Building Ukraine Together X Razom: Rebuilding Homes and Communities

Published: July 2, 2024

Building Ukraine Together (BUR) is a non-governmental organization empowering youth through volunteering. Originally a volunteer camp, BUR unites volunteers from Ukraine to renovate homes and lives affected by the war since 2014. Following the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, BUR scaled up to support thousands of people, renovating homes and shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and common spaces for people to meet and learn

Partnership with Razom: A Synergy for Greater Impact

BUR and Razom started partnering in 2016. Razom has been instrumental in promoting BUR’s projects in the U.S., recruiting international volunteers, and securing funding for them. Since the 2022 escalation of the war, Razom has supported BUR initiatives, recognizing the importance of community and developing future leaders during these violent times. Last year, we supported a number of volunteer camps that were pivotal in assisting populations directly impacted by military actions, IDPs, vulnerable populations, and youth.

Project Overview and Implementation

The partnership between BUR and Razom focuses on developing young people through volunteer activities, aiding communities affected by Russian aggression, and enhancing social infrastructure. This project encompasses three main activities:

Community School: A preparatory training program for community representatives where BUR camps will be held.
Volunteer BUR Camps: Hands-on volunteer camps focused on renovating selected premises, engaging local youth and fostering community cohesion.
Local Volunteer Actions (BURchyk): Smaller, local initiatives driven by volunteers.

Despite the ongoing war and associated risks, BUR successfully implemented all planned activities, demonstrating remarkable resilience and commitment.

Community School

Held on June 17-18, 2023, this two-day training session equipped 10 participants with the necessary skills to organize and conduct BUR camps in their communities. The curriculum included team-building exercises, presentations about BUR and Razom, and fundraising strategies. This initiative aimed to enhance the capacity and self-sufficiency of local teams, ensuring they are motivated and prepared to drive positive change after BUR’s intervention.

Volunteer BUR Camps

Thanks to Razom’s grant, BUR organized 16 volunteer camps across three communities (Chernihiv, Rivne, Kharkiv). Each camp, attended by approximately 25 volunteers aged 16-35, focused on renovating critical social infrastructure. Projects included renovating an inclusive resource center, a youth space, and housing for IDPs. Overall, with our help, BUR renovated 3 IPD shelters, 2 event spaces, 9 houses and flats damaged by war, and 3 bomb shelters. Seven hundred thirty-three volunteers from all over Ukraine got involved into BUR projects. Volunteers not only engaged in physical reconstruction but also participated in a comprehensive cultural and educational program, fostering leadership, problem-solving skills, and civic engagement.

Have you heard about BURchyk?

It’s not just a construction project, it’s a movement and it’s changing the lives of countless Ukrainians. BURchyk is a special volunteer project of BUR; it’s a short-term construction initiative that unites local volunteers looking to make an impact. Joining BURchyk means being part of a mission to restore homes, create shelters, and rebuild Ukraine. Thanks to Razom’s grant, BUR organized 14 BURchyk camps across the Ukraine.

Impact Stories: Transforming Lives

Renovating a Community Center in Bar City

From July to September 2023, BUR volunteers renovated a facility to engage in cultural and educational initiatives. This project focused on renovation and promoting social inclusion through cultural events and education. The community celebrated the successful project with a reopening ceremony. The center, which supports 240 children (half of whom are IDPs) with assessments and consultations, is now a more welcoming space thanks to the efforts of BUR and local volunteers.

Restoring a Home in Trikhsvyatska Sloboda, Chernihiv Region

In August 2023, BUR volunteers helped an elderly couple whose home was destroyed during the occupation. Living in an unsuitable outbuilding for over a year, the couple faced harsh conditions. With the support of Razom, local NGO “Mozhemo” and BUR volunteers, they transformed the outbuilding into a habitable space, installing windows, doors, and heating. This project was a testament to the power of collective effort and the profound impact of community support.

Renovating a Bomb Shelter in Korets, Rivne Region

From August to September 2023, volunteers worked on converting a radiation shelter into a creative space for youth. The initiative involved preparing and painting walls, decorating with artwork, and assembling furniture from pallets. This safe community space serves as a bomb shelter and now hosts various events, fostering creativity and social interaction among local youth. The project highlighted the successful partnership between municipal governments and community organizations.

Conclusion: Building a Brighter Future

The partnership between Building Ukraine Together and Razom exemplifies the power of unity and volunteerism in rebuilding war-torn communities. Through the combined efforts, they continue to transform lives, foster community cohesion, and inspire hope. As Ukraine faces ongoing challenges, the resilience and dedication of these organizations and their volunteers remain a powerful force for positive change.

Donate to Razom Relief today and join us in supporting Ukrainians and their efforts to rebuild their lives and communities!

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Relief Program.

Razom Relief: Helping Ukrainian Frontiers (Українські Рубежі) Rescue Kharkiv Residents

Published: June 11, 2024

Kharkiv, a key city in northeastern Ukraine, has been on the front lines since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Despite these last few weeks of intense fighting and ruthless aerial assaults, the city remains under Ukrainian control. However, as ever, the victims of these last rounds of fighting were civilians: families have been split apart and left trapped in the war zone.

There is help on the ground.

Thanks to Razom’s swift response, the local organization Ukrainian Frontiers (Українські Рубежі) received a critical grant through our Relief program. Ukrainian Frontiers has been on the front lines since the emergency began, tirelessly evacuating people from affected areas. Our grant ensured that they can continue these efforts by covering fuel, car repairs, driver salaries, and other essentials needed to safely relocate 350 people.

Despite constant shelling that hinders access to some residents, Ukrainian Frontiers’ well-equipped transportation network and strong working relationship with the military are enabling critical rescues.

Our grantees shared with us many stories from the ground. The evacuees carried the weight of loss and uncertainty. Yet, even in despair, there was strength of spirit. A young girl, clutching a tattered teddy bear, managed a small smile. An old man, his eyes filled with gratitude, insisted on sharing his meager food with others. These are powerful reminders of the potential for human endurance during a crisis.

Beyond Evacuation: A Support Network

Razom’s grant arrived at a pivotal moment, allowing Ukrainian Frontiers to do more than just evacuate residents. They became a vital support network, finding shelter for the displaced, reuniting families torn apart by war. Their work exemplifies how donations to Razom make a real difference on the ground during emergencies.

Things calmed down a bit in June for Ukrainian Frontiers, but the war still remains and they know their work is far from over. As the situation develops, their team is ready to help in other areas. With your continued support through Razom, Ukrainian Frontiers will keep providing hope, saving lives one by one.

How You Can Help

Donate to Razom for Ukraine today and help empower heroes like Ukrainian Frontiers who are delivering hope where it’s needed most.

Razom Relief: Helping Liberated Ukrainians Regrow Their Lives

Published: June 4, 2024

Residents in liberated areas of Ukraine once thrived on their farms. Now, they face a fight to rebuild. Their land is damaged, and getting food is a constant worry.

In partnership with Rescue Now, one of our grantees on the ground in Ukraine, we launched the Reroot Project. We’re distributing seeds and potatoes and empowering people to grow their own crops, thereby reducing their dependence on aid.

This initiative goes beyond a simple handout and aims to make communities more self-sufficient. Raising their own crops helps households save costs for the family, making local supply of food available, even during emergencies or breakdowns in supply, or power outages. This way it contributes to a more stable food supply and minimizes the dependency on outside food support. Thus, private farming is one of the key reasons people stay or return to their homes, as it is one of the main sources for living there. In the rural areas of Ukraine, knowledge about sustainable farming practices is passed down from generation to generation, fostering a viable and self-sufficient culture. This program also promotes teamwork, builds up ties within the community, and fosters communication across households via creating additional group channels of communication; people share their experiences and support each other via these channels.

Meet the People We’re Helping

Natalia, a resident with mobility challenges, faced immense hardship during the occupation. Sheltering from shelling and bombings, access to food became a constant worry. Now, with seeds and potatoes provided by Razom Relief, Natalia can slowly rebuild her vegetable garden. This not only provides food security but also a sense of purpose and hope for the future.

Nataliya Hryhorivna, a 74-year-old pensioner, recounts the struggle to find planting materials under occupation. Despite the danger, she tended her garden, determined to have a source of food. Now, liberated and with access to seeds, she looks forward to a brighter future for herself and Ukraine.

Bilokudrya Svitlana, a community representative, describes the eight brutal months of occupation. Gardening became not only difficult but dangerous due to shelling. Essential utilities like electricity, water, and gas were also disrupted. Razom Relief’s assistance provides a lifeline, allowing the community to rebuild their gardens and hope for a victorious future.

Razom Relief, alongside our partners, is helping communities harmed by past Russian occupation regrow not just their crops, but their path to renewal. Together, we can help Ukraine blossom again.

Donate to Razom Relief today and empower families to reroot their lives!

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Relief Program.

Kharkiv Under Siege: Evacuations, Resistance, and the Plight of Vovchansk and Lyptsi

Published: May 14, 2024

The city of Kharkiv and surrounding areas in northeastern Ukraine have been at the forefront of the war since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Despite relentless shelling and attacks and because of Ukrainians’ toughness and fortitude, the city remains in Ukraine’s hands.

This year, there has been an escalation in fighting around Kharkiv, with Russia launching a new offensive in early May 2024.

Ukrainian forces are battling to hold back the Russian advance, with the villages of Lyptsi and Vovchansk being among the most vulnerable places. As the fighting intensifies, the number of people forced to flee their homes continues to rise. The most recent reports indicate that more than 5,900 people have been evacuated from the region, highlighting the desperate situation for civilians.

Vovchansk:

The town of Vovchansk, once a bustling community of 20,000 people, has been reduced to a ghost town due to the ceaseless bombardment. Only a few hundred residents remain, trapped in a war zone with dwindling supplies and limited access to essential services.

Razom’s Partners and Grantees are on the Ground:

“During the evacuations, all volunteer teams came under fire. One of the vehicles was completely shot up by the occupiers. The driver was wounded, but luckily everyone survived, thanks to the fact that this particular vehicle was armored. Most of the vehicles have “volunteer” written on them, but this does not stop the enemy. Civilians were also among the injured, who were wounded by Russian occupiers with weapons. People carry small bags with them, because there is no time to linger, and they did not plan to leave their homes. Among them are many middle-aged people (50+) for whom it is difficult to leave their home, their property, their livestock, everything that made up their life. However, evacuation is necessary to save lives,” says Vladislav Kulov, Kharkiv Media Hub, Razom’s partners.

Lyptsi:

Just south of the ravaged Vovchansk lies Lyptsi, a village of roughly 4,500 people. While not as heavily bombarded as Vovchansk, Lyptsi’s fate is just as brutal. The village was occupied in the early days of the war by Russia and then retaken by Ukraine later in 2022. However, with the renewed offensive, Lyptsi finds itself back in the hot zone. Residents there are facing renewed shelling or possibly another occupation.

Razom has been working tirelessly to facilitate evacuations and provide aid to those displaced by the war.

Razom’s Partners and Grantees on the Ground:

“We are evacuating people from Lyptsi. Indeed, not only people. Today there were two dogs, chickens with chicks, a guinea pig, and a dozen ducklings. People are scared, sometimes very nervous. Most of them have already been under occupation. They say: ‘We won’t survive another time; they will kill everyone’. The process can be very difficult, some people hope that it will pass somehow, that there is still time.” – Oleksiy Almazov, Ukrainian Frontiers (Українські Рубежі), one of Razom’s grantees.

Your Support is Crucial!

The people of Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region are facing unimaginable hardship. With your support, Razom can continue to provide life-saving assistance and help to evacuate.

Donate to Razom for Ukraine today and make a difference in the lives of those affected by the war.

Together, we can stand with Ukraine and help them overcome this dark chapter in our history.

Ukrainian Moot Court Team Triumphs at Oxford

Published: May 7, 2024

Razom remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s future leaders! We recently helped the Taras Shevchenko National University team compete in the Oxford Intellectual Property (IP) Moot Court Competition. Coached by Ilona Boliubash and Nataliia Badora, the team – Anastasiia Tolkachova, Anna Tkachuk, and Sofiia Yermolenko – made Ukraine proud. They faced off against 27 teams worldwide and won 2 out of 4 rounds!

This achievement is even more inspiring considering the wartime environment in which the team prepared. Despite the challenges, the three contenders persevered, showcasing their talent and skills. The competition not only deepened their legal expertise but also provided valuable intercultural exposure. Representing Ukraine on the world stage during such a difficult time was a moment of immense pride.

It’s crucial for Razom to support young minds and make their participation possible. Their journey doesn’t end here. They are committed to continuous improvement, aiming to become the next generation of Ukrainian IP leaders and ensure Ukraine’s continued presence at this prestigious event.

Voices from the Team

Sofiia Yermolenko: “Participating in the Moot Court was transformative. It allowed me to feel like a normal student again. The sense of community and shared passion for IP law was truly inspiring. I gained valuable knowledge and skills that I’m eager to use to contribute to a post-war Ukraine fostering innovation and economic growth.”

Anastasiia Tolkachova: “Representing Ukraine at Oxford was a unique and unforgettable experience. The team’s dedication and passion fueled our success. Our heartfelt thanks go to Razom for Ukraine, our incredible coaches, and the welcoming global community of IP enthusiasts we met. This event was a breath of fresh air – a week free from the constant threat of war. It recharged me and ignited a renewed energy to contribute to Ukraine’s legal system and post-war development.”

Anna Tkachuk: “The Oxford Moot Court fosters a supportive environment, creating a true community. The opportunity to interact with talented students, experienced coaches, and esteemed judges was incredibly rewarding. The oral rounds were particularly valuable, pushing me to hone my advocacy skills and receive real-time feedback. Looking back, I’m proud of our team’s research, legal performance, and ability to stand out in such a competitive field.”

The story of the Ukrainian team at the Oxford Moot Court is one of hope and dedication. It highlights the transformative power of education and the unfaltering spirit of a nation united in the face of adversity. Their success serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that even in hardship, the pursuit of knowledge and a brighter future continues.

Learn more about the Razom Ticket project and support the brilliant young minds of Ukraine today!

Earth Day in a War Zone: Ukraine’s Silent Environmental Crisis

Published: April 16, 2024

April 22, 2024. Earth Day. Amid the ongoing war and all of its attendant crises, sorrows and stresses, Ukraine is a country grappling with severe ecological devastation – often an afterthought of institutional violence.

Russia’s aggression has inflicted a deep wound on Ukraine’s environment. From poisoned air and water due to attacks on industrial facilities, to ravaged landscapes scarred by shelling and bombing, the natural world is a hidden victim of this war. A recent report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates the war has caused $1 billion in environmental damages in Ukraine so far, threatening not only Ukraine’s future but the health of our entire planet.

War Crimes with Lasting Impacts

Russia’s war crimes go beyond immediate destruction:

Deliberate targeting of environmental infrastructure – аttacks on water treatment plants and oil refineries have led to widespread contamination of water sources and air pollution.
Landmine contamination – мillions of landmines laid across some 30% of Ukrainian territory, pose a long-term threat to civilians and wildlife, hindering agricultural production and safe land use.
Destruction of protected areas – military activity has damaged or destroyed national parks and reserves, jeopardizing unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Around 600,000 hectares of Ukrainian forest has been damaged by the war, some 32% of the country’s total.
Pollution from toxic waste: over 950,000 tons of waste from destroyed equipment are leaching into the land. For more impact data go to https://mepr.gov.ua/

Environmental Crimes by Russia

Odesa (Black Sea)

Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports in 2023 and attacks on maritime vessels threaten a major ecological disaster in the Black Sea. Millions of tons of grain in Ukrainian ports are essential for global food security, and a disruption in their export could lead to shortages and price hikes. Additionally, the risk of sunken ships releasing pollutants like oil and hazardous materials is high, disrupting delicate marine ecosystems and potentially harming fish populations crucial to the Black Sea’s food chain. This environmental damage could have long-lasting consequences, impacting not just Ukraine but the entire Black Sea region. (Source)

Chornobyl Exclusion Zone

In 2022, Russian forces occupied the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, including the decommissioned Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, raising concerns about potential damage to the fragile containment structures and the release of radioactive materials. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, any breach of containment could have catastrophic consequences for Ukraine and surrounding areas. These contemporary concerns compound the nearly 40 year aftermath of the original Chornobyl meltdown, considered the worst nuclear disaster in history. (Source)

Kakhovka Hydroelectric Dam

Russia’s control over the Kakhovka Dam on the Dnipro River was devastating. In June 2023, an explosion tore through a significant section of the dam (estimated at 85 meters long). The dam break caused catastrophic flooding downstream, inundating over 600 square kilometers of land, including agricultural fields and villages on both sides of the Dnipro River. It’s estimated that tens of thousands of people were forced to evacuate to escape the rising waters. (Source)

The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam also crippled a critical source of hydroelectric power for Ukraine. The dam’s power station generated a significant amount of electricity, and its loss puts additional strain on Ukraine’s already stressed energy grid.

TEC Trypilska

In a recent attack on April 11, 2024, Russian forces launched a barrage of missiles and drones that completely destroyed the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant, according to Ukrainian officials. This attack did not just cause damage, but also severe air pollution from burning coal stores, and it eliminated a critical source of power generation for the Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr regions. (Source)

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Beyond the documented environmental damage, another looming threat hangs over Ukraine: the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe. Currently under Russian control, the plant has been repeatedly shelled, raising international concerns about a potential nuclear catastrophe. According to CNN, recent shelling of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on April 7, 2024, damaged a non-reactor building. (Source)

Hope for Renewal: How You Can Help on Earth Day

This Earth Day, we encourage you to stand with Ukraine in its fight for environmental renewal. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Donate: Razom Relief, in collaboration with the EBRD, has launched a fundraising initiative to help communities in liberated areas rebuild their lives and restore their land. Your contribution up to $30,000 will be matched 1:1 by the EBRD, doubling your impact. Funds will be used to:

Distribute seeds, trees, and fertilizers for agricultural revival.
Provide small livestock to support families in need.
Build greenhouses for sustainable food production.
Repair roofs and windows for war-torn homes.

Learn more: HERE

Donate your vehicle: Another pathway for you to support Razom is vehicle donation. Through our partnership with NCS, donating your car, RV, boat, motorcycle, or another vehicle is an easy, secure, and tax-deductible way to contribute. Please note that while your donation helps support our mission, the vehicle itself will not be sent to Ukraine. However, your generosity will still make a significant impact. It’s not only generous but also sustainable.

Learn more: HERE

Spread Awareness: Share this information with your friends, family and community. The more people who know about the environmental impact of the war, the more support we can generate for Ukraine’s recovery.

Let’s continue to stand with Ukraine and work towards a hopeful future when peace and environmental sustainability can flourish. Together, we can make a difference!

Winter Preparedness Grants Make a Difference for Thousands

Published: March 12, 2024

The war in Ukraine has brought immense hardship, and winter only exacerbated the challenges faced by many communities. Damaged infrastructure and limited resources had left residents vulnerable to the harsh realities of a cold season. This winter, Razom Relief partnered with Ukrainian organizations to provide crucial winter aid, delivering items like firewood, power banks, blankets, gas cookers, and aiding in house insulation and windows, and roof renovations. In this article, we aim to spotlight three of such organizations.

Razom x Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development

Razom provided funds to the Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development to distribute winter supplies in Bilozerka and Stanislav. These communities endured a 9-month occupation and, even after liberation, they continue to face the constant threat of artillery shelling. Those who could evacuate did so. Mostly elderly people, large families, and individuals with disabilities remained. Securing their most fundamental needs is an ongoing struggle, particularly during the harsh winter months.

This project provided 44 families with fuel briquettes for heating and 70 families with essential winter kits, including flashlights, thermoses, portable gas stoves, blankets, and socks.

Tetiana Buzhenko, humanitarian staff member at the Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development:

“I am amazed at how grateful our fellow villagers are for the help they receive. Some cry, others constantly express thanks. It feels like their cherished dream has come true. It is also sad at the same time, because you understand that people need simple things that they did not think about before, and now they are not able to afford them. Did anyone ever think that we would need portable stoves or flashlights?! I am glad that I can help my fellow countrymen!”

Kateryna Okseniuk, Head of humanitarian staff at the Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development:

“The humanitarian direction in our organization is new, but quite powerful. During all of 2023, we worked tirelessly to help our communities improve their living conditions, meet the needs of residents so that necessary things like medicines and goods were available to them. Frankly speaking, it is not easy, but we understand that if we have the opportunity to help, we cannot neglect it. This project shows how much we are needed by our fellow countrymen and how vulnerable they are now.”

Razom x Nove Misto

Nove Misto Charity Foundation is an organization established in 2022 dedicated to providing vital humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Led by construction expert Kyrylo Hordiienko, Nove Misto focuses on restoring damaged civilian structures, ensuring access to utilities, clearing debris, and assisting animals in need.

In areas like the Kharkiv region, frequently targeted by Russian forces, Razom supported Nove Misto in replacing windows for 21 households. This seemingly simple project provided vital repairs for families struggling with the harsh winter conditions. Damaged windows meant more than just drafts and discomfort; they symbolized compromised safety, increased vulnerability, and a constant reminder of the ongoing struggle.

In the village of Tsupivka, Kharkiv region, Mrs. Nadiya Pavlivna’s story is a testament to the impact of Razom Relief’s initiatives. Faced with a harsh winter and broken windows in her house, she felt hopeless. However, with Razom’s support, Nove Misto replaced her windows, bringing warmth and comfort back to her home.

“Life in the village of Tsupivka has never been easy, but recent years have turned it into a real challenge. My house has suffered serious damage and was deteriorating with each day. Winter was approaching, and the windows were broken. I lost hope that I would be able to change anything because my resources were limited. One day, I discovered the Nove Misto and Razom’s project. Their team arrived and replaced the windows, bringing back warmth and comfort to my home. The gratitude I feel cannot be expressed in words. This is not just a window replacement, it is a return of home and hope.”

In another impactful case, after Mrs. Lyubov Fedorivna’s home was damaged by shelling, she struggled to survive the cold and drafts. Nove Misto not only replaced her windows but also provided building materials, food, and hygiene kits – essential resources for maintaining dignity and moving forward with her life.

“After the shelling in our village of Prudyanka, my life stopped. My small house, which was my fortress, was damaged by shelling. Living in such conditions, in the cold and drafts, was almost impossible. I prayed every day for a miracle, and one day my prayers were answered. When representatives of Nove Misto came to me, I could hardly believe in the reality of their help. They not only replaced the damaged windows, but also provided building materials for repairs, as well as food and hygiene kits that were so needed.

From now on, looking through the new clean windows, I see not only the village, but also a bright future. Words of gratitude sound in my heart every day.”

Razom x Nabutok

Razom is also partnering with Nabutok, a volunteer-driven organization providing indispensable support to Ukrainians on the front lines and in war-torn areas of eastern Ukraine. Since April 2022, they have delivered over 300 tons of humanitarian aid, making 82 trips to deliver critical supplies to these regions.

“We cannot stand aside,” says Serhiy, the head of Nabutok. “Thanks to partnerships like this, we’ve helped evacuate a lot of families and provided vital resources to countless others.”

Razom awarded a grant to Nabutok to deliver essential winter supplies to families in Krasnohorivka, a frontline settlement in Donetsk Oblast. The grant funded the purchase and distribution of items like flashlights, warmers, power banks, firewood, and blankets, providing a lifeline to approximately 230 families.

Nabutok’s unwavering commitment inspires us all. Their dedication, along with the support of Razom and its donors, makes a tangible difference in the lives of Ukrainians facing immense hardship.

The fight for Ukraine continues, but Razom remains dedicated to working with organizations like Nove Misto, Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development and Nabutok who are providing life-saving assistance on the ground.

Here’s how you can help:

Donate: Your contributions allow Razom to continue supporting frontline communities and providing essential supplies.
Spread Awareness: Share this story and others like it to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Stay Informed: Visit the Razom website for regular updates and opportunities to get involved.

Together, we can stand with the courageous people of Ukraine and ensure they have the resources they need.

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Relief Program.

Rebuilding Together: Sturdy Roofs for Winter

Published: November 16, 2023

Russia’s full-scale invasion left the Kharkiv and Kherson regions, including villages like Prudianka, Tsypivka, Brazhkivka, and Mala Komyshuvakha, along with the city of Izium, deeply scarred. With winter approaching, damaged roofs leave homes vulnerable to the elements. Recognizing the urgent need for shelter before winter, Razom under the auspices of our Relief Program, provided grants to Volonterska UA, Nove Misto and World foundation for Ukraine, to undertake the crucial task of rebuilding roofs.

Over the past 6 months, these communities bore the brunt of extensive damage: 90% of buildings destroyed, direct hits from unexploded ordnance, and the aftermath of shelling and explosive waves. Basic necessities became a luxury, with villages located up to 30 kilometers away from major roads, rendering them practically inaccessible. With shops, pharmacies, schools, and hospitals non-operational, the challenges were immense.

Despite these adversities, the resilient spirit of the people prevailed, and many chose to return to their villages post-de-occupation. However, the issue of housing reconstruction remained unaddressed, leaving damaged houses vulnerable to the harsh winter conditions. Mold, deteriorating ceilings, and cracked walls served as poignant reminders of the pressing need for immediate action.

United in purpose, Razom together with Volonterska UA, Nove Misto and World foundation for Ukraine have set their focus on repairing roofs and installing windows, with a clear goal: to secure homes before the unforgiving winter sets in. This ongoing project, now one and a half months underway, extends its reach to both the rural villages and the city of Izium, where over 100 private houses suffered significant damage.

Numbers Tell the Story:

Volonterska UA

People Helped: 151 individuals

Houses Restored: 30

People Still to Help: 10 families, 20 individuals (including 2 children)

Nove Misto

Targeted Houses: 24

People to Help: 45 individuals

World foundation for Ukraine

Targeted Houses: 12

The project is advancing steadily. Purchasing materials and completing repairs will span the next three months, ensuring the job is done thoroughly. Together, we’re not just rebuilding roofs; we’re restoring hope and resilience to the heart of Kharkiv and Kherson.

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Relief Program.

Razom Emergency Response to the Kherson Flooding

Published: June 15, 2023

Within hours after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, Razom employed its developed network of grassroots organizations in Ukraine to assess the needs and start helping people in the Kherson region.

Russian deliberate actions caused a humanitarian emergency. Water from the Kakhovka water reservoir flooded wide areas, endangering and forcing thousands of civilians to leave their homes.

Our partners, Rescue Now, have been evacuating civilians and animals since the first hours. With a $25k grant provided by Razom, they have also been delivering needed supplies, including drinking water, food, hygiene products, evacuation boats, and charging stations. The team coordinated with governmental first responders to reach all places in need, despite the constant shelling and missile attacks on the region. Within only 5 days, Rescue Now also set up a humanitarian base in Kherson, which serves as a logistical hub for humanitarian aid for numerous NGOs and as a temporary shelter for evacuees.

Rescue Now, with support from Razom, responds to the emergency on the ground in Kherson

Razom Health team worked with the Ministry of Health in the Kherson region and local NGOs and went to Kherson within the first day. We delivered medicine and protective clothing to local hospitals taking in patients and survivors of the floods. In the following week, our drivers embarked on multiple trips to continue supplying hospitals. Our team in Kyiv packs the supplies while a smaller team loads up the vans and sets out to make the deliveries of aid all over the affected areas of Kherson. This way, we ensure that not a single minute is wasted.

Razom team in Ukraine works daily on humanitarian deliveries to the Kherson region

Our team members making the deliveries speak to people on the ground and learn what their needs are to communicate them to the Razom community, including our large network of local NGOs. Many of our partnering organizations and grantees are on the ground in the Kherson region as well. Volonterska, HelpGroup, Stezhka Dodomy, Ukraina SOS, Fight for Rights, and many others have been delivering humanitarian aid to people in the region.

NGO Volonterska delivers humanitarian aid from Razom in the Kherson region

Two days following the destruction, NGO “Zakhyst” from Khmelnytskyi met the first evacuees. Using a $50k grant, they support the evacuation of 1,000 people from the flooded areas of the Kherson region, welcomed and provided them with essentials such as hygiene products, clothing, and food right at the train station upon their arrival. The organization also provided evacuees with psychosocial support.

GO “Zakhyst” welcomes refugees at Khmelnytskyi train station

While out teams continue to support people amidst humanitarian crises, Razom also works to mitigate the long-term consequences of the disaster and help Ukraine prevent future russian-made catastrophes.

On the day following the destruction, Razom Advocacy team in DC immediately picked up the work. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam fits the centuries-old pattern of colonial violence and is yet another manifestation of Russian genocidal intent in Ukraine — we work to make sure the world hears that. Therefore, we reached out to more than 2,000 people in our advocacy network and mobilized them to contact their Congressional representatives and ask for support for the resolution declaring Ukraine’s invasion to be genocide (H.Res. 154 / S.Res. 72).

Join Us and Help the Effort

We have also been working to connect Ukrainians affected by the flood with media outlets so that their story can be heard by the world and increased our engagement with elected officials and their staff to keep decision-makers aware of the latest updates directly from the ground in Kherson.

The destruction of the dam caused an environmental disaster and permanently disturbed the region. As a result of russian terror, the Kakhovka water reservoir disappeared, leaving tens of thousands in the entire south of Ukraine without access to drinking water. Razom Relief team earlier installed multiple water filtering stations in Mykolaiv and Donetsk regions together with Ukrainian partner Wise Water, and now we are working to procure these stations in Kherson and provide stable access to water.

Kherson still needs help. We continue supporting evacuees who lost their homes and delivering life-saving medicine to hospitals that are taking people from affected regions. Our teams in Ukraine, alongside our local partners, will make more trips to the Kherson region to bring humanitarian aid to those in need. Razom Relief team talks to local organizations to start future projects in the region.

We work with our numerous partners in Ukraine and employ all our resources to ensure the help arrives when and where it is needed, and we ask for your support.

Donate to support our ongoing relief efforts in the Kherson region

Winter in Bakhmut

Published: February 6, 2023

“This is our native land. We are not going anywhere. We are Donbas.”

“I have a lot of elderly relatives here. I can’t leave them.”

“Everywhere is dangerous. The entire country is under fire. At least here we’re home.”

These are just a few quotes from people who, despite vicious daily attacks, remain in Bakhmut. russian airstrikes and shelling destroyed the infrastructure, leaving them with no water, electricity, or heat. Out of 72 000 residents, only about 6000 stayed, including 200 children. They are encouraged to leave by both the authorities and the volunteers, who offer regular evacuations. However, due to various personal circumstances, people stay. They are not many, but they are resilient.

The horrid reality of the “russkiy mir” (“russian world”, “russian peace”) isn’t new to Bakhmut’s natives. In April 2014, pro-russian forces managed to capture parts of the city, but after a few months of fighting, ZSU (The Armed Forces of Ukraine) and The National Guard expelled them from the area. With the start of the full-scale invasion, Bakhmut Raion (district), yet again, turned into a war zone.

Winter escalation in the Battle of Bakhmut left its residents without food, water, medicine, communications, and other most basic necessities. The besieged city is struggling to stay standing, and the continuous bombardment of the area hinders humanitarian aid. And yet, in spite of all the obstacles, Ukrainian volunteers move mountains.

Razom saw the exigency of the situation and, with help from the Lackland Family Foundation and UJA-Federation of New York, provided monetary grants to the Ukrainian NGOs working in Bakhmut. Being on the ground and listening to people’s needs, they are able to provide quick and targeted assistance.

“We have to keep working. We must let them [Bakhmut residents] know they are not alone. Their compatriots did not abandon them. Ukraine did not abandon them.”

– Says Oleksii Kurtsev, a co-founder of Ukrainian Charity Alliance, an NGO helping underprivileged and vulnerable groups since 2018. Razom partnered with UCA in May 2022 and provided them with multiple grants for humanitarian aid.

The latest grant of $30,000 is directed to help the population of the frontline territories. Because of the developed logistics and systematic approach, the UCA team quickly and strategically delivers aid to the newly liberated territories and hot zones. Each humanitarian convoy makes a few stops in multiple cities and evacuates people to safety on the way back. To Bakhmut, they delivered 600 shelf-stable grocery sets. One set will feed one person for at least a month.

Another amazing NGO helping Bakhmut residents is called “Svitliachky Blago” (“Fireflies for Hope”). Siranush Arutiunian-Bozoian started this initiative in 2015. Over the years, she organized countless events to raise funds to purchase medical equipment for public hospitals and clinics and aid social institutions like orphanages and IDP centers in the Donetsk region. Heartbreakingly, Siranush was ill and has recently passed, but her life and work touched and inspired many people. The team of “Fireflies” that she brought together continues spreading light and kindness.

In response to russian aggression and the growing humanitarian crisis, “Fireflies” formed a permanent hub for receiving and distributing humanitarian aid and organized delivery and supply of first-aid care, medication for post-chemo treatments, cancer treatments, and epileptic patients. So far, Razom Grants has provided “Fireflies” with three grants totaling $30,000. The most recent grant of $8,000 was allocated specifically for Bakhmut Raion and already allowed for forming and distribution of almost 1000 grocery sets.

A grant of $10,000 was awarded to “Angels of Salvation,” a charity organization founded by citizens from Donetsk and Luhansk regions who’ve known war since 2014. Just a few days after the invasion, they started evacuating people and, in April 2022, formed a team of 60 co-owners, set up two warehouses, and built a fleet of 25 vehicles. Svitlana, “AoS” project manager, says there are no weekends at war. Every day volunteers risk their lives to aid people in need.

With the help of Razom’s grant, “Angels of Salvation” purchased fuel, delivered 457 hygienic kits serving approximately 800 Bakhmut’s residents, and evacuated 17 people on the way back. Some people were sick, and volunteers transported them to the hospital; others went to the safer areas, each of them with just one small bag. Reuters has recently reported a story of a six-year-old girl rescued from Bakhmut. In one of the videos, you can see Razom care packages with hygienic sets delivered by volunteers.

“Adrenalin” – a Kharkiv sports club turned volunteer organization – had also recently made a trip to Bakhmut. Volunteers delivered 800 grocery kits and 300 blankets to four Points of Invincibility – the aid stations equipped with wood-burning stoves, generators, heaters, Starlinks, and kids’ play areas – and brought trench candles, canned food, and candy to the soldiers. This trip was just one of the many made possible by the $30,000 grant from Razom.

Ruslan Bayramov, the president of “Adrenalin” and Kharkiv’s resident, seems unfazed by the situation in Bakhmut. He’s used to the reality of war:

“We went there on January 13 and faced no difficulties that day. Maybe we’re used to it now… You can hear gunfire and explosions around the clock. An enemy quadcopter was hovering above us.”

Razom started aiding NGOs working in Bakhmut in April 2022. “Bakhmut Ukrainian” has been active since 2014 when Bakhmut faced the first signs of “russkiy mir”: public disturbances, illegal armed groups, and refugees. Razom awarded them with a $25,000 grant that has helped thousands of people in the Donbas region during Spring-Summer 2022. BU volunteers provided people with food, medicine, hygienic products, candles, blankets, sleeping bags, thermos vacuum flasks, generators, and more.

Multiple volunteers confirm – many organizations responded to the emergency, and Bakhmut is now pretty well supplied with food. However, the need for water is urgent because of the destroyed infrastructure. It gets to the point where people drink boiled water from Bakhmutka River. The residents also need flashlights, batteries, candles, and biomass briquettes (biofuel), among other things.

Please, consider donating to Razom Grants to help us further aid volunteer organizations in Ukraine.

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