Razom and partners launch the first-of-its-kind initiative in Ukraine to address drug-resistant infections in trauma care

Published: July 8, 2026

Razom for Ukraine, a leading U.S.-based nonprofit organization focusing on Ukraine, has officially launched Infection Prevention project TDAC (Trauma Decontamination and Antimicrobial Resistance Containment) — a first-of-its-kind initiative in Ukraine focused on reducing the spread of drug-resistant bacteria that can no longer be treated with standard antibiotics (multidrug-resistant organisms, or MDROs). The goal is to improve outcomes for wounded patients and reduce severe, life-threatening infection complications.

The project is implemented in partnership with the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, with advocacy from frontline clinicians involved in pre-hospital care. It targets a critical gap in the route from the frontline to the hospital — preventing bacteria from spreading during handoffs between care teams before a patient ever reaches a hospital ward.

Why this matters for Ukraine and beyond

Wounded patients rarely go directly to a hospital. Along the way, they pass through multiple points of care — and each transfer can increase exposure to drug-resistant bacteria. These infections can severely complicate recovery and become life-threatening.

The scale of this risk is compounded by the length of Ukraine’s evacuation chains. Infection risk rises significantly at the end of a prolonged trauma evacuation pathway, with considerable regional variation, according to research by Hailie Uren published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases (2025). The longer a wounded patient remains in transit, the greater the opportunity for infection to take hold.

This is no longer solely a Ukrainian health challenge. As wounded patients are evacuated to hospitals across Europe for specialized care, drug-resistant bacteria travel with them — placing pressure on health systems far beyond the frontline. European hospitals are already encountering these infections among war-wounded patients, making early intervention an urgent international priority.

“Antimicrobial resistance could cost as many lives as cancer by 2050, according to the UK Government’s Review. Resistant bacteria do not stop at the Ukrainian border. It is an early warning for every health system worldwide. That is why launching the Infection Prevention Project is so important,” said Dan Solchanyk, Razom Health Program Director .

How it works

Ukrainian scientists and clinicians, led by Hailie Uren, are working alongside clinical partners to investigate where and how drug-resistant bacteria enter the evacuation chain. Based on this work, Ukraine will introduce standardized practices focused on early decontamination and stopping bacteria from spreading between handoffs.

The project unfolds in three stages. The team is currently screening war-wounded patients across the evacuation chain — from casualty collection points through forward surgical units (Role 2) and hospitals (Role 3) — mapping where bacterial contamination occurs. Later in 2026, those findings will guide the creation of dedicated decontamination units to stop bacteria from entering clinical environments. By 2027, the full programme will be rolled out based on the evidence gathered.

“With a high proportion of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) not responsive to last-line antibiotics among war-wounded patients, early intervention through this project is critical to preventing infection before patients reach a hospital,” said Hailie Uren, Project Lead and Principal Investigator from Razom and UPHC.

The approach is grounded in U.S. military medicine and informed by expert consultation, adapted to prolonged evacuation chains and wartime conditions in Ukraine.

Stopping infections early reduces the need to prescribe antibiotics without knowing which bacteria are present (broad-spectrum empirical use) — helping slow the development of antimicrobial resistance and protecting the wider health system.

For more information, please contact anna.hryniv@razomforukraine.org

7th Face the Future Mission by Razom: How world-class surgeons rebuild Ukrainians’ faces after trauma

Published: July 7, 2026

In May 2026, Ivano-Frankivsk hosted the seventh international medical mission “Face the Future,” organized by Razom for Ukraine. Surgeons from Canada, the United States, and Ukraine carried out 68 surgical procedures on 24 patients with severe facial injuries.

At the center of every mission is a person — and a very personal dream. For Andrii from Ivano-Frankivsk, it was simply being able to breathe again. For Roman from Khotyn, it was restoring his facial structure after captivity. For Mykhailo from Stryi it was removing a scar and correcting a nose fractured in an FPV drone strike.

Different stories, but one shared path to recovery. All three were among 24 patients treated in Ivano-Frankivsk during the seventh “Face the Future” mission organized by Razom for Ukraine.

Dozens of surgeries in just a few days

From May 3 to 8, the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Clinical Hospital became a center of intensive surgical work. Teams from Canada, the United States, and Ukraine performed 68 surgical procedures on patients with severe facial trauma — both military and civilian.

“This time, 13 specialists from North America joined Ukrainian colleagues. The team included six surgeons and seven nurses from Canada and the United States, five of whom have Ukrainian roots,” said Peter Adamson, President and Founder, Face the Future Foundation.

Razom as a core partner of the mission

Beyond the operating room, Razom plays a key role in making the mission possible. The organization handles logistics, coordination, and part of the medical supplies, allowing doctors to focus entirely on patient care.

“Razom is a bridge between North America and Ukraine. We take care of all on-site coordination — logistics, organization, and communication with the hospital. This allows doctors to focus on patients and reduces the burden on the hospital,” said Iryna Matsiuk, Razom Coordinator in Ukraine.

This was also confirmed by Natalia Komashko, the Ukrainian lead of the mission and an otolaryngologist:

“I am especially proud of our Ukrainian team, whose work begins long before the international teams arrive and continues long after they leave. We are sincerely grateful to Razom for Ukraine – not only for helping bring expert teams to Ukraine, but also for providing essential medical supplies that significantly strengthen our hospital’s capacity to deliver care”

Partnership that restores quality of life

These missions are made possible through close cooperation between doctors, bioengineers, and volunteers working toward one shared goal — restoring function and quality of life for patients in even the most complex cases.

The program is implemented by Razom for Ukraine, Face the Future Foundation, Still Strong, and the Charitable Foundation “Patients of Ukraine,” in partnership with the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Clinical Hospital and with support from Materialise.

“I am deeply grateful to everyone involved. They are doing important work and providing real support, and I am thankful that such help and missions exist,” said patient Mykhailo Vovchyna.

How international missions transform Ukrainian surgery

While the types of injuries remain largely similar from mission to mission, the capacity of Ukrainian medical teams continues to grow significantly. This was emphasized by Anthony Brissett, a U.S. surgeon and medical director of the Face the Future mission, who has taken part in the program four times.

“Doctors and nurses are becoming better prepared and expanding their skills. This is reflected in the complex procedures we performed this week, including cases involving leading international experts in nasal reconstruction. This is the level of care Ukrainians deserve,” he said.

The mission is part of a broader long-term effort that goes beyond individual operations. It is not only about treating patients with the most severe injuries, but also about strengthening surgical capacity in Ukraine. Ukrainian doctors, anesthesiologists, and nurses work side by side with international teams, gaining experience and taking on increasingly complex cases. According to Razom Health Co-Pilot Project Lead Yuliia Shama:

“Over the past 3 years, Razom’s medical missions have helped provide life-changing surgeries to more than a thousand patients with complex injuries. Through the Co-Pilot Project, we are strengthening Ukraine’s long-term surgical capacity by training specialized surgeons, expanding international partnerships, and advancing modern reconstructive care so that critical expertise remains and grows in Ukraine.”

Training and knowledge exchange

Alongside the procedures, more than 200 nursing leaders from across Ukraine gathered for the VII International Nursing Symposium. Half of the presentations were delivered by international speakers, and half by Ukrainian nursing professionals. The symposium was supported by Razom for Ukraine, marking an important step in strengthening nursing education and professional development in Ukraine. The hospital also received simulation trainers for hands-on training, provided by Razom.

In addition, the VII Symposium on Reconstructive Surgery of the Head and Neck was held in Ivano-Frankivsk as part of the Face the Future Ukraine mission. A key highlight was the visit of Frederick J. Menick, one of the world’s leading experts in nasal reconstruction. He delivered lectures and hands-on sessions, sharing advanced approaches to complex reconstruction and clinical decision-making in surgery.

The humanitarian program “Face the Future Ukraine” was founded by Face the Future Foundation, Razom for Ukraine, and Still Strong to provide free reconstructive surgeries to Ukrainian patients and train Ukrainian surgeons. It is implemented in partnership with the Regional Clinical Hospital of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Council, Healing The Children North East, Materialise, the CF “Patients of Ukraine”

From World Wars to Wartime Today: How Ukrainian Scouting Is Protecting the Spirit of Youth in Odesa

Published: June 25, 2026

On a warm, sunny May afternoon, a scenic lakeside in Odesa dotted with tents hummed with the sound of children’s laughter and play. Standing on the banks downstream from their campsite, a row of young Vikings saluted their group oath in unwavering solidarity, “Brothers, the time has come for us to rise, to take up and carry the ideals of Plast. Glory to Ukraine!”

The bright patches of their uniforms, each hard-won through successfully completing a meticulous task or test, caught in the sunlight as the children held their imaginary Viking shields by their side.

Yes, today they would be Vikings.

Not orphans or children without a home. Not refugees forced to flee their city. Not children of frontline parents, not children of war. Just Vikings in a beautiful, carefree world of make-believe. And underneath that, just children.

This return to the innocent and creating a space for free development is exactly what Plast, Ukraine’s international scout organization, strives to create. For over a century, Plast has helped young people build character, hone leadership skills and establish a strong community through outdoor adventures, service and teamwork. In today’s Ukraine, where many children have grown up under the shadow of war, these lessons take on new meaning, creating a new reality with more possibilities.

Plast, like all of Ukraine, was built through repression, difficulty and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Founded in 1912 in western Ukraine, the organization survived two world wars as well as occupation by Poland, Germany and Russia, all of whom forbade or restricted the existence of Plast.

1. Plast camp in the village of Solochyn (Zakarpattia Oblast), 1934. Archive of the “Local History” project. 2. Plast group in the village of Bryukhovychi, Lviv District, Lviv Province, 1920s. Personal archive of Daria Korchak. 3. Plast girls, 1930s. “Local History” Project Archive. 4. A Plast camp for boys in Staryava near Khyrov, held from June 28 to July 24, 1939. Personal archive of Lukia Lukomska

In theory, Plast, like all of Ukraine, wasn’t supposed to make it. War after war, regime after regime, everything that plagued the land that Plast was built on, tried to snuff out the flame of Ukrainian culture and progress which it strived to illuminate. All of it worked to make Plast and Ukraine a faint memory.

And now, the full-scale invasion of Russia brings past horrific history into full swing again as war forces Plast into another round of defense and struggle for its own existence and name. But Plast has shown throughout its history that, like Ukraine, it cannot be thrown down that easily.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, over 25,000 internally displaced children have moved to Odesa. Combined with a shortage of youth programs and stable community spaces, many children in the area have limited opportunities for personal development, leadership training and social connection, a problem that Razom joined Plast this year to help address.

However, the challenges facing children in Odesa extend beyond displacement. Air raid sirens remain a regular part of life, and youth activities can still be interrupted by security threats. Plast youth leader Polina described a recent case when a Shahed drone flew over the camp, forcing everyone to flee into bomb shelters.

“It was so scary… But afterward, we had to get back and just continue- in a country without war, you don’t have to think about this,” said Polina.

Many such thoughts and anxieties surround Ukrainian youth in their day-to-day lives. Their unique situation makes things like Plast all the more important for their continued development.

“There is nothing ‘ordinary’ about being a young person in Ukraine today,” said Nastia Rab, chief advancement officer for Razom. “Even a summer camp takes place against the backdrop of a full-scale war. Yet that makes these experiences even more important. They give young people community, purpose, leadership skills and a sense of hope for the future.”

Despite these obstacles, this spring, Plast’s Odesa branch hosted its fifth major youth event of the year, Spring Festival, bringing together children from across the region, and across Ukraine, for a weekend of camping, games, challenges and friendships. Razom’s team joined in to experience the festival firsthand and to speak with participants and leaders about what Plast meant to them- and why they believe it’s important in shaping Ukraine’s future.

Razom partnered with Plast Odesa last year to provide a full year of support for such youth advancement activities. By providing materials such as tents, ropes, crafts and training resources, Razom helped manifest the goals and ideas that Plast had for the kids in their community.

Students participated in a rotation of workshops, stations and games where they learned different scouting and nature skills, such as knot tying, proper travel packing, setting up tents and map reading, materials for which were directly provided by Razom.

Their achievements are reflected in the patches they earn, and every patch tells a story. Most children have already gained multiple patches in several Plast programs throughout the year, including one for providing emergency first aid.

In addition to learning practical skills, participants and leaders emphasized the importance of Plast providing a unique environment for a thriving Ukrainian culture and community. Plast is Ukrainian-speaking, meaning all the events and activities are hosted in Ukrainian. For some students who don’t speak Ukrainian at home or encounter Russian in their everyday contexts, this provides a space where Ukrainian language and culture are the norm rather than the exception.

“A child should be immersed in Ukrainian-language culture and experiences, without Russian constantly entering that space,” said Korotaeva.

For some participants, Plast is an experience of re-immersion into Ukrainian culture and a unique space where they can share that with others.

“They want a community. They want more friends who share their values, more Ukrainian values, people who speak Ukrainian. Maybe at school or near home they don’t have that,” said Polina.

Plast not only invests in children participants, but also in training up group leaders and student counselors. As a training ground for young adults, Plast prepares older youth to step into adulthood with a leadership mindset and skillset.

“This also gives me some benefits, I gain experience being a leader, -something I don’t often get the chance to do,” said another Plast leader.

Most importantly, Plast provides participants with relationships and friendships that they can keep with them for the rest of their lives. It’s not just a camp where kids are dropped off and then picked up at the end of the day, it’s a forever-community, said Korotaeva.

“For me, Plast has become an inseparable part of life,” said a young participant.

Plast is all about investing in this resilient future. However, Razom’s connection to Plast is actually much deeper rooted in the past. Many from Razom’s staff were once Plast scouts or counselors as youth, and owe much of their love and work for Ukraine to their experience in the organization.

Dora Chomiak, third from left at a Plast history and public speaking competition

Dora Chomiak, shaking the left hand of a Plast counselor

Dora Chomiak, Razom’s CEO, started her journey with Plast as a child, attending camps in the Washington D.C. branch. Later, she became a Plast leader herself where she learned how to plan and run a camp for over a dozen students only a few years younger than her.

“I rely on all those experiences throughout my career,” said Chomiak. “Collaborate. Roll with it. Walk on the sunny side of the street when you can. Respect nature.”

Rab immigrated from Ukraine to the U.S. as a child and found an invaluable Ukrainian community in Plast that allowed her to stay connected to her roots.

“Plast helped shape who I became. Knowing that today’s scouts are finding the same friendships, values and sense of responsibility that I found years ago makes me especially proud of this partnership,” said Rab.

Uliana Bilash, Razom’s director of people and culture is a generational Plast attendee in her family. Her parents met at a Plast camp and passed on the experience to her, which eventually brought her to Plast camps across the U.S., Canada, Spain, Belgium, Germany and Ukraine both as a camper and counselor.

In 2022, when Plast summer camps in Ukraine had to close due to the invasion, Bilash volunteered at a Plast camp in Spain where many Ukrainian children refugees fled. It was another chance for her to pour into the next generation. Now that Plast is back in Ukraine, she works to ensure that kids still have the same experiences she had as a Plast scout.

“Now, we are lucky that Plast camps continue in Ukraine, but we often lack the resources needed to run them,” said Bilash. “By supporting Plast camps, we can help Ukraine’s children learn skills that can grow them into leaders of a prosperous and democratic Ukraine.”

Ukrainian Plast participants recreate their version of the Mariupol Theater at a Plast camp in Spain 2022.

Razom’s public engagement coordinator for its advocacy branch, Daryna Lesniak, also a Plast alumnus, started her own Plast group in Shanghai as a way to express her own Ukrainian story wherever she went.

“With Plast you always carry a piece of Ukraine with you,” said Lesniak.

Plast’s rich history and work has brought much of Razom’s team to their place right now. However, Plast’s reach also goes beyond the regular parts of Ukrainian society. Not only have Plast members taken great part in fighting in the world wars, were strong participants in Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity in 2014, but many now serve on the front lines, in defense against Russia’s aggression.

Having members of Plast serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine creates a conflicting reality. Enormous amounts of time, energy and resources are poured into supporting current and former Plast members in the army, which hold paramount importance. However, that also creates challenges in funding and sustaining the core youth programs that keep Plast active for the next generation, said Rab.

The future of Plast in Odesa is one of prospective growth. The current program is at full capacity with over 100 children on the waiting list. There are only so many resources available to cover so many students; there is not enough capacity for demand, said Korotaeva.

“We receive inquiries from parents almost every day,” said Korotaeva. “I keep writing and saying everywhere that our dream is for anyone who wants to join to be able to do so. Any child, especially here in Odesa.”

Looking ahead, Plast in Odesa hopes to expand their equipment inventory, train more leaders and eventually open up their own office to reach more communities in the area, and Plast’s organizers emphasized the important role of donors and outside support to make this a reality.

“Through these grants, over the last seven months, we’ve grown tremendously and made our events bigger and better. Without that support, we wouldn’t have been able to do it,” said Korotaeva.

“One of the things that makes me very happy on bad days is knowing that people in other countries are supporting us.”

Every year, Plast functions as a community of knowledge, skill-building, close relationships and Ukrainian values.

Whether a refugee in Spain, an immigrant in the U.S., or a young Viking on the banks of an Odesa lake, every Plast member inherently becomes part of its vast history, part of an experience they will never forget.

“For many people, Plast is one big adventure,” said participant, Ihor.

“It’s something you’re meant to enjoy.”

Plast in Odesa is just one of the vital projects we’ve been able to support this year thanks to the generosity of our community.

But our work doesn’t stop here.

War is trying to steal their childhood, but you can help us give it back.

By becoming a part of this crucial mission, your gift to our Kids Campaign helps Ukrainian children reclaim their joy, resilience, and hope—giving them safe spaces to learn, grow, and just be kids.

Razom Brings Ukraine’s Top Frontline Medics to SOMA 2026, Leading Tactical Medicine Conference

Published: May 26, 2026

Razom for Ukraine brought 10 leading frontline medics from Ukraine, including military medics from 3rd Army Corps and Khartia, to SOMA 2026. The event took place in Raleigh, North Carolina, from April 27 to May 1. SOMA is one of the world’s largest conferences in tactical and operational medicine.

The programme featured more than 20 Ukraine-related presentations and research sessions highlighting Ukrainian experience in modern tactical medicine. Among them was Mykola Khudolii, a senior sergeant and head of the tactical medicine group of the 3rd Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who presented the research “Extremity Combat Trauma in Modern Drone Warfare” — awarded Best Medic Research Presentation at SOMA 2026.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to represent Ukraine at SOMA and present our experience from the field. It is important for us to share lessons learned from modern drone warfare, including the impact of training at Combat Lifesaver (CLS) level on survival and limb preservation, but also to learn from others and bring that knowledge back to Ukraine,” said Mykola.

During the conference, Razom also hosted a post-event networking session on April 30, which focused on connecting Ukrainian frontline medics and surgeons with international peers and organisations supporting Ukraine.

“We are creating a space where medics and partners from different countries and organisations can openly share experience and learn from each other. In the end, this is about one thing — improving care in the field and saving lives,” said Dan Solchanyk, Razom Health Program Director

“It is a great honor to be at a conference of this scale — not only to gain new knowledge from American colleagues, but to present unique Ukrainian expertise built through collaboration between the 3rd Army Corps, Khartia, and Razom for Ukraine,” said Matvii Suslov, Razom Heroes Program Manager.

For the second year, Razom for Ukraine brought Ukrainian speakers to SOMA. For the second year, Razom for Ukraine brought Ukrainian speakers to SOMA — an initiative first launched by Yuliia Shama, Project Manager at Razom Health, who continues to lead it. Alex Domaradsky, Project Manager at Razom Health, coordinated the trip. This year included more than 20 Ukrainian presentations.

Ukrainian Tactical Med Research Named Best at SOMA 2026 Conference

Published: May 15, 2026

Razom for Ukraine brought 10 frontline medics from the 3rd Army Corps and Khartia to SOMA 2026, one of the world’s largest conferences in tactical and operational medicine. Among the delegation was Mykola Khudolii, Master Sergeant and Head of the Tactical Medicine Group of the 3rd Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The research of the 3rd Corps Tactical Medicine Group, led by Mykola Khudolii, received the Best Medic Research Presentation award at SOMA 2026. The study examines extremity injuries in modern drone warfare, tourniquet effectiveness, and the challenges of casualty evacuation in prolonged field conditions.

“We showed that training every service member to the Combat Lifesaver (CLS) level significantly improves survival and limb preservation. After implementing this training, successful tourniquet conversion rates increased to nearly 99%,” said Mykola Khudolii.

The research also highlights that in modern warfare, casualty evacuation can take anywhere from several hours to several weeks, while around 90% of evacuations within the unit are conducted using ground robotic systems.

“What surprises our American colleagues most is the duration of evacuation. In their system, it is usually within an hour, while in our reality, it can take days or even weeks,” he added.

Ukrainian medics emphasize that the key priority is stabilizing the wounded before evacuation, adapted to the realities of drone warfare.

Last year, Razom organized the TQ Forum with the 3rd Corps, bringing together medical professionals of different levels to analyze the scope of care across the system, identify gaps, and develop ways to improve care with the goal of reducing the amputation rate within the corps. The forum resulted in a new training standard for personnel, which became the foundation for the positive changes presented during the 3rd Corps presentation at SOMA, explained Yuliia Shama

“We are proud to see Ukrainian work recognized at a conference of this scale. Through Razom, we are able to bring Ukraine’s unique frontline medical experience to SOMA, and engage in a true two-way exchange with some of the strongest training systems in the world,” said Dan Solchanyk, Razom Health Program Director

First initiated by Yuliia Shama, Head of the Razom Health Co-Pilot Project, and logistically supported by Alex Domaradsky, Razom Health Co-Pilot Project Manager, this project united the efforts of two Razom programs: Health and Heroes. Both teams are dedicated to strengthening Ukraine’s healthcare system for civilians and defenders, while also presenting leading Ukrainian practices in pre-hospital and hospital care to the global professional community.

We Work Together. And It Saves Lives.

Published: May 1, 2026

Ukrainian medicine under full-scale war is not only adapting. It is advancing how complex trauma care is delivered in active combat conditions.

Dnipro is a major city in eastern Ukraine, located along the Dnipro River and serving as a key medical hub for patients evacuated from front-line regions. Its hospitals receive a continuous flow of severely wounded patients from active combat zones.

Razom supports Mechnikov Hospital and the development of Co-Pilot to ensure Ukrainian medical professionals have access to modern tools, knowledge, and technologies needed to work under wartime conditions. This is support for a healthcare system that continues to save lives while strengthening the future of Ukrainian medicine.

In this system, the line between battlefield and hospital no longer exists. It runs through emergency departments, operating rooms, and daily clinical decisions. At Mechnikov Hospital, one of Ukraine’s leading referral centers for complex trauma, doctors are not only treating patients. They are building a model of care shaped by constant pressure, limited time, and high-risk injuries.

“We are now in Dnipro. This is my fourth trip here,” says American neurosurgeon Rocco Armonda. “We operate alongside Ukrainian doctors, manage intensive care, consult on complex cases, and work on scientific publications.”

This is not a typical professional exchange. It is sustained collaboration built around real-time needs. Razom supports this work by connecting specialists, helping with the logistics, delivering critical equipment, and enabling continuous knowledge exchange between Ukrainian and international doctors.

“Rocco was the first neurosurgeon who came to Dnipro in 2023,” says Andrii Sirko, head of neurosurgery at Mechnikov Hospital. “Since then, we have worked together every year, including on the most complex cases.”

This partnership reflects a broader shift. Wartime medical practice in Ukraine is contributing to new clinical standards that are now being observed internationally.

The First Trip: Suitcases, a Train, and the Unknown

Rocco’s first trip to Ukraine was defined by logistics and uncertainty.
“We flew to Kraków with four large containers of medical equipment,” Armonda recalls. “The vehicle we received was too small. We had to repack everything by hand.”
From there, the route continued to Lviv, across the border, and onward by overnight train to Dnipro. In Dnipro, the arrival was direct and personal.
“I was surprised. Senior doctors were waiting for us at the platform. That does not happen in the United States,” he says. Sirko remembers the same moment differently. “We first saw the suitcases. Only then we saw Rocco.”
This reflects the nature of the work. Action comes first.

The Operation That Changes the Understanding of War

The first day in the hospital required immediate engagement.
“It was a penetrating brain injury after a drone strike,” says Armonda. The injury involved both brain tissue and major vessels. Cases like this require rapid, multi-stage intervention. At Mechnikov Hospital, the team completed diagnosis and surgery without delay.
“I have not seen this done in one stage so close to an active combat zone,” Armonda notes. “In Iraq and Afghanistan, we focused on stabilization only.”
Ukrainian teams operate differently. They manage full clinical complexity under pressure. In another case, a patient presented with a gunshot wound to the base of the skull and intracerebral hematoma.
“I asked if observation was the plan,” Armonda recalls. Sirko’s response was direct. “No. We intervene.”
This approach prioritizes outcome and responsibility for survival. During the same period, the team introduced a pupillometer, a device used to assess neurological response and intracranial pressure. The equipment was delivered through international support and immediately integrated into clinical practice. The patient survived. This outcome reflects a consistent system, not an isolated case.

Philosophy of Survival and Work

War compresses time and changes decision-making.
“In the United States, we may observe for several days,” says Armonda. “Here, decisions must be immediate. The patient flow does not stop.”
Evacuation delays also affect treatment.
“Patients often arrive later than expected. This changes surgical planning, especially in the presence of infection. ”Adaptability defines the system. Ukrainian doctors adjust protocols in real time based on conditions on the ground. What stands out is not only clinical capability, but professional mindset. “People focus on what needs to be done today,” Armonda says.
“They go to work, treat patients, take care of their families.” Recognition is secondary. “When you call them heroes, they say they are doing their job. They point to those at the front.”
This reflects a clear professional ethic grounded in responsibility.

Why Advocacy Is a Continuation of Medicine

The discussion then moves beyond clinical work.
“People often ask me how they can help,” says Armonda.
“They contribute equipment, research, and funding. This supports patient care in a direct way.”
Every contribution is applied in practice, whether through equipment, medical missions, or research. In operational terms, this acts as a force multiplier. Support increases the capacity to treat more patients and manage more complex cases.

This is not only financial support. It is presence. People understand that they are not working in isolation. Razom maintains active operations in Ukraine, ensuring that support reaches hospitals where it is needed. This support is visible. It directly contributes to patient survival.
“We provide a platform so that the world can see what is happening here,” Armonda says. “People want to help.”
“We do not just work together. We begin to think in the same way,” adds Sirko.
“This matters beyond medicine. We share principles and apply them in daily work.” This includes not only treatment, but also sharing experience and making it visible to others. Without this exchange, the connection between teams would not exist. This work includes doctors, partners, and supporters across countries. It is coordinated and sustained.

From Practice to Advocacy

In this context, advocacy is not based on statements. It is based on demonstrated capability. It does not begin in political offices. It is formed in hospitals, through clinical decisions and responsibility for patient outcomes. Doctors do not describe this work as advocacy. They operate, train, and share clinical experience. By doing so, they provide direct evidence of what is possible in wartime medicine. In modern war, outcomes matter. The ability to make decisions, manage complexity, and save lives under pressure builds trust and informs international understanding. Ukraine’s experience is not only about survival. It contributes to the development of medical practice. As this experience becomes visible through research, collaboration, and exchange, it becomes part of the global medical conversation. Advocacy ensures that this work is understood. Because their experience is not a position. It is evidence.

“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.

2025 Impact Report: Building What Sustains Ukraine

Published: March 9, 2026

In 2025, Ukraine did more than endure. Under relentless attacks on infrastructure, hospitals, and civilian life, Ukrainians continued to function, adapt, and build for the future. And because of your support, Razom strengthened the systems that make that possible — not just emergency relief, but durable capacity: the local leadership, infrastructure, and institutional strength that allow Ukraine to function under prolonged attack. Here is what that looked like.

Strengthening the Survival Chain

When seconds determine survival, systems matter. In 2025, Razom reinforced Ukraine’s full chain of survival — from frontline stabilization to hospital recovery. We trained tactical medics, delivered 56 Mobile Stabilization Points to bring care closer to the front line, strengthened EMS capacity across multiple regions, and delivered over $15 million in lifesaving medical supplies through 147 in-country distribution trips.

We also scaled our advanced trauma training and surgical exchange programs through the Co-Pilot Project, bringing international collaboration to elevate Ukraine’s surgical capabilities.

That is what your support creates: conditions where lives can be saved

Powering Local Leadership for Ukraine’s Future

Resilience is not imported. It is built locally. When international funding disruptions placed enormous strain on Ukraine’s civil society, Razom invested in strengthening Ukrainian organizations themselves. Through Razom Sylnishi (“Stronger Together”), NGOs received training, mentorship, and institutional grants to stabilize operations and build for long-term growth.

We supported 15 workforce and reskilling projects across more than 10 regions, helping over 3,300 Ukrainians rebuild livelihoods. Veterans found new pathways to leadership through adaptive sports and professional programs. Medical and military leaders completed tailored Mini-MBA programs designed specifically to equip them for crisis leadership.

Ella Petrenko, founder of the Bilozerka Center for Regional Development in Kherson Oblast, described the shift: “Doing good work is not enough — you have to do it efficiently and sustainably. These grants are about more than money. They give us time to reflect, to grow, and to build organizations that will be here for the long run.”

Through intentional investment in local leaders, recovery becomes durable — and your support allows us to infuse targeted capacity building where it will make the most difference, creating ripple effects in numerous communities.

Inspiring the World with Ukraine

Ukraine’s story is not only one of war — it is one of creativity, expertise, and leadership. In 2025, Razom’s Ukrainian Cultural Festival transformed October in New York into a month-long celebration of Ukrainian cinema, theater, literature, and visual arts. Ninety percent of attendees were non-Ukrainian — expanding Ukraine’s cultural presence far beyond the diaspora and into mainstream artistic spaces.

One Ukrainian Cultural Festival attendee captured the shift:

Through Ukraine on Campus, Razom supported students and scholars across major universities, creating space for Ukrainian research, literature, and lived experience to enter academic conversations on their own terms. Ukrainian medics led record-breaking workshops at international medical conferences. Journalists traveled to Ukraine to report firsthand, replacing abstraction with experience.

In 2025, Razom also launched ImpactUA, an immersive, in-country internship program that brought U.S.-based and Ukrainian students studying abroad to work alongside Ukrainian NGOs. For many, the experience transformed into long-term commitment — with several choosing to relocate, launch initiatives, or return to Ukraine in professional capacities.

Throughout 2025, Razom ensured that Ukraine’s lived reality was present where global policy decisions are made. Working closely with more than 70 congressional offices across 41 committees, Razom helped advance pro-Ukraine priorities in U.S. legislation, including $400 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. In Europe, Razom elevated the strategic use of frozen Russian sovereign assets as a viable pathway to finance Ukraine’s reconstruction — co-organizing high-level discussions with partners such as the Atlantic Council and the Center for American Studies at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.

That showcases the deeper impact of Razom’s work in bringing Ukraine’s inspiration to audiences worldwide:

Ensuring Ukraine is understood not only through crisis, but
through contribution

Innovation Under Pressure

War accelerates innovation — and Razom helped Ukrainian professionals scale the interventions and inventions that prove to be most useful. From Ukrainian-engineered communication systems now achieving state certification, to nationwide Point-of-Care Ultrasound training influencing Ministry of Health standards, 2025 showed that some of Ukraine’s most consequential solutions are emerging directly from wartime necessity.

As Ukrainian ultrasound pioneer Dr. Oksana Popova explains:

Through Razom z Toboyu (Together with You), more than 11,000 individual counseling sessions were delivered in 2025 alone, expanding access to modern, evidence-based psychological care.

Tourniquet protocols were standardized nationally through the first-ever Tourniquet Forum.

Through Razom Cinema, we reimagined how Ukrainian films are distributed and experienced globally. We partnered for the first time with Metrograph in New York to present Soul & Soil: Ukrainian Poetic Cinema, a curated series of landmark Ukrainian films.

This is innovation that strengthens Ukraine today, enhances Ukraine’s capacity to rebuild, and informs global best practices for tomorrow. Razom is proud to act as a catalyst for developing Ukrainian-led innovation and invest in solutions produced by people who excel under the toughest conditions, often with no margin for error.

Investing in Ukraine’s Next Generation

Ukraine’s future is being built in classrooms, volunteer camps, robotics labs, and youth leadership programs. Razom supported 25+ STEM classrooms reaching 9,500 students, national education festivals engaging 2,500 teachers, and international Olympiad teams earning medals on global stages. Through entrepreneurship programs like Create HERE!, 783 young people developed business plans, with projects already implemented in frontline communities.

Razom also invests in global exposure that strengthens Ukraine from the inside out. In 2025, Ukrainian theater professionals completed internships at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, gaining hands-on experience in large-scale production, fundraising, and institutional management.

At the same time, Ukraine’s Youth Delegates to the United Nations carried the lived realities of wartime Ukraine directly into global decision-making spaces, delivering more than 20 speeches and forming a cross-continental youth network spanning 20+ countries.

One participant reflected: “We are not just coordinating projects — we are coordinating hope.”

Investing in youth is not symbolic — it is a structural decision that ensures sustainability of workforce and talent as well as sustained involvement of youth in Ukraine’s recovery.

Building Forward — Together

The work documented in the 2025 Impact Report reflects more than response. It reflects long-term systems building. As CEO Dora Chomiak writes:

That is what Razom is building — a Ukraine that can defend itself, sustain its people, and shape its own democratic future. Your support makes this possible. If you believe in a secure, livable, and connected Ukraine — one led by its own people — we invite you to continue building with us.

Stand with Razom.
Invest in Ukraine’s long-term resilience

Caring for the Country by Caring for its People: Lessons from the Razom z Toboyu Forum in Bucha

Published: January 15, 2026

In October 2025, the city of Bucha became a place of collective listening and forward-looking action. There, more than 70 practitioners, community leaders, public servants, educators, veterans, and partners gathered for the Mental Health Forum “Models of Resilience. Partnerships. Innovations,” organized by RAZOM z Toboyu, a project of Razom for Ukraine, funded by Direct Relief.

The forum asked a question that feels urgent across Ukraine today: How do we strengthen a mental health system that can meet people where they are – during war – and endure for the long recovery ahead?

A convening rooted in place-and purpose

Holding the forum in Bucha was deliberate. The city has become a symbol of profound loss and resilience, and a reminder that mental health is not an abstract policy goal – it is part of daily survival. Bringing the conversation here underscored a shared commitment to building support systems that are grounded in communities, responsive to trauma, and capable of scaling. Participants traveled from more than ten regions – from Kyiv Oblast (including Bucha, Irpin, Borodianka, and Boryspil) to Lviv, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia, Zaporizhzhia, and Mykolaiv – alongside partners from the United States. Psychologists, social workers, medical professionals, veterans, educators, representatives of local government, and civil society organizations filled the room. For those unable to attend in person, the forum was also livestreamed, expanding the dialogue beyond the walls of the venue.

What the forum explored

Across panel discussions, presentations, and a Speed Networking roundtable, the forum focused on practical questions-and practical answers:

How can communities support the mental health of service members, veterans, their families, and civilians living under constant stress?
Which innovations-digital tools, evidence-based interventions, new service models-are helping psychologists work more effectively today?
How do we move from fragmented efforts to systemic cooperation among government institutions, local communities, and the nonprofit sector?

Opening remarks from project leadership and partners emphasized that durable solutions depend on partnership. “This forum is not just an event—it is an effort to create a shared space for action, partnership, and responsibility. Together, we aim to identify models that truly work and to lay the foundation for a joint roadmap for the development of mental health services in our communities.” – said Iryna Gudyma, Head of the RAZOM z Toboyu project.

Other speakers shared lessons learned from building psychosocial support models that prioritize trust, coordination, and local ownership-while remaining aligned with national policy and international best practices. Throughout the day, the conversations were candid. Participants named gaps in coordination and capacity, but they also shared what is working: community-based models, professional support for frontline specialists to prevent burnout, and tools that help measure outcomes rather than intentions.

From dialogue to a roadmap

A central outcome of the forum was the creation of a “roadmap” for intersectoral cooperation – a practical guide communities can use to develop and strengthen their own local mental health ecosystems. The roadmap that emerged from the Bucha forum translates dialogue into coordinated action. Developed on the basis of discussions, panels, and participant surveys, the Roadmap of Mental Resilience for Kyiv Oblast outlines how communities, professionals, and institutions can move from fragmented responses toward a coherent, people-centered system of psychosocial support.

At its core, the roadmap recognizes a simple truth: since the full-scale invasion, mental health has become inseparable from community resilience. Veterans, families of the fallen, internally displaced people, and civilians alike are living with prolonged stress and trauma. Addressing these needs requires more than isolated services – it requires sustained cooperation across sectors, shared standards, and trust.

The roadmap defines intersectoral partnership as the foundation of an effective system. Local governments, healthcare and education institutions, civil society organizations, and psychological centers each play distinct but interconnected roles. Communities are positioned as the first point of contact – places where people seek help and where trust is built – while specialized centers provide deeper clinical support, supervision, and methodological guidance. A third layer of organizations strengthens social cohesion through education, integration programs, and community-based activities.

Another central pillar is quality and accessibility of care. Forum participants identified stigma, low public awareness, and a shortage of specialists – especially in smaller or remote communities – as major barriers to care. The roadmap responds by prioritizing psychoeducation, clear referral pathways, and professional development for specialists. Regular supervision, peer support, and burnout prevention are not treated as optional add-ons, but as essential conditions for sustainable care.

Innovation and digitalization form a third key direction. The roadmap emphasizes that technology is not a goal in itself, but a tool for expanding reach and continuity of support. Online consultations, digital case management systems, telemedicine platforms, and emerging tools such as chatbots or AI-assisted follow-up can help ensure that people do not fall through the cracks – especially when in-person services are unavailable. At the same time, the roadmap acknowledges the need to invest in digital literacy and trust-building so these tools can be used effectively and ethically.

Importantly, the roadmap centers care for the caregiver. The sustainability of any mental health system depends on the well-being of those delivering support. Training, supervision, fair working conditions, and recognition of professional expertise are framed as investments in the resilience of the entire system.

Finally, the roadmap is not a static document. It calls for memoranda of cooperation, shared trainings, mutual referrals, joint advocacy, and continuous feedback between partners. Its ambition is practical: to ensure that no person facing the consequences of war is left alone, and that communities have the structures, partnerships, and tools they need to support recovery today and in the long term.

Ukrainian resilience-shared with the world

The Bucha forum is part of a broader conversation. In 2025, the RAZOM z Toboyu team also presented Ukraine’s experience at the Heal Ukraine conference at Harvard, sharing a model of psychological resilience shaped by the realities of full-scale war.

That model emphasizes four interconnected levels of resilience-individual, family, professional, and social-and pairs them with evidence-based individual support that tracks progress and adapts care plans over time. It also centers professional resilience, offering psychoeducation to specialists working in “human-to-human” professions, and family-based approaches that address transgenerational trauma among military families and veterans.

As Iryna Gudyma put it: “Ukraine’s experience is not only about endurance; it is about innovation under pressure. The systems being built today are meant to be accessible, measurable, and scalable-relevant not just for Ukraine, but for any society facing prolonged crisis.”

Why this moment matters

Since 2022, RAZOM z Toboyu has been working to build a national system of psychological support based on trust, evidence, and partnership. A team of 40 psychologists – 12 with academic degrees – has delivered more than 28,500 individual consultations, 2,500 hours of group work, and over 440 psychoeducational trainings.

The Bucha forum marked an important milestone in that journey. It demonstrated what becomes possible when communities, professionals, and public institutions come together-not to compete for resources, but to align around people’s needs.

Resilience, the forum made clear, is not an abstract trait. It is something we build-deliberately, collectively, and in collaboration. In Bucha, that work continued, with eyes firmly on the future and a shared understanding that caring for mental health is essential to caring for the country itself.