Razom Celebrates Women in Translation Month

Published: August 5, 2025

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

Algometry by Iryna Vikyrchak (translated by Nina Murray)

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

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

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

Love Life by Oksana Lutsyshyna (translated by Nina Murray)

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Women by Yuliya Iliukha (translated by Hanna Leliv)

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

Forgottenness by Tanja Maljartschuk (translated by Zenia Tompkins)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read. Share. Advocate.

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

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

Razom Thanks President Trump for Providing Further Assistance to Ukraine

Published: July 14, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 14, 2025

Razom Thanks President Trump for Providing Further Assistance to Ukraine

Washington, DC – Razom applauds President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. and NATO will work together to send life-saving weapons to Ukraine and put additional economic pressure on Russia.

“Today’s announcement is President Trump’s strongest move towards peace in Ukraine yet. This is an important step toward President Trump’s goal of ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, and it will save countless Ukrainian lives,” said Mykola Murskyj, Director of Advocacy at Razom. “Like President Trump said, Ukraine’s defenders have the courage and the know-how to defend themselves; they just need the tools.”

“President Trump has provided Russia’s leadership with every opportunity to demonstrate interest in negotiating a resolution to its war. The Kremlin has rejected these windows of opportunity, even as Ukraine’s government has signed an economic partnership with the U.S. and repeatedly committed to a meaningful dialogue to end the killing.”

“More than three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, there are no longer any mysteries about Vladimir Putin’s intentions. He believes that he can crush the dream of an independent Ukraine one mile, one missile, and one murder at a time. He believes that he can peddle platitudes to America’s President while raining destruction on Ukraine’s cities.”

“The executive branch should immediately implement this policy and Congress should quickly pass the Sanctioning Russia Act.”

“We thank President Trump for this life-saving decision.”

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Razom, which means “together” in Ukrainian, is a U.S. nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and a leading advocate for continued U.S. assistance to Ukraine.

For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Ostap Yarysh, Media Advisor at Razom

ostap.yarysh@razom.org

Razom Calls for U.S. to Restore Critical Air Defense Aid to Ukraine

Published: July 2, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2025

Washington, D.C. — Reports suggesting that the Pentagon may cut life-saving support for Ukraine
are extremely alarming. In taking such measures, Pentagon officials would directly undermine
President Trump’s efforts to achieve peace and subvert the President’s readiness to provide more air
defense to Ukraine.

Let’s be clear about the cost of this choice by Pentagon officials—more Russian missiles will get
through and more civilians will be murdered in their homes. This decision would further embolden
Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling that the United States isn’t strong enough to force
Russia to make peace and that Washington doesn’t keep its word. Beijing is watching. We call on
President Trump to reverse this mistake, send more air defense systems to Ukraine as he promised,
and help Kyiv stop the killing.

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For media inquiries or other questions, please contact Ostap Yarysh at ostap.yarysh@razomforukraine.org. Razom (“together” in Ukrainian) is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to helping build a more secure, democratic and prosperous Ukraine. Razom has provided over $188 million worth of medical and humanitarian aid since February 24, 2022. More information is available at RazomForUkraine.org.

Living and Dreaming Amid Constant Danger: How Razom Supports Kherson Oblast Communities

Published: June 6, 2025

Following the liberation of Kherson Oblast west of the Dnipro River in November 2022, the world has learned that the Russian grip is breakable. Local communities were saved from the cruel hands of the occupiers—but not from the relentless shelling launched by the Russian forces based on the temporarily occupied east bank. Due to the proximity of Russian positions just across the river, locals have as little as 40 seconds to hide, but often the missile arrives in the blink of an eye. Civilians are also not safe from drone attacks, the so-called “human safari,” recognized by the UN Commission as a crime against humanity. In addition to aerial attacks, people still have to deal with the aftermath of the Kakhovka Dam destruction caused by Russian forces in June 2023. While towns downstream were flooded—resulting in death toll and landscape devastation—those upstream faced serious water supply issues.

Mylove is located upstream of the drained Kakhovka reservoir. Submitted by Mylove Hromada.

Living with limited critical infrastructure is tough and demotivating, but despite all odds, Ukrainians do not give up. With support from Razom, Kherson region’s Hromadas keep the spirit of unity and continue to resist. While Russia aims to destroy Ukrainian cities, grassroots organizations in Dariivka and Bilozerka Hromadas create new opportunities for all community members, rebuild, and find ways to stay connected.

Volunteers who rebuild and strengthen unity

NGO Moya Khersonshchyna, in collaboration with local authorities, created Dobrobat, two volunteer groups formed in the Dariivka Hromada with a mission to mitigate the consequences of the invasion without external help. While retreating, the Russians took all the equipment with them — even the buckets, leaving the community without any means to take care of the Hromada. Over the course of six months, this initiative has helped 613 households across nine frontline towns and improved the quality of life for 2,021 residents and internally displaced people (IDPs). Razom provided a grant to equip the brigades with tractors, trailers, lawnmowers, and tools for providing rapid assistance to the community. They stabilize and repair homes after shelling, help households prepare for winter, fix roads, clean public spaces, and create places for community leisure.

Dobrobat volunteers building a public gazebo, restoring a damaged roof, and fixing water pumps. Submitted by NGO Moya Khersonshchyna.

“Thank you for your support, for not leaving me alone during a difficult time in Dariivka,” said Tetiana Chernetska, IDP, whose home was damaged as a result of an airstrike. “Thanks to the Dobrobat team for fixing our roof, boarding up the windows, and clearing the debris. It was a very hard time for us—my husband was in the hospital, and I couldn’t do anything on my own. I am truly grateful!”

Dobrobat brigades bring more than just tools—their arrival helps residents hold on to hope for the future and reminds them they are not left alone with their challenges. Moya Khersonshchyna plans to continue helping the residents as demand keeps rising. The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam posed a threat of severe water shortage in the Dariivka Hromada. Two-thirds of the impacted households requested reparation of the water supply network. Moya Hersonshchyna is looking to scale the project to reconstruct 10 wells and install water towers to benefit the community in the long run.

Light in the darkest hour

Power outages are a common occurrence across the country, as Russia is trying to disconnect Ukrainians from each other and provoke fear. Communities close to the front line spend days, sometimes weeks, without electricity. The NGO Kosmos Tabir found an innovative way to overcome challenging circumstances and provide locals with a means to not only keep their phones charged at all times, but also access public services whenever needed.

With the support of Razom, Kosmos Tabir initiated the installation of solar hybrid power systems at 18 administrative and public buildings across Tiahynka, Bilozerka, and Dariivka Hromadas, benefiting more than 10,000 civilians. This solution allows local city councils, resilience centers, schools, post offices, and hospitals to operate up to 8 hours during outages. The results of the project were immediately visible in Dariivka. Thanks to alternative energy, the city council was able to resume its work, and residents and IDPs finally received their pensions, financial support, and salaries.

NGO Kosmos Tabir representatives delivering solar panels and inverters to Dariivka, Bilozeka, and Tyahynka Hromadas. Photo by Kosmos Tabir.

Kosmos Tabir is training electricians to install and upkeep the systems, enabling villages to manage them independently. Since volunteers’ cargo vans are often targets of Russian drones, in many instances, having locals take care of panels is a safer and smarter strategy. Kosmos Tabir is in regular contact with electricians to assist with any questions and is planning to hold a workshop for technicians, emergency service workers, and volunteers to teach solar system maintenance skills.

A get-together place for all

NGO Lymanetska Diia has created a Center for Civil Activities in Lymanets, Dariivka Hromada, which offers a variety of services for residents, IDPs, and youth. Some come here to use the computers and printers, others to get assistance with documents, and the rest—to participate in the workshops and spend time with friends. The center was created thanks to a grant provided by Razom.

Zinaida Ivanenko, 72, was forced to leave her home because of Russian aggression and moved to Lymanets. She arrived with nothing but bare essentials. Her daughter is far away and her son serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“It was hard to get in touch and communicate with them [my children]. I was left completely alone,” Ivanenko said. “I want to sincerely thank those who opened the community center. There, they taught me how to call my children via messengers—now I can at least see them on the screen. They also explained what kind of support IDPs can receive and helped me apply for it. They photocopied and scanned all the documents I needed. It’s also very nice that I now have a place to spend my free time and talk to others my age. I especially appreciated when medical professionals came and explained what services are available at our clinic. The staff at the center always treated me warmly and kindly.”

Center for Civil Activities hosts workshops and assists senior residents. Photo by NGO Lymanetska Diia.

Nataliia Olefir, a 69-year-old retired primary school teacher, Lymanets local, could not afford to install internet at home or purchase a computer. When the digital literacy center opened in the Lymanets Starostat, she became a regular visitor.

“The sessions are interesting and meaningful: training, expert talks, computer skills lessons, and free internet access. But, most importantly, it’s a place for connection—with people and like-minded individuals,” Olefir said.

The biggest hurdle for the project is air raids. Luckily, the center has the necessary equipment to continue sessions in the underground shelter.

Bringing warmth to those who need it most

Bilozerka Center for Regional Development ensures that the community’s vulnerable population stays warm and comfortable during the cold months, as many are unable to leave their homes for various reasons. Due to constant shelling, residents live without electricity, gas, or water for weeks. With the support of Razom, the Bilozerka Center for Regional Development provided winter kits to 150 people, who were unable to afford basic items themselves—individuals with disabilities and limited mobility, and elderly citizens living alone.

Residents received winter kits consisting of a set of linens, an electric blanket, a pillow, incontinence products, a lamp, and wet wipes. Photo by Bilozerka Center for Regional Development.

Stefaniia Bonchkovska is a person with limited mobility, originally from the village of Pravdyne, where she had lived for over seventy years. Her home was partially burned as a result of the invasion, so her family was forced to move into another house. Due to intensified shelling and destruction, they eventually relocated to Bilozerka, where friends offered them a place to stay, and she now lives there with her daughter and grandson.

“I want to thank the Bilozerka Center for Regional Development for calling us, asking about our needs, and providing both food and non-food assistance,” Bonchkovska said. “I am also deeply grateful to the charitable organization Razom for the winter kit, which has been a great support for me. The most valuable item for me is the electric blanket—it keeps me warm during this cold season. Thank you so much! May God protect you.”

Thanks to you, Razom Relief continues to support grassroots organizations in Kherson Oblast, helping war-affected towns regain the ability to function independently and nurture unity within their communities. Your support enables us to keep working toward restoring dignity and comfort to Ukrainians who have been deprived of it.

Razom Endorses Senate Resolution Demanding Return of Abducted Ukrainian Children

Published: May 20, 2025

Razom for Ukraine fully endorses the Senate resolution introduced today by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) calling for the unconditional return of abducted Ukrainian children to their families before any peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is finalized. Razom urges all Senators to cosponsor this critical resolution and calls for its swift adoption.

This bipartisan resolution is an important step in fulfilling President Donald Trump’s March 19 promise to ensure Ukrainian children abducted by Russia are returned to their families. By kidnapping over 19,546 children from Ukraine, Russia is simultaneously erasing these children’s identities as Ukrainians while holding them hostage. The United States must say clearly that children are not bargaining chips.

Americans overwhelmingly agree that President Trump should prioritize freeing Ukrainian children from Russian captivity. This resolution builds on the momentum generated by an April 3 joint letter from faith leaders such as the Family Research Council and National Association of Evangelicals calling on President Trump to ensure these children are reunited with their families in Ukraine before a peace deal is finalized. Many of the signatories to that letter have endorsed this resolution.

Russia’s program of mass child abduction is one of the gravest horrors of this war, and the United States can save these children. Earlier this month, Razom brought Mykola Kuleba, the founder of Save Ukraine—a Ukrainian NGO responsible for freeing over 800 children from Russia—as well as a young Ukrainian boy who they helped escape from Russia, to Washington so members of Congress could hear firsthand about the horrors of Russian abduction. After meeting with them, Senator Rick Scott and Senator John Fetterman immediately agreed to co-sponsor this resolution.

We are confident that more Senators will soon join their colleagues as cosponsors of this resolution, and that a companion resolution will be introduced in the House of Representatives. This is a significant effort to urge the White House to hold Russia accountable for its war crimes against Ukrainian children and ensure they are not abandoned.

Razom for Ukraine urges Congress to swiftly pass this resolution and send a clear signal not only that Vladimir Putin will be held accountable for his abduction of Ukrainian children, but that the families broken up by Russia’s invaders will one day be reunited.

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Statement from Razom for Ukraine on Minerals Deal

Published: April 30, 2025

Statement from Razom for Ukraine on Minerals Deal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Razom for Ukraine, a U.S. nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and a leading advocate for continued U.S. assistance to Ukraine, released the following statement. This statement can be attributed to Mykola Murskyj, director of advocacy for Razom.

We welcome news that the United States and Ukraine have reached an agreement outlining the future of their economic partnership. The innovation and determination of the Ukrainian people are a key reason Ukraine so far prevailed in defending against Russia’s invasion and why investing in Ukraine’s future is a good deal for Americans. At the same time, we can’t lose sight of the fact that Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine will not be ended by an economic deal—true lasting peace can only come when Ukraine’s security is guaranteed and Putin is forced to understand that Ukraine will defend itself with the support of its allies in the rest of Europe and America.

Now, the real work of pressuring Putin must begin. We encourage the Trump administration to build on the momentum of this economic agreement by forcing Putin to the table through sanctions, seizing Russia’s state assets to aid Ukraine, and giving Ukraine the tools it needs to defend itself.

Now more than ever, it’s essential not only to equip Ukraine for self-defense, but to bolster its role as a frontline shield for Europe. Every missile intercepted over a Ukrainian city is one that never reaches deeper into the continent.

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Razom, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations and gifts are deductible to the full extent allowable under IRS regulations.

Earth Day in a War Zone: Together We Support Ukraine’s Fight for a Livable Future

Published: April 22, 2025

On April 22, 1970, the United States marked the first Earth Day — a bold, collective call to protect the environment and demand a better future. In the 55 years since, Earth Day has grown into a global movement. Today, that call feels more urgent than ever — especially in Ukraine, where Russia’s full-scale invasion has brought not only war, but also widespread ecological devastation.

Last year, we published “Earth Day in a War Zone: Ukraine’s Silent Environmental Crisis”, drawing attention to the environmental consequences of the war: scorched forests, poisoned rivers, and farmland littered with landmines — the slow, invisible toll of destruction.

One year later, the devastation continues.

According to academic researchers, environmental damage from the war has now surpassed $56 billion. Explosions, oil spills, and targeted attacks on water and energy infrastructure have contaminated hundreds of square kilometers of land and water.

The Conflict and Environment Observatory continues to document these impacts — from toxic fires and military waste to the long-term effects of unexploded ordnance on agriculture and biodiversity. And as the study Environmental Health Impacts of Russia’s War on Ukraine outlines, these threats to nature are also direct threats to human health.

Ukraine is now the most mined country on Earth. Over 139,000 square kilometers — an area the size of Greece — are potentially contaminated with explosive remnants of war. Nearly two-thirds of that land is agricultural, once part of Ukraine’s role in feeding over 400 million people worldwide. But amid all this destruction, Ukrainian communities are planting seeds of resilience. And Razom is helping them grow.

Rebuilding, Sustainably

Through our Relief program, Razom supports local organizations working at the intersection of humanitarian aid and ecological recovery — bringing power, water, and food security to those affected by the war:

In Opishnya, Poltava region, the Center of Initiatives installed a 6kW hybrid solar power plant on the “Svitanok” kindergarten, home to dozens of internally displaced families. Even during blackouts or shelling, children now have access to reliable electricity — a lifeline during wartime.

With Power In Ua, Razom helps fund portable water purification systems in frontline and remote communities. These systems not only provide safe drinking water where infrastructure has been destroyed — they also prevent contaminated runoff from polluting the land and groundwater.

Rescue NOW, another Razom partner, through the Reroot Now project, distributed seeds and agricultural support to regions where war has displaced farmers and devastated food systems. The damage is complex: in some areas, displaced mouse populations — with no natural predators left — have invaded seed storage facilities, destroying crops. It’s a powerful reminder that war disrupts every level of the ecosystem.

In the Kherson region, Kosmos Tabir (Camp), with support from Razom, installed solar mini-electric systems in frontline communities, powering village councils, schools, and first aid stations (FAPs). These systems help keep essential services running, even during blackouts or Russian attacks.

This Earth Day, Stand With Ukraine

Ukraine’s future must be both free and livable — and that means making wartime ecological damage part of the global conversation. As long-term recovery plans take shape, all of us — individuals, institutions, and governments — have a role to play in ensuring that sustainability, environmental justice, and safe land access are at the heart of what comes next.

In Ukraine, the fight for freedom is also a fight for clean water, for fertile soil, for air that’s safe to breathe, and land where children can play again. But none of this is possible unless Russia’s war — and the destruction it brings — is stopped.

Environmental recovery isn’t a distant goal — it’s a daily necessity. From solar panels keeping kindergartens running during blackouts, to water systems protecting families from contamination, to demining efforts making farmland usable again — Razom’s partners are building resilience every day.

This work reflects Razom’s mission: to build a more prosperous, democratic Ukraine — one where dignity, freedom, and self-determination extend not only to people, but to the land they call home. But we can’t do it alone.

What You Can Do

👉 Donate to Razom Relief — your contribution helps fund real, local solutions.
👉 Read and share this article with you friends.
👉 Raise your voice — talk about Ukraine’s environmental crisis and contact your representatives. Urge them to support S.1241 and H.R.2548—to impose serious sanctions on Russia when it violates peace or escalates aggression.

🌍 This Earth Day, stand with Ukraine — for peace, for people, and for the planet.

Statement from Razom for Ukraine on Ksenia Karelina’s Release

Published: April 10, 2025

<strong>Karelina Statement</strong>

Download

Cultural Diplomacy Through Food: Olia Hercules and Razom’s Culinary Journey in Louisiana

Published: March 27, 2025

Food transcends language—it brings people together, bridges cultures, and tells stories words cannot. In early March, the Razom Advocacy team, alongside renowned Ukrainian chef Olia Hercules, embarked on a journey through Louisiana—visiting Shreveport and New Orleans—to foster connections, celebrate Ukrainian culture, express gratitude to local first responders, and advocate for Ukraine.

Who is Olia Hercules?

Olia Hercules is not just a celebrated chef—she is a storyteller, a bridge-builder, and a passionate advocate for Ukrainian culture. Originally from Ukraine (born and raised in Kakhovka) and now living in the UK, Olia’s culinary career spans continents. She is known for her innovative approach to traditional Ukrainian dishes, bringing flavors and stories from her homeland to global kitchens. Her work is a testament to the resilience of Ukraine and its rich culinary heritage. By using food as a medium of advocacy, she helps bring Ukraine’s story to the world, making this journey with Razom a natural fit.

Why Louisiana and Shreveport?

Our trip to Louisiana, specifically Shreveport, was significant because it is the hometown of Mike Johnson, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. By bringing this mission to his community, we aimed to strengthen the connection between Shreveport and Ukraine, fostering solidarity and raising awareness in his home region.

A Journey of Unity and Flavor

Our journey began in Shreveport, where we partnered with Louisiana’s own celebrated chef Hardette Harris to host a cookout for first responders. The smell of sizzling food filled the air as we served Ukrainian and Louisiana-inspired dishes to local firefighters and emergency personnel, thanking them for their service while sharing the tastes of Ukraine. We also delivered food to ten Shreveport fire stations, ensuring that over 100 first responders had a warm meal and a moment of solidarity. A special thank you to chef Anthony Felan at Fat Calf Brasserie in Shreveport for donating the space for our special dinner and first responders event.

From the heart of Shreveport to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, our journey continued, uniting communities through food. As the week unfolded, we engaged with diverse audiences—from Louisiana’s top chefs to students, community leaders, and international groups. At every stop, we brought people together around the table, proving that food is a universal language of connection and resilience.

Louisiana Meets Ukraine

In New Orleans, we held a special Ukrainian-Louisiana dinner, where community leaders and advocates gathered to experience a fusion of cultures. As guests savored dishes that blended Ukrainian traditions with Louisiana flavors—including three unforgettable po’ boys infused with Ukrainian ingredients—conversations flowed about Ukraine’s rich history, its ongoing fight for freedom, and the importance of cultural diplomacy.

Between meals, Olia and the Razom team participated in impactful discussions, presentations, and media engagements. At the Uptown Jewish Community Center, we shared the deep ties between Jewish and Ukrainian culinary traditions. At the NOCCA Culinary Institute, students learned about Ukraine’s food heritage and the resilience it represents. And at Saba, a vibrant New Orleans restaurant known for its commitment to community and culture, we hosted a dinner where dialogue and understanding flourished over shared plates.

Advocating for Ukraine Through Food

Beyond the flavors, our journey carried a message. Each gathering became a platform to share Ukraine’s story with new audiences—through food, conversations, and media. We were honored to receive a proclamation from New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell, recognizing our cultural diplomacy efforts and reaffirming the city’s solidarity with Ukraine.

Throughout the trip, Olia also shared her insights on the power of food to connect people and preserve identity. In an exclusive interview with Razom in New York City, she reflected on her experiences in Louisiana and the importance of using culinary traditions as a form of advocacy.

Watch the full interview here:

Media Coverage

Our journey made headlines, amplifying Ukraine’s voice far beyond Louisiana. Major media outlets covered our efforts, including:

A Special Thanks

We are deeply grateful to all who joined us on this journey, from the chefs and community leaders to the media professionals and first responders who welcomed us so warmly. Special thanks to Agis Counter in NYC, where Olia hosted a special dinner, and all proceeds from the event went to support Razom’s mission.

This trip was a testament to the power of food—not just as sustenance, but as a tool for connection, understanding, and advocacy. Every plate served was a reminder that Ukraine’s story must be told, and every shared meal was a step toward stronger solidarity.

Join us in amplifying Ukraine’s voice. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are Razom.

Ukrainian Voices That Cannot Be Erased

Published: March 25, 2025

This week, a Trump-appointed special envoy and a real estate developer Steven Witkoff claimed that Ukrainian regions currently occupied by Russia are “Russian-speaking, and there have been referendums where the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under Russian rule.”

This statement erases the realities of millions of Ukrainians who have been displaced, imprisoned, and killed as a result of Russia’s invasions and occupations. It ignores the brutal repression of Ukrainian identity, language, and culture in these regions. To counter such narratives, it is crucial to amplify the voices of those who have lived through these events.

Razom Literature is dedicated to bringing Ukrainian stories to readers worldwide—stories that document resilience, survival, and the truth of what Russia’s war has meant for Ukrainians. Below, we highlight books by authors from Luhansk and Donetsk who offer first hand perspectives on life before and after Russian occupation.

Olena Stiazhkina - Ukraine. War. Love. and Cecile the Lion Had to Die

Olena Stiazhkina, a historian and former Russian-speaking writer from Donetsk, explores the impact of Russia’s 2014 invasion on her hometown.

Ukraine. War. Love. chronicles daily life under occupation, while Cecile the Lion Had to Die traces the generational shift from Soviet to Ukrainian identities. The novel itself reflects this transformation, beginning in Russian and transitioning to Ukrainian—a powerful statement of resistance and self-determination in the face of war.

Buy Ukraine. War. Love. HERE
Buy Cecile the Lion Had to Die HERE

Stanislav Aseyev – The Torture Camp on Paradise Street

Stanislav Aseyev, a Ukrainian journalist and writer, was imprisoned from 2015 to 2017 in a Russian-controlled concentration camp in Donetsk. His memoir documents the torture, psychological and physical abuse, and inhumane conditions endured by prisoners under the Russian occupation, offering an unfiltered account of Russia’s war crimes.

Buy The Torture Camp on Paradise Street HERE

Volodymyr Rafeyenko – Mondegreen and The Length of Days

Rafeyenko, a writer originally from Donetsk, explores displacement and identity in Mondegreen, the story of a refugee who flees the war and chooses to adopt the Ukrainian language. In The Length of Days, he crafts a fictionalized portrait of occupied Donbas, filled with dark humor, irony, and the painful absurdity of war.

Buy Mondegreen HERE
Buy The Length of Days HERE

Serhiy Zhadan – The Orphanage

Zhadan, one of Ukraine’s most acclaimed authors, was born in the currently occupied Luhansk region. His novel The Orphanage follows a Ukrainian language teacher navigating an occupied city to rescue his nephew, a journey that forces him to confront his own identity and loyalties.

These books are more than literature; they are testimonies of survival and resistance.

Buy The Orphanage HERE

Read. Share. Advocate.

Literature is a tool for amplifying Ukrainian voices and ensuring that stories like these are not forgotten. Read these books, share them, and use them in your advocacy.

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