and expand outreach across Florida.

In Palm Beach, she worked with community leaders, including members of UA Florida, conducting media training for Ukrainian activists and building relationships at Bethesda-by-the-Sea Church – the same church where Donald and Melania Trump were married and their son baptized.

In Miami, Kateryna appeared on major Spanish-language programs, including “En Conexión Radio” with César Miguel Rondón (3M followers), “Esto es América” with José Pernalete (1M followers), and interviews with Napoleón Bravo (1M followers). She spoke about the cultural and linguistic roots of Ukrainian identity and explained that the embroidered vyshyvanka she wore is more than fashion – it’s a symbol of a living national heritage in modern Ukraine.

She also met with Sergio Bustos, vice president of WLRN Public Radio & Television, a PBS and NPR affiliate known for its award-winning coverage. These conversations sparked new ideas for future Spanish-language collaborations and cultural initiatives, aimed at reaching local political leaders in Florida.

A Network of Hope

Many people Kateryna met didn’t realize how much work was already being done to support Ukraine in Florida. Her trip became something more than outreach – it was a way to connect the dots. Local voices that once worked in isolation found each other, new projects were born, and the message grew stronger.

Supporting Ukraine, after all, is an easy decision. You just need the facts – and sometimes, to hear them in your own language.

Razom’s Advocacy team is proof that real change doesn’t come from shouting the loudest, but from speaking clearly, persistently, and from the heart. Now that you know about our efforts, we invite you to help connect more dots and expand our network in these key target states.

Every voice matters. If you’re in Florida and want to stand with Ukraine, join our network on the Quorum app to stay connected to Razom’s advocacy work and local events. Together, we can make sure Ukraine’s story continues to be heard. Register below.

Two Doctors, One Mission: Bringing Hope Through Healing

Published: September 25, 2025

When Dr. Ilya Petrenko first crossed paths with Dr. Raymond Cho in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, neither could have imagined how that meeting would blossom into a transformative journey across continents. What began as a chance encounter during a medical mission has now grown into an observership in Columbus, Ohio – an exchange that underscores the power of professional solidarity and the resilience of Ukraine’s medical community.

A Meeting in Ukraine

Dr. Cho, an oculoplastic surgeon at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, first traveled to Ukraine in the spring of 2023 as part of the Face to Future missions. “I’ve been to Ukraine three times already, and I’ll be going back again in October [of 2025],” he shared. On one of those trips, he met Dr. Petrenko, an ophthalmic surgeon from Kyiv City Ophthalmology Hospital “Eye Microsurgery”. Their conversations planted the seeds of a mentorship that would soon span oceans.

“I had a great desire to learn more and attend this type of observership,” Dr. Petrenko recalled. Through one of the organizers, Natalia Komashko, he became involved in the medical missions, where he worked alongside Dr. Cho. After several collaborations in Ukraine, Dr. Cho extended an invitation to come to Ohio to see how his work unfolds in an American hospital setting.

Crossing Borders for Knowledge

The journey was not without hurdles. Securing university approval and navigating the visa process took more than six months. But perseverance prevailed, and in the summer of 2025, Dr. Petrenko arrived in Columbus for a three-week observership.

“It is an observership, so he’s not able to participate in surgeries,” Dr. Cho explained. “But he goes everywhere I go – to the clinic, to the operating room, to lectures. We even eat most of our meals together. He’s with me all day.”

For Dr. Petrenko, the experience has been tremendously useful. He observed orbital fracture and decompression surgeries, as well as complex procedures involving the tear ducts.

“What really impressed me was how many materials are available to American doctors,” he said. “For example, there is this device called the Jones tube. If it doesn’t fit, they simply open another one. They don’t reuse it. In Ukraine, we have fewer technical and material opportunities available to us.”

Beyond the technical exposure, Dr. Petrenko was struck by the discipline and organization of the American medical system. “Everyone starts their work so early – at 7:30 in the morning, everything is already in motion. The operating room works like clockwork. The level of professionalism and coordination is inspiring,” he noted.

For Dr. Cho, the value of the observership is also personal. With more than 26 years in military medicine, he feels a deep connection to Ukraine’s wounded defenders. “Ukraine is in a fight for its existence. It has been invaded by a foreign power without provocation. Ukraine as a sovereign state needs to be given the opportunity to survive. In the two years that I have been involved, I have come to love the people of Ukraine”. He added that introducing Dr. Petrenko to his colleagues in Ohio raises awareness and helps people understand Ukraine on a very human level.

Connecting with Community

While in Ohio, Dr. Petrenko also found support from the local Ukrainian diaspora. He celebrated Ukraine’s Independence Day with community members, who welcomed him as family. In conversations with patients during consultations, he was moved to hear how many Americans expressed solidarity. While he is unable to share the specifics because of the confidentiality agreement with the institution, he is still able to convey the general attitude: “Every tenth patient would say something about supporting Ukraine,” he remembered. “It made me feel that people here are with us.”

Looking Ahead

Back in Kyiv, Dr. Petrenko frequently treats wounded soldiers and civilians. He sees his observership as an investment in his ability to serve them with greater skill and confidence. “I have had opportunities to leave Ukraine and work elsewhere, but I have no intention of doing so,” he said firmly. “My country is my home. This is where my wife and children are. Ukraine is the best place for me.”

Reflecting on their collaboration, both doctors voiced gratitude to Razom’s Co-Pilot Project for making the exchange possible. “Thank you, Razom, for the support,” Dr. Cho said. Dr. Petrenko echoed: “Thank you for this opportunity, for organizing everything, and for supporting us.”

From Ivano-Frankivsk to Ohio, the journey of Drs. Cho and Petrenko is more than a professional exchange -it is a bridge of hope. It is a reminder that even in the darkest times, partnerships can flourish, knowledge can be shared, and lives can be changed.

How Veteran Taras Buhaienko Finds Purpose in Adaptive Archery

Published: September 24, 2025

Taras Buhaienko, 46, from Ivano-Frankivsk, is not a man who sugarcoats things. Even though his legs hurt constantly, his spirit remains unshaken. A seasoned soldier, a proud father, and now a certified archery instructor, Buhaienko has transformed unimaginable hardship into purpose — thanks, in part, to an adaptive sports program.

Buhaienko’s path to rehabilitation began long before he picked up a bow. He first joined the fight against the Russian invasion in 2014, driven by a deep sense of duty. “I couldn’t just sit back. I went to defend my homeland,” he said.

His first deployment resulted in an injury that earned him a third-degree disability. Still, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, he volunteered again, and this time, the toll was even greater.

In March 2023, near the village of Lyman, Buhaienko sustained a life-threatening injury. “A [kamikaze] drone flew right toward my chest. Somehow, I managed to knock it down with my right hand — which turned black for months — and it exploded under my feet instead of hitting my head,” he recalls.

The blast damaged both legs, affecting the pancreas and his kidneys. “I thought they’d amputate,” he admitted. “I lost toes, including a big one, which I never knew was so essential for balance.”

Buhaienko spent seven agonizing hours on the battlefield before evacuation. Hypothermia likely saved his life, slowing his body functions just enough. From the war zone, he was transferred to hospitals in Sloviansk, Kyiv, Lviv, and eventually, Ivano-Frankivsk. There, in a local hospital, his long rehabilitation began.

“Pool therapy changed everything,” he said. “I couldn’t squat before. Now I can, thanks to the right exercises and excellent trainers.”

But it wasn’t just physical recovery he needed. Like many veterans, Buhaienko struggled with the emotional aftermath of war. That is when he discovered the Petros program.

The Petros, organized by the Re:Textile Group in Ivano-Frankivsk and supported by Razom, assists wounded veterans through two core areas: therapeutic and educational workshops during recovery and adaptive sports, including Olympic-style archery. The program helps participants regain confidence, find community, and explore new opportunities during and after their rehabilitation.

Buhaienko stumbled upon an announcement for archery instructor training and decided to apply. “I just needed something to do. Sitting at home was driving me mad,” he said.

The training was led by Kateryna Dubrovina, a silver medalist in archery at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. “She taught us both the theory and the practice,” Buhaienko said. “We trained a lot, and thanks to her guidance, we really learned to shoot properly.”

At the final event, the Petros Cup, Buhaienko unexpectedly won first place in his category.

“Archery is deeply personal,” he said. “The bow is adjusted for me. It’s a sport where you can’t hide. It gets a grip on you.”

Buhaienko is now working to open his own archery club for veterans and wounded soldiers near Ivano-Frankivsk. “We’re planning to base it close to a rehabilitation center or hospital,” he said. He already has support from local officials and hopes to secure funding and equipment soon. “If I get one bow, one stand, and a few arrows, I’ll be thrilled,” he said. “That’s enough to start.”

“We, veterans, need to feel needed,” Buhaienko said. “Programs like these give us a sense that we’re not forgotten, that we’re not defeated. Archery gives us confidence, community, and a new role. When you’re an instructor, there’s added responsibility. You’re helping someone just like you.”

Looking to the future, Buhaienko dreams of a strong and independent Ukraine. “We have everything we need,” he said. “I want our country to be a pillar of security in Europe, and our veterans to be respected as the foundation of that strength.”

With your support, Razom is able to support the heroes as they adapt to civilian life after they gave it all, protecting their families and standing for democratic values.

The ImpactUA Internship Program: Transforming Student Potential into Lasting Change for Ukraine

Published: September 15, 2025

The future of Ukraine is being built today – thanks to the energy of young people, their ideas, activity, and readiness to act. Young leaders are able to combine global experience with local needs, turning the initiative of a generation into a driving force for change. It is precisely this belief in youth proactivity that became the foundation of the ImpactUA program – a joint initiative of Razom for Ukraine and Brave Generation. Its goal is to engage students from leading U.S. universities, as well as Ukrainian students studying abroad, in actively contributing to real change in Ukraine – not as observers, but as creators.

For three weeks, program participants immersed themselves in the work of civil society organizations supporting communities affected by the war. They witnessed the daily resilience, ingenuity, and persistence of people keeping the country moving. The program gave students not only practical experience working with Ukrainian NGOs, but also a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, and social context. Combining academic knowledge with lived experience created a solid foundation for international support of Ukrainian partners.

Participants in the program were carefully selected. Active, goal-driven students from top universities worldwide came to Ukraine, representing a range of academic disciplines. This added multidimensionality to the program and strengthened the synergy between international perspectives and local expertise. Impact UA became not only a platform for intercultural exchange, but also a hub for shaping a new generation of young leaders capable of working shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainian communities and creating lasting impact.

Preparation for the internship began even before the students arrived and became the first step of their experience. Online sessions provided opportunities for introductions, psychological support, and discussions of future challenges with leading experts. Marci Shore, a professor of history at Yale University, helped them dive into the cultural and historical context, while Phil Kaplan with Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs shared practical knowledge of international politics and the humanitarian field. Special attention was given to safety: protocols for air raid alarms, rules of conduct, and principles of personal security that allowed participants to feel confident and focus on learning and work.

After arriving in Lviv, students entered their first immersion environment – where the multifaceted reality of Ukraine began to reveal itself in all its complexity. The trip, organized by the program team, provided a safe and smooth entry into the new context.

The first days of the internship became an intensive educational experience, where Ukraine’s history, politics, and culture intertwined with personal stories and present realities. An unforgettable moment was meeting Dora Chomiak, co-founder and CEO of Razom for Ukraine. Her story inspired students to recognize their own ability to be creators of change. Subsequent lectures and excursions deepened this understanding: Yaroslav Hrytsak, a professor of Ukrainian history, illuminated complex historical processes; Myroslav Marynovych, Ukrainian educator, human rights activist, and former Soviet dissident, shared his experience in the dissident movement; Yurii Pidlisnyi, a professor of political science, explained the mechanisms of civil society. A later visit to the museum-memorial of victims of occupation regimes offered greater understanding of the struggle for freedom.

A particularly powerful impression was left by the Superhumans Center – a modern rehabilitation center for those injured by the war. There, students learned about approaches to prosthetics and witnessed the scale of social power in action.

The cultural program of integration days added an emotional dimension: an icon-painting workshop, a barbecue with folk music, conversations about traditions, cooking varenyky and making chocolate – all of this offered a chance to touch living Ukrainian culture and see its relevance today.

The knowledge and skills acquired in the first days became a strong foundation for individual internships in NGOs, matched to each student’s interests. It was an opportunity to try themselves in different roles – from journalism and working with veterans to IT, fundraising, or managing social media.

For many, this became a defining moment in their professional lives. “My internship confirmed: I want to become a psychologist,” shared Anastasiia Shulhan, who worked with the NGO Ridni. She attended a workshop for psychologists on complex topics related to children and foster families – and, for the first time, felt she was exactly where she belonged.

Many others had similar revelations. Evelina Benderska, who had previously studied trauma in an academic context, noted: “This experience deepened my academic and professional interests. Now I want to study even more deeply how trauma affects Ukrainian society.”

After the program ended, some participants stayed in Ukraine to immerse themselves further in the country’s life, while others continue supporting Ukraine from abroad. One student, Aiden Stretch, decided to spend the next year in Ukraine, working as a journalist and reporting on the war for the American audience.

Impact UA became more than an internship – it was a transformative experience. The program showed that rebuilding a country begins not only with global projects or government decisions, but with simple human connections. These ties allowed students to experience Ukraine not at a distance, but up close – and to become its voice in the world. As one participant, Kristofers Krumins, said:

“This experience reminded me of something very simple but incredibly important: politics, international relations, even war – it’s all about people. When you have personal contacts in Ukraine, when you hear their stories – your perception inevitably changes. Reading the morning news about drones and missiles feels very different when you know people who have to fall asleep under shelling every night.”

This project proved a simple but powerful truth: Ukraine is not only a country demonstrating resilience in war. It is a country actively creating its future. Here, a new generation of leaders from around the world is emerging – those who do not just observe, but act alongside Ukrainians, learning and changing the world together with us.

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.

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.