“I’ll Take It On and Get It Done”: The Story of a PromTech Welding Course Graduate

Published: November 9, 2026

At the graduation ceremony, students bring out… a barbecue grill. They joke that it’s their final exam, fitting for a group that has just completed a welding course.

In welding, every joint needs to hold strong. The same is true of a country’s economy. Ukraine has plenty of work to do, but not enough workers to do it. Some Ukrainians have left the country, while others have left their jobs to defend Ukraine.

That’s why Razom supports the Prymprylad Charitable Foundation’s PromTech educational initiative, which offers short-term training programs to prepare skilled workers for today’s manufacturing industries.

Russia’s war against Ukraine has forced many industrial businesses to relocate to the country’s western regions. At the same time, the defense industry is expanding and construction is picking up. All of these sectors need skilled workers.

Ten participants completed 80 hours of welding training at the Ivano-Frankivsk Construction Vocational School. The program covered three main welding techniques: manual metal arc welding (MMA), gas metal arc welding (MIG/MAG), and gas tungsten arc welding (TIG). Students began with safety procedures, materials, and welding technology. Then they moved on to hands-on practice, learning to strike and maintain an arc, create even welds, and make butt and fillet joints in different positions.

At the welding course graduation ceremony, we met Oleh Kovalskyi. He spoke candidly about whether four weeks of training can really provide the skills needed to find work.

When Experience Isn’t Enough

Oleh smiles as he says he has never been afraid of hard work. Over the years, he has worked as a physical education teacher, a civil servant, and the CEO of a football club. There has always been plenty to do at home, too. He has renovated his own apartment, installed drywall, and feels confident handling electrical wiring.

“I once needed to build a brick wall. I had watched other people do it, so I went ahead and built one myself. It wasn’t perfectly straight, but I got it done. That wall is still standing in the village today. It does its job,” he says.

Oleh had also been familiar with welding equipment for years, dating back to his service in the Soviet Army. But knowing how to operate a welding machine and having the skills to work as a welder were two different things.

“I knew what a welding machine was. I knew where to connect everything. But I didn’t understand why the electrode kept sticking or why I couldn’t get a proper weld. I simply couldn’t get the job done,” Oleh recalls.

He found out about PromTech’s courses through social media while searching for job openings. An advertisement caught his attention.

“I was surprised that the courses were free. But when I read about how they were funded, I understood the idea behind them: they were designed for internally displaced people, veterans, and anyone who wanted to learn a new trade. I also understood what a meaningful goal the donors were supporting,” Oleh says.

Training That Meets Real-World Needs

After an interview, Oleh spent four weeks learning the theory and practicing different welding techniques. Things didn’t always go smoothly at first, but the instructors’ support made a difference.

“When you start welding using one method or another and things aren’t working out, the instructors come over and say, ‘All right, all right, keep going.’ Even when things are clearly not all right,” he says with a laugh.

Oleh realized just how valuable the theoretical knowledge he had gained was when he applied for a welding job abroad.

“They don’t ask how much welding experience you have or ask you to show them your work. They ask, ‘What about 111?’ And I know what that means. It refers to manual metal arc welding with a covered electrode. Or they ask about semi-automatic welding. After the course, I know what they’re talking about and where to look for the information I need.”

While still taking the course, Oleh found a new job. It wasn’t a welding position, but his newly acquired skills soon came in handy. Within a month, he had a chance to put them to the test.

“We needed to build a metal stand. I looked at it and said it wasn’t strong enough. The welds were poor and wouldn’t hold. Rather than spend money on replacing it, I went to my instructors and asked if I could use their workshop ahead of time.

It’s great to have a properly equipped space like that. There are angle grinders, versatile welding machines, and, importantly, worktables where you can secure the metal pieces.

And there I was, doing the work — and it was actually turning out well! Maybe 50% of it even looked good. I felt this surge of pride. It meant those four weeks hadn’t been wasted,” he says, smiling.

An Idea for a Business

At the graduation ceremony, the director of the Ivano-Frankivsk Construction Vocational School invites graduates to return to the workshop whenever they need it. Oleh shares his experience of working with the instructors and says he would be happy not only to come back but also to pay for access.

In fact, he encourages the instructors to consider turning the workshop into a social enterprise. He is even willing to help brainstorm ideas and develop a business plan.

“Set an hourly rate for using the workshop — say, 500 hryvnias an hour. I’d be the first to show up and pay those 500 hryvnias, knowing the money would go back into the school. A quality workshop costs money to maintain. If the school has already equipped one with grant funding, and you can also get advice or ask an instructor for help when you run into a difficult situation, that’s ideal,” he says.

Among the things Oleh gained from the course is something no certificate can capture: confidence in himself.

I jokingly ask whether his wife is proud of him. He looks a little embarrassed but smiles and says she is.

“The most important thing is that this is my own personal upgrade. When I need to do something, I’ll take it on and get it done. And if I have doubts or feel unsure, I know who to turn to for help. That’s what matters most,” Oleh says.

Support That Helps Ukraine Stay Strong

Four weeks may not be enough to become an experienced professional, but they can give someone the skills and confidence to take on real work. Oleh’s story shows that Ukrainians are ready to work, and with the right support, they can accomplish a great deal — and inspire others along the way.

What they need is access to the skills employers are looking for. Investing in vocational training strengthens Ukraine’s economy, helps people regain a sense of dignity and purpose, and builds the capacity of communities to recover despite Russia’s ongoing attacks.

Supporting Ukrainians as winter approaches is just as important. Russia continues to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with missiles and drones, leaving people without electricity, heat, and water.

Learn more about Razom’s winter support initiative and join us in helping Ukrainians get through the winter at the link below.

“No One Prepares You for Disability”: A Veteran Finds His Way Back to Rock Climbing After Losing Both Legs

Published: October 22, 2026

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Oleksandr Zhovnenko loved the mountains and rock climbing. After a serious injury on the front lines, he lost both legs but did not give up the activity he loved. At an adaptive climbing training camp supported by Razom, Oleksandr tried special prosthetic feet designed to help people with amputations climb rocks for the first time.

Today, he is also the captain of Ukraine’s national para ice hockey team. We spoke with Oleksandr about recovering after an injury, the support of the veteran community, and his plans to climb mountains again.

I started talking to guys who had already gone through the process of getting prosthetics

Oleksandr Zhovnenko, veteran of the Russian–Ukrainian War

From Injury to Para Ice Hockey

“No one prepares you for disability. You don’t think, ‘I’m going to serve in the military, but what if I lose a leg or something else happens? How will I live?’” Oleksandr says.

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion, he organized trips around the world and later worked in IT. After the birth of his first child, Oleksandr joined the military and became a drone operator with the Azov Brigade, part of Ukraine’s National Guard.

During his service, a Russian artillery shell hit the dugout where Oleksandr was resting before his next shift.

“After the explosion, the dugout caught fire almost immediately. I got up to run out but fell right away. My right leg was hanging on by bits of skin and clothing. I applied a tourniquet immediately. Everything inside the dugout burned. Two of us suffered shrapnel wounds. Everyone survived,” he recalls.

About a week and a half later, doctors amputated Oleksandr’s other leg in Lviv. While still receiving treatment and using a wheelchair, he began attending para ice hockey training sessions.

Other veterans became an important source of support. They had already received prosthetics, returned to work, and found ways to rebuild their lives after injury.

“I was still in the hospital, going through doctors’ appointments and surgeries. Almost immediately, I started talking to guys who had already gone through the process of getting prosthetics. They had their own lives and jobs. I think that helped me avoid falling into depression. I saw that life could still be okay,” Oleksandr says.

Today, he is the captain of Ukraine’s national para ice hockey team. Along with giving motivational speeches, he keeps the team’s spirits up by dancing. In August, the Ukrainian team defeated Great Britain 4–0. The Ukrainian national team has been around for only one year, while the British team has been around for 10 years.

Moving Forward and Climbing Higher

Before the full-scale invasion, Oleksandr loved hiking in the mountains and later took up rock climbing. After his amputations, he returned to climbing at an adaptive climbing training camp, where he tried special prosthetic feet designed for the climbing.

“I had seen people with prosthetics climbing at a pretty high level. The American coaches brought special feet designed for rock climbing. I could feel how much more comfortable they were than the ones I use for walking. I even thought about whether I could make something similar myself using my old prosthesis,” he says.

For Oleksandr, the camp was a chance to see what he could do with the new equipment. For the other participants, it was an opportunity to try adaptive climbing with guidance from experienced coaches.

Building Skills and Creating Opportunities for Other Veterans

The five-day training camp brought together nine veterans and 12 coaches. Participants trained at an indoor climbing gym in Ivano-Frankivsk before moving on to natural rock formations in Kamianets-Podilskyi.

Razom supported the project in partnership with the Ukrainian NGO Veterans Civilian Petros, the Second Breath Charitable Foundation, and Paradox Sports, a U.S.-based organization from Colorado.

The camp was about more than giving veterans a chance to try adaptive climbing. Another key goal was to train Ukrainian coaches who can use these skills in their future work with people with different disabilities.

The coaches learned how to use specialized climbing prosthetics for people who have had a leg amputated, as well as safety systems for climbers with paralysis. The American partners also provided specialized equipment worth $10,000.

But adaptive climbing takes more than the right equipment. Coaches need to know how to adapt climbing techniques to each person’s needs and make sure every training session is safe. The Paradox Sports coaches shared their experience and practical skills with their Ukrainian colleagues.

With Razom’s support, the project is helping Ukraine develop not only adaptive sports programs but also a community of trained coaches who can make sports more accessible to veterans and other people with disabilities.

Now I don’t pay attention to my prosthetics.

Oleksandr Zhovnenko, veteran of the Russian–Ukrainian War

New Summits Ahead

For Oleksandr, one important sign of recovery is feeling confident in everyday life again.

“Now I don’t pay attention to my prosthetics. And the most important thing is that my loved ones can forget I have them, too. They don’t have to think about it. It feels good to have regained my ability to do things and to know that the people around me don’t have to worry about me,” he says.

Before his injury, Oleksandr dreamed of climbing the Tatras. Now, he is planning that climb again. Special equipment, support from friends, and his experience returning to rock climbing have helped him see that this goal is still within reach.

“The Tatras have terrain and shapes similar to the Alps and even the Himalayas, but they aren’t as high. That means you can practice your climbing techniques there. Now I can see that it’s possible. I already have a circle of friends and people I know who can support me and help me. It feels like there’s still so much ahead,” Oleksandr says.

Oleksandr’s story shows that recovery is about more than medical treatment and prosthetics. It is also about returning to the activities you love, finding a community of people who understand your experience, and being able to plan for the future again.

By supporting initiatives like this, Razom helps veterans discover new opportunities and gives Ukrainian coaches the knowledge and tools they need to work with people with disabilities. What starts with one training camp can open up new possibilities for many people across Ukraine.

Math Is More Than Little Squares on Zoom

Published: October 9, 2026

Every morning, Ukrainian children head to school knowing that an air raid alert could interrupt their lessons at any moment. Russia could launch another missile or drone, and suddenly, solving for “x” is no longer important. What matters is getting to a shelter in time.

Supporting STEM education in Ukraine is one of Razom’s priorities. By supporting educational programs today, we help young people gain the skills they need to develop new technologies and shape the future of Ukraine and the world.

This summer, Razom supported three organizations that ran special summer camps for students with a strong interest in mathematics and programming: Boiko Foundation, the Center for Children’s Science and Creativity “Digit” (Tsyfra), and the AFINA Charitable Foundation.

Razom helped cover the cost of food and accommodation for 259 children out of nearly 400 who attended the camps. Without this support, these students would not have been able to take part. Many were winners of math competitions and Olympiads, while others had shown a strong interest in mathematics and technology.

A Place Where Loving Math Is Normal

“Honestly, before the camp, I was thinking about quitting math. But some of the lectures made me want to keep going,” says Yana Maltashova, a 10th-grade student at a specialized math and physics high school. She was also a finalist in Ukraine’s 2026 National Mathematics Olympiad.

Because of frequent Russian missile and drone attacks, many Ukrainian students have to study online. Their whole school life—classrooms, hallways, teachers, classmates, breaks, and snacks from the school cafeteria—has been reduced to a screen.

Summer math camps bring students back into real classrooms, where they can work at a board and learn directly from teachers. They offer something just as important: a place where it is normal to love math. A place where students can be just as excited about playing volleyball as they are about talking about black holes.

“Spending time with other students who share their interests often helps children stay motivated, take part in Olympiads, and consider STEM careers in the future,” says Viktoriia Tsan of the Mathematical Olympus Charitable Foundation.

Some students have had to leave Ukraine because of the war and move to Germany, Romania, Moldova, Hungary, or Malta.

“I really like the people here. They’re unique, and it’s hard to find people like them anywhere else. I live in Germany, and there’s no one like them there,” says Yeva Kozynets, a ninth-grade student who moved from Sumy to Germany because of the constant shelling in her hometown.

From a Love of Math to a Future Career

These summer camps are part of longer educational programs that help students deepen their knowledge of mathematics and related subjects. For many children, a camp is more than a summer experience. It is one step on a longer journey—from discovering a passion to choosing a career.

Razom has supported Boiko’s independent school and the SmartSchool network of after-school learning centers for more than three years. In the 2025–2026 school year, 18 graduates of Boiko’s school scored an average of 189.7 out of 200 on Ukraine’s National Multidisciplinary Test (NMT) in mathematics. The national average for mathematics on the 2026 test was 131.9.

Graduates of the educational programs Razom supports go on to study at the University of Cambridge, École Polytechnique in Paris, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, and other universities. Some have already become teachers in Ukrainian schools.

STEM education helps Ukrainian children keep learning and exploring science and technology, even as the war disrupts their lives and forces families to move. Today, these programs give children a chance to return to the classroom, meet others who share their interests, and keep learning. In the future, these same children could become the scientists, engineers, and technology experts who help Ukraine rebuild and grow.

Behind every high test score, place at Cambridge, or first teaching job are years of learning, caring teachers, and a place where a child can grow. The war has made it harder for Ukrainian students to access these opportunities. By supporting STEM programs today, we can help children continue learning, discover what they are capable of, and prepare for careers that will help shape Ukraine’s future.

Rooted in Ukraine: Three Years of the RUTA Conference

Published: September 7, 2026

My name is Anna Andruseiko and this was my third year coordinating the RUTA Conference. The RUTA Association is an international academic association for Central, South-Eastern, Eastern European, Baltic, Caucasus, Central and Northern Asian Studies. The conference serves as a statement and act of solidarity with Ukrainian scholars. Every year the conference brings together more than 150 individuals from more than 20 countries who come to Ukraine because of it. The guiding light for the team is to foster dialogue across the regions and beyond.

How RUTA works

The RUTA team works almost exclusively on a voluntary basis and is run by the Board of Representatives, who are elected for three year terms. Regional diversity is a very important feature of the Board, with every member representing a distinct RUTA region. The conference is the organization’s main event. For four days, scholars gather in Ukraine to discuss topics and themes that have been marginalized within academic circles for years.

As a team, we strive to create cross-regional panels from the applications we receive, as the point is to work outside the box in order to recognise that many of our challenges and problems are shared across our regions, and that we can learn from each other in order to decolonise the narratives that have persisted about our regions. Another important point is that we invite not only scholars but also artists and activists, as it is important to move beyond academic articles and find ways to put what we discuss into practice.

Why I joined RUTA

As I have a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Studies, the topics of the conference and the Association’s mission are very close to my heart, especially given that the conference has annually been held in Ukraine. I have travelled a lot for different Erasmus projects, and I have all too frequently encountered the misconception that Ukraine has no distinct history of its own, and can simply be absorbed into “Russian studies.” That is why I joined RUTA in 2023.

Why it is important to hold the conference in Ukraine

First of all, it is a way to stand in solidarity with Ukrainian scholars who cannot currently leave Ukraine to attend academic conferences. Another reason is to bring back those Ukrainian scholars who have left the country. This may seem obvious, but they really do need a reason to come back, even for such a short time. And last but not least, it is a way to show the country to participants who are coming here for the first time, and to give them the opportunity to see from the inside how we live here permanently, what our culture is like and so on.

I can definitely say that it takes a lot of courage to come here, and as the RUTA team, we deeply appreciate that trust. When people come from Australia, the US, Canada, Qazaqstan and Japan to spend four days in Ukraine, it gives us hope that we are doing the right thing.

Uzhhorod

From my perspective as a Ukrainian, I see great symbolism in the fact that the conference has taken place in Uzhhorod for the third year in a row. The city is located on the border, at the frontier, and it encompasses so many nationalities and challenges, yet somehow people manage to live there and to create new meanings there as well. It is also the smallest regional centre in Ukraine, and it is extremely important to get away from major centres to decentralise knowledge production.

Positioning the region

Even though the organization provides a strong focus on Ukraine, it is essential for us to position it historically alongside other regions and countries.. We strive to dismantle the false bonds and rivalries that have been built over the years under the labels of Russian Studies or Slavic Studies, which have often merged the identities of different countries and treated them all as if they were the same, without recognising their distinct character.

At the opening ceremony of the RUTA Conference 2026, our Board Member Grazina Bielousova raised an important question about the term decoloniality, which is widely used today:

“Decoloniality invites new ways of imagining a future in which life otherwise — outside of the colonial gaze, colonial power, colonial knowledge creation, colonial legal frameworks — becomes possible. Decoloniality is also a way for us to know ourselves on our own terms, to speak ourselves in languages, both figurative and literal, that are our own.”

I would add that, apart from being a huge opportunity to finally escape this colonial gaze, decoloniality also comes with immense responsibility — and I would like to highlight that we cannot be given responsibility, we can only take it. This requires a lot of courage: not to start from scratch, but to rewrite existing narratives. Even though it is an extremely difficult process, I always keep in mind that decolonisation starts from love, as Mariam Naiem highlights in her book. This idea resonates deeply with me, particularly in relation to the conference. We can start the process of decolonisation with love and respect for the people we are doing it for. I want this country to be a better place. We design the conference to be a space where bold ideas and people can meet and be themselves, no matter their identity, race or origin.

Building an institution

Put in practical terms, it is extremely difficult to build an international institution in Ukraine that, in many ways, challenges established narratives and concepts used in the academic world. From time to time, we hear that RUTA is not enough of an academic association, because we include a lot of art presentations , and bring activists into our conversations. But in fact this can be seen as evidence that we are successfully challenging established rules and expectations and are we are moving in the right direction.

It is RUTA’s third year as an institution, and we are still working out how we can become more stable and independent. These past years would not have been possible without our partners and supporters, who believed in us and had the courage to raise the same questions we do, and engage in these difficult discussions.

Partnership with Razom for Ukraine

Because RUTA, as an institution, is new and requires new approaches to management, this motivated me to enrol in the Management of Nonprofit Organisations programme at UCU, Lviv. As I often find myself saying, holistic support is very important, and my studies would not have been possible without the scholarship from Razom for Ukraine. In this way, I have a direct opportunity to test the knowledge I gain and to put it into practice at RUTA, from creating new financial models to establishing the RUTA Community.

Razom for Ukraine is an example of how we can build a multi-year partnership where financial investment is just one layer , but, more importantly, where we build relationships and learn from each other. Through this support, we came to recognise the need for more structured work with young scholars, and this will be one of our main strategic directions in the coming years. Through our conversations, we also managed to bring Maya Hayuk and the Tryzub Project to Ukraine and to establish the RUTA volunteer programme for the second year in a row.

There is still a lot to overcome and to create, but as an emerging institution, we are grateful to be able to rely on our partners. I greatly appreciate that Razom for Ukraine supports both the individuals who drive institutions and the institutions themselves — because without the people at the heart of these initiatives, nothing would change.

Investing in the Future: How Razom Supports Ukrainian Educators

Published: September 1, 2026

Supporting Ukrainian teachers means investing in the young people who will shape Ukraine’s future.Even amid the full-scale war, Ukrainian educators continue to teach, grow professionally, and adapt the learning process to rapidly changing realities. They are helping raise a generation capable of thinking critically, taking responsibility, and finding solutions to the most complex challenges. Today, teachers are laying the foundation for a progressive, democratic, and resilient Ukraine.Razom supports Ukrainian educators through local and international initiatives that provide access to modern teaching methods, innovative technologies, professional networks, and hands-on experience. Here are three projects helping teachers strengthen their schools and communities.

Teachers of the Future Festival: A Space for New Ideas

For the second consecutive year, Razom has proudly supported Teachers of the Future, one of Europe’s largest educational events, organized by the Ukrainian NGO Educational Initiative of the Free and Caring.

The sixth annual Teachers of the Future Festival took place in Lviv in the summer of 2026. It brought together more than 2,000 educators from across Ukraine, along with international experts and civil society leaders.

Over two intensive days, participants exchanged knowledge, expanded their professional networks, and attended more than 200 workshops and practical sessions.

This year, Razom supported the Educational Innovation Hangar, a dedicated space where more than 20 leading Ukrainian STEM companies and EdTech platforms showcased their latest educational solutions.

Participants included the Ranok and Litera LTD publishing houses; EdPro and ELIZ LABS, which develop interactive displays, laboratory equipment, and educational software; the innovative AR Book platform; Ukraine’s state educational app Mriia; and many others.

For teachers, this was an opportunity not only to explore emerging technologies but also to speak directly with developers about how these tools can be incorporated into everyday teaching and make learning more accessible, practical, and engaging for students.

STEM Without Borders: From Scotland to Frontline Communities

High-quality STEM education prepares the engineers, scientists, and innovators who will help rebuild Ukraine’s energy sector, healthcare system, defense capabilities, and economy.

In the spring, Razom supported five Ukrainian teachers from frontline regions in taking part in the STEM Without Borders professional development program. The program was hosted by The King’s Foundation in Scotland in partnership with Osvitoria.

Over three days, participants explored project-based learning and advanced scientific teaching methods. They also examined how lessons drawn from nature can be connected to sustainable energy solutions and future careers in STEM.

Importantly, the program’s impact extends far beyond its five participants. After returning home, the teachers began sharing their knowledge with colleagues and introducing new approaches in their classrooms.

In this way, modern educational practices become accessible to thousands of Ukrainian children, including those living in communities that experience the consequences of war every day.

Civic Boost: Empowering Young People and Communities

Another area of support focuses on strengthening school autonomy and encouraging young people to participate in community decision-making.

Through Civic Boost, a delegation of educators from frontline communities in the Kharkiv region visited Lviv for a three-day professional exchange dedicated to these areas.

Lviv was chosen for a reason. The city’s schools enjoy a significant degree of autonomy: local lyceums manage their own budgets and establish distinctive educational hubs. During the exchange, participants explored this experience and gained practical tools for strengthening student self-government and launching educational and cultural initiatives in their home communities.

Programs like this help transform schools into spaces where young people not only acquire knowledge but also learn to influence decisions, work together, and take responsibility for the future of their communities.

Support with a Lasting Impact

Every educational program represents far more than a single training session, trip, or event. Teachers return to their schools with new knowledge, share it with their colleagues, and create new opportunities for hundreds—and ultimately thousands—of children.

Despite the war, Ukrainian educators continue to teach, innovate, and inspire their students. Razom remains committed to standing with them, because supporting teachers today means investing in the generation that will build a free, democratic, and resilient Ukraine tomorrow.

Russia Is Not Only Attacking People. It Is Attacking Ukraine’s Memory, Culture, and Identity.

Published: June 16, 2026

On the night of June 15, Russia launched one of its largest attacks in recent months.

More than 70 missiles and 611 Russian-Iranian drones were fired across Ukraine, with over 60 missiles targeting Kyiv.

The attack once again claimed civilian lives and caused extensive damage to residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure. But its consequences extend far beyond physical destruction.

An Attack on the Heart of Ukraine’s Faith, Culture, and History

That same night, Russia struck something that cannot be quickly rebuilt or replaced.

Ukraine’s cultural heritage came under attack.

One of the most painful symbols of this assault was the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

Founded in 1051, the Lavra is one of Europe’s oldest monastic complexes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For nearly a thousand years, it has remained a spiritual, historical, and cultural center of Ukraine.

For millions of Ukrainians, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is far more than an architectural landmark. Generations have come here to pray, seek comfort, celebrate life’s milestones, and preserve a connection to their history. The site houses sacred relics, manuscripts, religious artworks, and centuries of cultural memory.

As a result of Russia’s attack, parts of the Lavra complex were damaged, and a fire broke out in the Dormition Cathedral.

“Once again, we see these barbaric acts committed by Russians, for whom nothing is sacred. It is horrifying that while calling themselves Christians, they strike at the very heart of our people. Once again, this reveals exactly who we are dealing with,” said the Vicar of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra following the attack.

The damage to the Lavra serves as another reminder that this war is not only directed against Ukrainian cities and communities.

It is directed against Ukrainian identity itself.

Culture Under Fire

During the same attack, Russia damaged Mystetskyi Arsenal, one of Ukraine’s most important cultural institutions. The Arsenal hosts international exhibitions, educational programs, major artistic initiatives, and the country’s largest annual book festival.

Reflecting on the attack, Mystetskyi Arsenal Director General Olesia Ostrovska-Liuta drew a striking historical parallel:

“It is remarkable that the Russian drone struck the exact same location that was hit by a Nazi bomb during World War II. It is some kind of mystical coincidence — perhaps the souls of aggressors united?”

Russian strikes also damaged the Oleksandr Dovzhenko National Film Studio, the birthplace of Ukrainian cinema.

According to the studio’s officials, its primary costume archive was destroyed. Approximately 100,000 costumes and priceless archival materials documenting decades of Ukrainian film history were lost.

“Costumes from such iconic films as Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors, The Lost Letter, and Bohdan Khmelnytsky were stored here. Now this building has been completely destroyed — there is practically nothing left,” said studio director Andriy Donchyk.

Other cultural institutions damaged during the attack include the Kharkiv Art Museum and the House of Organ and Chamber Music in Dnipro.

And all of this happened in a single night.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has systematically targeted Ukraine’s cultural heritage. According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture, as of May 2026, 1,783 cultural heritage sites and 2,540 cultural infrastructure facilities have been damaged or destroyed across the country.

UNESCO has independently verified damage to at least 534 cultural sites, including museums, libraries, historic landmarks, archaeological sites, and more than 150 religious buildings.

These figures reveal a disturbing reality: Russia is waging war not only against Ukraine’s cities and communities, but also against its historical memory, culture, and identity.

They Came to the Rescue

That same night, Russia once again demonstrated its complete disregard for human life.

In Kharkiv, five emergency responders from Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (DSNS) were killed.

After an initial strike on a civilian industrial facility, emergency crews arrived to assist victims and assess the damage.

They were doing what they have done every day since the start of the full-scale invasion: searching for survivors, helping the wounded, extinguishing fires, and protecting communities.

After receiving warnings of a possible second strike, the rescuers left the facility and moved to another location, following safety protocols.

Moments later, a second missile struck near where they had gathered.

Five emergency responders were killed instantly.

Several others were injured.

“One of the missiles struck approximately 30 meters from the rescuers, who had managed to leave the facility and were standing in a wooded area near the fence. Unfortunately, the missile struck directly at those who save lives,” said Bohdan Hladkykh, Director of Kharkiv’s Department of Emergency Situations.

These men were not soldiers. They were not engaged in combat. They had come to save civilian lives.

Russia’s double-tap strikes have become one of the most dangerous and deliberate tactics of this war. After an initial attack, emergency responders, medics, and rescue crews arrive at the scene. A second strike then follows.

The targets are the people helping others.

Since the first day of the full-scale invasion, Razom has supported emergency responders, firefighters, medics, and rescue teams across Ukraine. They are often the first to arrive after an attack and the last to leave once the rescue operation is complete.

Their service is a service to life itself.

That is why the deaths of these five rescuers in Kharkiv represent a tragedy not only for their families and colleagues, but for all of Ukraine.

The Goal Is Not Only Destruction

When emergency responders are killed while trying to save others, it is an attack on humaneness.

When the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is damaged, it is an attack on spiritual heritage.

When film archives are destroyed and museums are struck, it is an attack on cultural memory.

All of these acts are part of a larger pattern.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has damaged or destroyed hundreds of religious and cultural sites across Ukraine. Churches, museums, theaters, libraries, archives, and historic landmarks have all come under attack.

These are not accidental losses.

They are not unavoidable consequences of war.

They are systematic attacks on the foundations of Ukrainian identity and resilience.

When humaneness, culture and faith are targeted, the goal is not simply destruction.

The goal is erasure.

Why This Matters to All of Us

Cultural heritage does not belong to one nation alone.

When a UNESCO World Heritage Site is damaged, when museum collections are destroyed, or when irreplaceable archives are lost, humanity loses a part of its shared history.

That is why protecting Ukrainian culture is not solely a Ukrainian issue.

It is a matter of preserving memory, history, and values that transcend borders.

At Razom, we work every day to ensure that Ukrainian stories continue to be seen, heard, and understood around the world. We document attacks on Ukrainian culture, amplify the voices of those defending their communities, and ensure that the world does not look away from efforts to erase an entire nation’s heritage.

Today, we honor the memory of the five DSNS rescuers who lost their lives while serving others.

We also remind the world of the churches, museums, archives, and cultural institutions that Russia continues to attack.

Ukraine continues to resist.
And as long as there are people saving lives, preserving culture, and telling the truth, Ukraine can never be erased.

Razom for Ukraine Joined Ukraine’s Premier Annual Emergency Medicine Championship

Published: June 11, 2026

The Razom Health team participated in the 12th Ukrainian Emergency Medical Care Championship, Vinnytsia Medical Rally 2026 — the largest competition for emergency medical professionals.

This year, 29 teams from across Ukraine, along with international participants from Poland and Lithuania, took part in the championship. Over the course of two days, medics worked through more than 50 simulation scenarios in highly realistic conditions, ranging from mass casualty incidents to cardiopulmonary resuscitation in smoke-filled environments.

For the Razom Health team, the championship provided an opportunity to engage directly with emergency medical leaders and practitioners from seven frontline regions of Ukraine. A key focus of these conversations was the urgent need for alternative communication systems for emergency medical teams operating under the constant threat of losing connectivity. The next step will be the signing of cooperation memorandums to support these efforts.

The team also had the opportunity to assess the impact of Razom’s POCUS initiative, which trains healthcare providers to use portable ultrasound devices in pre-hospital settings. Razom representatives spoke with medics, instructors, and service leadership about how the program is being implemented in practice.

“We sincerely thank Razom for providing equipment that enables ultrasound examinations in ambulances. Our teams use it regularly, and it greatly helps us determine the most effective treatment strategy for patients. These tools save lives. The training organized by Razom has been incredibly valuable, and we continue to pass this knowledge on to our colleagues,” said Eduard Kika, Medical Director of the Odesa Regional Center for Emergency Medical Care and Disaster Medicine.

During the opening ceremony, representatives of Razom for Ukraine welcomed participants and recognized the critical role of emergency medical professionals across the country.

“It is incredibly important for Razom for Ukraine to stand alongside you — the people who make life-saving decisions every day. We are here not only as partners, but also to better understand the realities you face and the support you need. We wish every team success, but above all, we hope this championship strengthens collaboration, creates opportunities for learning, and reinforces the pride we all share in Ukraine’s emergency medical service,” said Olena Teryaieva, Program Manager at Razom Health.

Event participation helped us better understand how emergency medical service teams operate in wartime conditions. We had our first conversation with the medical director of the relocated Emergency Medical Care Center of Luhansk region and learned from his experience in evacuating injured civilians. We also discussed the issue of retaining medical staff with the head of the HR department at the Zaporizhzhia Emergency Medical Care Center.

The championship winners were the Emergency Medical Care Centers of Odesa Oblast, Kirovohrad Oblast, and Vinnytsia Oblast. The national team of the Republic of Poland was recognized as the best international team. The total prize fund exceeded €350,000, and the winners received certificates granting them participation in the international Rallye Rejviz championship in the Czech Republic in 2027.

Where Displacement Turns Into Community

Published: April 27, 2026

How women from Razom grantee “We Are Brothers, We Are Ukrainians” support communities across Kharkiv region

Twenty-six kilometers from Kharkiv, in the town of Liubotyn, a dormitory has become a temporary home for dozens of people who lost their homes during the war. Here, life is gradually rebuilding after shelling, shaped by international support, local volunteer efforts, and the resilience of residents.

Restoration of the dormitory was supported by Razom, which funded the installation of a new entranceway and roof repairs. During our visit, we spoke with Kateryna Posokhova, Executive Director of the foundation “We Are Brothers, We Are Ukrainians,” which has been working across the Kharkiv region for years.

The foundation’s team works daily with dormitory residents and other displaced people in the region.

When Evacuation Reshapes Communities

The foundation expanded its work during mass evacuations from frontline areas of the Kharkiv region, particularly from Vovchansk district and communities near Lyptsi.

People moved in large numbers into dormitories and collective centers, which became emergency housing for internally displaced people.

“We started working as soon as large-scale evacuations began. Children were arriving in dormitories and collective centers, and we began working with them, as well as with adults,” Posokhova says.

Foundation psychologists organized group sessions for children and provided individual support for adults coping with displacement, loss, and the ongoing stress of war.

How Repairs Begin

While working in dormitories, the team collected requests from residents about their most urgent needs.

At first, those needs were basic.

“People initially asked for showers and toilets. Then they asked about repairing the basement, the entranceway, and eventually the roof,” Posokhova recalls.

Over time, these requests developed into larger restoration projects.

Together with partners, including international organizations, the foundation supported multiple repairs. In one case, workers removed more than five tons of debris from a roof before repairs could begin.

“We cleared the roof, insulated it, repaired the structure, and installed pumping equipment for the boiler system,” she explains.

Psychosocial Support

Psychosocial support is a core part of the foundation’s work.

The team works with children, teenagers, parents, and older residents.

In Liubotyn, activities for children are held inside a shelter.

“It is a reinforced shelter that allows us to safely conduct educational activities with children and teenagers,” Posokhova says.

The foundation also works with local social care centers that support elderly residents. These meetings create space for connection and routine.

“Our older residents sew, paint, and even organized what they call a ‘work brigade.’ They repainted benches near the playground together,” she says.

Some gatherings include cooking or singing. These simple activities help restore a sense of normal life.

Why Support Matters

According to Posokhova, supporting collective centers would not be possible without international partners and donors.

“For places like these, support from foundations and international organizations makes a significant difference,” she says.

Many residents have lost everything. Their homes are destroyed or located in occupied territories.

“People were left without housing. Every bit of support becomes a chance to start again.”

This is why cooperation between local initiatives and international partners is essential.

“When donors support repairs, psychological programs, or financial assistance, people feel that they are not alone,” Posokhova says.

When People Choose to Stay

Work in collective centers often reveals how meaningful even temporary housing becomes.

Many residents are already displaced. In these dormitories, they began rebuilding their lives, forming new connections and support systems.

One dormitory in Kharkiv was recently damaged by a nearby missile strike.

“Windows were blown out, doors damaged, and walls cracked. Residents were temporarily relocated,” Posokhova says.

But many returned.

“The windows were boarded up, and it was about 50 degrees Fahrenheit inside. They were offered safer accommodation during repairs, but they chose to stay.”

For them, it is no longer just a dormitory. It is a community.

“They found neighbors, support, and a sense of stability here. That is why they stay together,” she says.

A Foundation Led by Women

The foundation’s name emphasizes unity. In practice, most of the team are women.

“Our foundation is called ‘We Are Brothers, We Are Ukrainians,’ but about 95 percent of our team are women,” Posokhova says.

“Our partners often say ‘brothers.’ But when they meet the team, they see it is all sisters.”

The team coordinates humanitarian programs, travels to communities, and works directly with residents. Sometimes in basements. Sometimes in frontline villages.

Always alongside people rebuilding their lives.

“We do everything we can to help people return to some form of normal life,” Posokhova says.

Looking at the dormitory in Liubotyn, where residents are gradually rebuilding, it is clear that this work matters.

“Everyone can do something”: restoring faces — and lives — during war in Ukraine

Published: April 20, 2026

This spring, Lviv hosted the sixth Face to Face mission — a surgical program of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), implemented by Razom as part of the Co-Pilot project.

Over the course of seven days, a team of seven surgeons — Parag Gandhi, Grigoriy Mashkevich, Augustine Moscatello, John Frodel, Ryan Daniel Winters, Ivanna Nebor, Boris Chernobilsky — alongside ten nurses, including Susan Ketigian, Viktoriya Ygreen, Yurij Tsuvanyk, Jamie Harold Orange, Emmett Joseph Harty Jr, Maribel Caraballo, Andrew Kostyaniuk and Tashina Morgenstern, worked at the Military Medical Clinical Center of the Western Region together with their Ukrainian colleagues. They operated on patients with some of the most complex facial injuries caused by the war.

The work began with consultations: in just one day, doctors examined 55 patients and selected 40 for surgery. Starting the next morning, operating rooms ran at full capacity from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For four consecutive days, the team carried out reconstructive procedures across three specialties — ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and maxillofacial surgery. These injuries affect not only physical function but also how patients see themselves — their identity, confidence, and place in the world.

Among the patients were both military personnel and civilians affected by the war. For many, this was not the first stage of treatment, but part of a long recovery process that can last months or even years.

One of the defining features of this mission was the integration of surgical care with on-site prosthetics. Two anaplastologists — Eduardo Arias and Benjamin Rosenberg, specialists in ocular and facial prosthetics — joined the team. Together, they set up a temporary laboratory to create custom ocular prostheses for patients undergoing surgery.

This approach fundamentally changed the care pathway: patients were able to receive their prosthesis immediately after surgery, without waiting for a separate stage of treatment. In cases of eye loss, this has not only medical but also profound psychological significance — allowing individuals to return more quickly to a familiar appearance and to social life.

Alongside surgical care, the team also addressed other dimensions of recovery. Pain management specialist Timothy Canty, who works with PTSD, joined the mission. He delivered lectures at the Superhumans Center, Lviv Psychiatric Hospital, and St. Panteleimon Hospital, as well as practical trainings for anesthesiologists, psychologists, and pain management specialists at the Lviv Military Hospital. This work is aimed not only at supporting patients but also at strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian medical teams to address the long-term consequences of trauma.

Knowledge transfer was another key component of the mission. Ukrainian doctors who had previously participated in missions, surgical trainings, conferences, and observerships in U.S. hospitals organized by Razom — as well as specialists from other Lviv hospitals — joined the procedures. They worked side by side with the international team in operating rooms, observing, assisting, and gaining experience they will continue to apply in their practice.

Dr. Parag Gandhi, an oculofacial plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience and a third-time participant in the mission, emphasized the importance of this collaboration:

“It is a great honor for me to work alongside Ukrainian colleagues, helping injured soldiers and civilians who have sacrificed so much for their families and their country. I truly believe that while one person cannot do everything, everyone can do something. And it is through knowledge exchange and collaboration that we make that contribution.”

The mission was made possible through the partnership between Razom for Ukraine and the AAFPRS Face to Face program, as well as collaboration with the Military Medical Clinical Center of the Western Region, the INgenius platform, and Healing the Children North East.

These missions are gradually reshaping the approach to treating complex facial injuries in Ukraine. It is not only about individual surgeries, but about building a comprehensive model in which surgery, prosthetics, pain management, and physician training are integrated into a single, continuous process of recovery.

The mission was made possible by the support of Razom for Ukraine’s donors, whose contributions enable the deployment of international medical teams, procurement of critical equipment, and on-the-ground coordination. This support makes it possible not only to carry out complex surgeries, but also to facilitate the exchange of expertise between Ukrainian and international physicians and expand access to advanced approaches in treating war-related injuries.

How Six Counseling Sessions Can Change a Life: Inside the “Razom z Toboyu” Psychological Center in Dnipro

Published: March 30, 2026

During wartime, psychological support becomes just as essential as medical care. In the city of Dnipro, the “Razom z Toboyu” Psychological Center, run by Razom for Ukraine, offers free counseling sessions to those in need. The center supports soldiers, their families, and civilians who are going through difficult life situations.

Natalia, the center’s senior psychologist, has been working on the project since 2023. She says that for many people, access to free counseling can make all the difference.

“I always say a big thank you to those who support this project. Many of our clients simply cannot afford mental health care,” she explains.

According to Natalia, the war has dramatically increased the psychological strain people are living under.. Constant tension, air raid alarms, and everyday challenges build up over time.

“I see how exhausted and irritable people are now. And that’s natural—we are all living in extremely difficult conditions. That’s why psychological support is so important right now,” she says.

The center offers both individual consultations and group sessions where participants learn about emotional wellbeing and coping strategies.

“When people begin to understand what they are experiencing, things start to feel more manageable. They start to see how they can help themselves and support others,” Natalia adds.

A Soldier’s Story

Natalia recalls the story of a soldier who came to the center after being injured.

At first glance, his injury was barely noticeable, but he had serious difficulties with hand mobility. After returning to civilian life, he struggled to adapt.

“He came to me because he struggled to find his place in civilian life again. There was a lot of tension, conflicts at home, and his relationships with loved ones had deteriorated,” Natalia says.

At the center, clients can receive a series of six counseling sessions. The goal is to stabilize a person’s condition and help them take the first steps toward recovery.

“We worked on self-regulation techniques — ways he could calm himself and better understand his emotions. ” she explains.

Over time, things began to improve. His sleep got better, and there was less tension at home.

“He even brought his wife to one of the sessions. It’s very important when family members become part of the process,” Natalia adds.

After completing the six sessions, the man decided to continue therapy.

“When he first came, he felt that nothing would ever change. But little by little he saw that things could actually improve,” Natalia says.

The First Step Toward Change

According to Natalia, six counseling sessions cannot solve every problem , but they often become the starting point for meaningful change.

Sometimes clients return months later when they face a new challenge or simply need someone to talk to again.

“Sometimes people call and say, ‘Can we talk again?’ And we continue working together,” she says.

Often, helping one person opens the door for others to seek support as well.

“First one person comes, then they bring their spouse, their children, or friends. People share their experience, and that’s how others learn that support is available,” Natalia explains.

She believes that centers like this play an important role not only today, but also in the future.

“All of this is aimed at helping Ukraine remain as mentally resilient as possible.,” Natalia says.

Sometimes change begins with a simple step—the courage to come in and ask for help.