Razom together with the famous Ukrainian travel blogger Anton Ptushkin, held a fundraiser in the United States to purchase 10 mobile bath and laundry complexes for the defenders of Ukraine on the front lines.
The fundraiser included two charity meetings with Anton Ptushkin in New York, which drew over 300 attendees, as well as an online auction where people could purchase valuable commemorative items to support the defenders of Ukraine.
Some of the items up for auction included:
A flag with the signatures of three Ukrainian generals — Zaluzhny, Syrsky, and Pavlyuk — which sold for $6,900.
A copy of Time magazine with Valery Zaluzhny on the cover and his autograph, which sold for $5,600.
A baseball bat signed by members of the New York Yankees baseball team, which sold for $3,700.
A bracelet with the “Azovstal” logo and the signature of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, which sold for $2,600.
Chevrons with the image of Patron the Dog, the hero dog who helped detect landmines in Ukraine, which sold for $3,700.
“Before I came to the United States, I tried to raise funds for one bath and laundry complex through my social media in Ukraine,” said Anton Ptushkin. “I was surprised to raise the money we needed in just two hours, and I raised the money for the second complex just within a day. This showed me that Ukrainians are willing to donate to humanitarian items for the military. However, people in Ukraine are also willing to donate to weapons and drones, while American people are more cautious about donating to these things and prefer to donate to humanitarian items. This is why I decided to try to raise money for mobile bath and laundry complexes in the United States. We did our first fundraiser and it was a success, so we decided to continue.”
Ptushkin also said that he chose New York as the starting point for the fundraiser because there is a large Ukrainian diaspora in the city. Jason Birchard, an owner of famous New York restaurant Veselka, generously donated $20,000 from his Stand With Ukraine Fund to the event.
Overall, the fundraiser raised $200,000, which will be used to purchase 10 mobile bath and laundry complexes. The showers are currently being manufactured near Kyiv and will soon be delivered to the front lines.
“It’s great to see that people from all over the world are coming together to support Ukraine,” said Olya Yarichkivska, one of the founders of the Razom foundation and the head of the Razom Heroes program in the United States.
“The money raised from this fundraiser will provide our defenders with much-needed bathing and laundry facilities, which are essential in this hot weather. We will continue to do everything we can to support Ukraine and its defenders.”
The Razom Heroes program is one of the many initiatives of the Razom foundation and the “Together for Ukraine” non-profit that are providing vital assistance to the defenders of Ukraine.
The program has already provided the frontline with over 130,000 tactical first aid kits, 3,000 combat medic backpacks, 100 pickup trucks/evacuation vehicles, 2,000 drones, walkie-talkies, repeaters, generators, starlinks, and other essential items for victory.
We are grateful for your interest in our work here at Razom for Ukraine. Please refer to our frequently asked questions below for information you are seeking about our mission delivery and/or how to get involved. If you don’t see your question answered on this page, please contact us with your inquiry at info@razomforukraine.org. Thank you!
How can one volunteer for Razom?
Razom for Ukraine was built on the dedication of hundreds of volunteers working together toward a common goal. As we grow, we continue to seek volunteers to support our various projects and initiatives. If you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out this form. While we cannot promise immediate placement, we’ll reach out as soon as new volunteer requests emerge from our teams. You can also email volunteering@razomforukraine.org.
In the meantime, you don’t have to wait for us; there are already opportunities to support Ukraine today:
Participate in information events and advocate for Ukraine on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest initiatives, and subscribe to our e-newsletter for news on how you can support Ukraine in your community and beyond.
Initiate a third-party fundraiser on behalf of Razom and feel free to be as creative as possible. People have started personal fundraisers for Razom on social media, hosted charity concerts, poetry readings, and evenings dedicated to supporting Ukraine’s cause.
How can one get help for Ukrainian service members?
Razom provides life-saving support to those doing the valiant work of safeguarding lives in wartime. While our organization may not directly provide the type of help you’re looking for, we encourage you to visit this page for resources and information that may guide you to the appropriate channels for your needs.
How can one get help for medical institutions?
For detailed information on how to properly apply for aid for medical institutions across Ukraine from Razom, please go to the link.
How can one get (personal) humanitarian aid?
Under the current circumstances, the efforts and attention of Razom are focused on supporting first responders and medics, medical facilities, and field hospitals, as well as advocating for Ukrainian victory. We also support Ukrainian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) providing aid in their communities.
If you are a newly arrived refugee from Ukraine to New York (USA), Razom does have an online resource – our Refugee Infohub – to guide you through obtaining services and assistance.
If you are in Ukraine or another part of the U.S., we recommend reaching out to other local organizations that provide personal aid.
How can a nonprofit/organization get grants/help from Razom?
Our grant-making program, Razom’s Relief works to foster a resilient and sustainable recovery that ensures the competitiveness of the Ukrainian economy and opportunities for those living in Ukraine. We do this via strategic investment into Ukrainian community initiatives.
The main areas of focus are:
Investing in development of Ukrainian Civil Society organizations
Providing educational and leadership development opportunities for children and youth, with a focus on STEM.
Ensuring competitiveness within the Ukrainian economy by getting people back to work with the necessary skills
Providing opportunities for veterans and women to join the workforce
Ensuring recovery via projects in water and green energy space
We are working on finalizing our new mandate and will share it soon. In the meantime, you can leave information about your organization here. Or apply for organizational development grant or mentorship here.
Can you share our fundraising page with your audience?
Razom’s mission delivery currently focuses on five program areas: Heroes, Health, Relief, Advocacy and Connect, for which we actively fundraise and which allows us to remain a sustainable nonprofit organization. Because of this we can’t support fundraising for other organizations and are not a platform for other organizations’ fundraising efforts.
How can we partner?
Please send your inquiry to our email: info@razomforukraine.org and our team will get in touch with you at the earliest possible time.
Please visit this page for more information about Razom’s Cars for Victory initiative. To apply for consideration, please fill in this form.
How can I donate?
Philanthropic support is critical in fulfilling Razom’s mission and we are very grateful to our generous donors. Razom, Inc. is a U.S. 501(c)(3) organization with EIN # 46-4604398. Donations and gifts are deductible to the full extent allowable under IRS regulations and can be made online at our dedicated page: https://www.razomforukraine.org/donate/.
I am interested in working at Razom – do you have any opportunities?
To learn about career and internship opportunities, please visit our website.
Do you accept clothing donations, etc?
At this time we don’t accept in-kind donations in other forms than medical equipment and supplies or non-military aid to Ukrainian first responders and front line personnel.
We advise you to check with your local church or community center whether they can distribute some items directly.
Do you offer United for Ukraine (U4U) Sponsorship?
Razom does not provide sponsorship and should not be referenced as a sponsoring organization on the USCIS visa form. However, Ukrainians can connect with a sponsor using the following website: https://ukraine.welcome.us/connect.
ПОШИРЕНІ ЗАПИТАННЯ
Ми щиро вдячні за Ваш інтерес до нашої роботи в Razom for Ukraine. Будь ласка, ознайомтеся з відповідями на часті запитання нижче, щоб дізнатися більше про нашу місію та способи долучення. Якщо Ви не знайдете відповіді на своє запитання, будь ласка, звертайтеся до нас за електронною адресою info@razomforukraine.org. Дякуємо!
Як можна стати волонтером Razom?
Razom for Ukraine була заснована завдяки відданості сотень волонтерів, які працювали разом заради спільної мети. Ми продовжуємо шукати волонтерів для підтримки наших різних проєктів та ініціатив. Якщо ви зацікавлені у волонтерстві, будь ласка, заповніть цю форму. Хоча ми не можемо гарантувати миттєве залучення, ми зв’яжемося з вами, як тільки виникне потреба в нових волонтерах. Ви також можете написати на volunteering@razomforukraine.org.
Тим часом ви можете підтримати Україну вже сьогодні:
Брати участь в інформаційних заходах та підтримувати Україну в соціальних мережах. Слідкуйте за нами у Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn та підпишіться на нашу електронну розсилку, щоб отримувати новини про те, як ви можете допомогти Україні.
Приєднуйтесь до нашої мережі адвокації та звертайтеся до своїх обраних представників.
Відвідуйте мітинги та акції протесту у своєму місті; звертайтеся до наших партнерів Svitanok або Klych для більш детальної інформації.
Підтримуйте відповідні петиції та/або бойкотуйте компанії, що продовжують працювати в Росії.
Відвідуйте заходи, які підтримує Razom.
Подайте заявку на стажування в Razom.
Організуйте сторонній фандрейзер на користь Razom. Люди вже започаткували особисті збори коштів у соціальних мережах, проводили благодійні концерти, поетичні читання та вечори на підтримку України.
Як можна допомогти українським військовим?
Razom надає життєво необхідну підтримку тим, хто здійснює героїчну роботу зі збереження життів під час війни. Хоча наша організація може не надавати саме ту допомогу, яку ви шукаєте, ми рекомендуємо відвідати цю сторінку для отримання ресурсів та інформації.
Як можна отримати допомогу для медичних установ?
Для детальної інформації про те, як правильно подати заявку на допомогу для медичних установ по всій Україні від Razom, будь ласка, перейдіть за цим посиланням.
Як можна отримати (особисту) гуманітарну допомогу?
На даний момент Razom зосереджує свої зусилля на підтримці медиків, медичних закладів та мобільних шпиталів, а також на адвокації перемоги України. Ми також підтримуємо українські неурядові організації (НУО), що надають допомогу в своїх громадах.
Якщо ви нещодавно прибули як біженець з України до Нью-Йорка (США), Razom має онлайн ресурс — Refugee Infohub, щоб допомогти вам з отриманням послуг та допомоги.
Як неприбуткова організація може отримати гранти/допомогу від Razom?
Наша грантова програма Razom’s Relief спрямована на стійке відновлення України через стратегічні інвестиції в ініціативи українських громад.
Основні напрями:
Інвестування у розвиток громадянського суспільства в Україні.
Освіта та лідерство для дітей та молоді, з акцентом на STEM.
Підтримка конкурентоспроможності економіки України.
Підтримка ветеранів та жінок у працевлаштуванні.
Проєкти у сфері водопостачання та зеленої енергетики.
Як можна партнерувати з Razom?
Будь ласка, надсилайте ваші запити на info@razomforukraine.org, і наша команда зв’яжеться з вами якомога швидше.
In acknowledgement of all the hard work volunteers, supporters, partners, and donors have put into Razom’s Emergency Response for almost five straight months now, we’ve put together an Impact Report. We’re making history together, #Razom, and we wouldn’t be able to do it any other way. So take a look, read it, share it, and help us continue this great work for Ukraine.
RAZOM WELCOMES TRUMP’S READINESS TO GUARANTEE UKRAINIAN SECURITY SO ANY PEACE DEAL LASTS
Washington, D.C. — Today’s historic summit at the White House of European leaders and President Donald Trump reportedly resulted in a proposed $90 billion deal between the United States and Ukraine, steps towards security guarantees from the United States and Europe, and readiness for a trilateral meeting with the presidents of Ukraine, the United States, and Vladimir Putin.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed a historic deal with the United States, pledging to buy $90 billion worth of American weapons. The proposal would also strike a deal for the U.S. and Ukraine to produce the cutting-edge drones that Ukraine has used to protect Europe for the last 3.5 years from Russian aggression. This deal would be a huge win for President Trump and his mission to rebuild the American military—nobody knows drones like the Ukrainians.
“Any deal to end the war that abandons the tens of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia would be a bad deal,” said Dora Chomiak, CEO of Razom for Ukraine. “Ukraine cannot sacrifice its future. Ukraine is integral to the future of security for the United States and the rest of Europe. Ukraine’s future will be decided by Ukrainians.”
“By working with U.S. allies to guarantee Russia can’t restart the war, President Trump shows Peace Through Strength,” Chomiak said. “Ukrainians have called Putin’s escalation bluffs countless times and shown that Russian threats ring hollow. Russia has violated every agreement it made with Ukraine to respect its sovereignty and stop fighting. Russia lies. It will take iron-clad security guarantees to truly end this war.”
“President Trump’s readiness to include the United States in security guarantees for Ukraine is the crucial component to a real sustainable peace,” Chomiak said. “As President Trump convened today’s summit, Russia launched another massive bombardment of Ukrainians with dozens of suicide drones screeching towards families in their homes.”
Under U.S. law since 2017, it is illegal for the United States to recognize Russia’s false claims on occupied Ukrainian territory. (See §§ 253 and 257 of Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act).
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Razom (“Together” in Ukrainian) is a U.S. nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and a leading advocate for continued U.S. assistance to Ukraine.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact Ostap Yarysh, Media Advisor at Razom, ostap.yarysh@razom.org
RAZOM CALLS ON PRESIDENT TRUMP TO TAKE DECISIVE ACTION AFTER PUTIN MISLEADS AT ALASKA MEETING
Anchorage, Alaska — Following the meeting between President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Razom for Ukraine reaffirms that the only way to achieve a genuine peace is by pressuring Russia, not by believing Putin’s lies that he wants peace. The best path to peace lies in working closely with Ukraine and the rest of Europe to force Putin to end his invasion.
“Putin remains the sole obstacle to peace,” said Dora Chomiak, CEO of Razom. “Just before Putin landed in Alaska, Russia launched another massive air strike on Ukrainian civilians, reminding us all that he won’t end Russia’s invasion until he’s forced to. To ensure a peace between Russia and Ukraine is successful and lasting, Ukrainians must be the ones deciding their own future. President Trump must immediately get Ukraine the weapons it needs to save innocent families from Putin’s brutal attacks,” Chomiak said.
“The idea that Putin believes there is a positive deal for him in the near future is deeply alarming. Justice requires that any ‘agreement’ made without Ukraine be rejected. This isn’t ‘the Ukrainian problem,’ but the Russian problem — this is Russia’s war, and Russia decides when to end its invasion.”
“Every moment that real peace is delayed means more Russian missiles killing civilians, more Ukrainian children abducted by the Russians from occupied territory, and more horrific war crimes perpetrated by Russia. Putin still has hope that he can conquer Ukraine. President Trump must prove him wrong.”
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Razom (“Together” in Ukrainian) is a major U.S.-based nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and a leading advocate for continued U.S. assistance for Ukraine. For more information or to request an interview, please contact Ostap Yarysh, Media Advisor at Razom for Ukraine at ostap.yarysh@razom.org.
RAZOM CALLS ON PRESIDENT TRUMP TO SHOW STRENGTH IN ALASKA MEETING
Washington, D.C. — President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to meet with President Donald Trump in Alaska this week does not demonstrate Russia’s openness to peace, but is rather a sign of strategic desperation. “For three years, Ukraine’s brave men and women have done what many once thought impossible: grind one of the world’s largest militaries to a crawl,” said Mykola Murskyj, Advocacy Director at Razom. “President Trump has now forced Putin to come to the table by demonstrating true American strength.”
Razom calls on President Trump to reject Putin’s bad-faith appeals to peace. “For Putin, this isn’t about territory or some geopolitical aim, but a deep desire to eliminate the Ukrainian nation. Ukrainians share President Trump’s goal of peace, but history shows that Putin will take any opportunity to rearm, regroup, and prepare for his next offensive. Because of Russia’s war aims, the idea of a land swap simply cannot achieve the peace that Ukrainians and Trump seek,” said Murskyj. “No decisions about Ukraine can be made without Ukraine at the table.”
“Achieving peace requires us to confront evil, not accommodate it. True strength means forcing Russia to end its aggression entirely, return over 19,500 abducted Ukrainian children, and withdraw from the Ukrainian territory it occupies.”
Trump voters support the President sending additional military aid to Ukraine by a 3-to-1 ratio, according to a mid-July poll from Echelon Insights (65% support, 22% opposed). President Trump has the opportunity to demonstrate strength by enforcing expansive secondary sanctions and tariffs, speeding weapons deliveries to Ukraine, and continuing to pressure America’s European allies to do more in the interest of our common defense.
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Razom (“Together” in Ukrainian) is a U.S. nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and a leading advocate for continued U.S. assistance to Ukraine.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact Ostap Yarysh, Media Advisor at Razom, ostap.yarysh@razom.org
In the conditions of a full-scale invasion, when Ukrainian military medicine faces extraordinary challenges, it is the leaders on the ground who keep things together. But is it possible to effectively manage a team, processes, and resources if you have never been taught this? It was this question that began the story of the Mini-MBA – a unique educational program for leaders of medical units of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine, created by the Razom for Ukraine Foundation together with kmbs (Kyiv-Mohyla Business School), in partnership with the Department of Health of the Ministry of Defense and the Medical Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Mini-MBA emerged not in a “reform laboratory”, but in the reality of the full-scale invasion, where the medical service members work on the edge every day. The reform of military medicine is happening in real time – in the field, amid a shortage of people and resources. Often, the heads of medical services are the people who have no prior management experience, but only sincere motivation.
“Being a doctor, manager, and coordinator is something that no one teaches you anywhere. Especially when every decision matters today,” says Serhiy Savchenko, head of a medical station.
To identify real needs, the Razom for Ukraine team, together with the Medical Forces Command, conducted a survey of over 100 medical unit leaders. It turned out that over 80% of them had never received management training, and 90% felt they were in dire need of such training.
These answers became the basis of the program. The teachers at kmbs relied on them, forming training modules — practical, compact, and focused on a specific result. The competition was high: from more than 150 applications submitted for the first program, 40 of the most motivated participants were selected — those who have influence and are ready to transform their departments.
The Mini-MBA covers four strategic areas:
Leadership and Performance Management – how to build effective teams and think strategically.
Communication, Trust, and Change – how to build resilience and fairness in a team.
LEAN Processes – how to eliminate waste in logistics and medical processes.
Modern Management Skills – from delegation to crisis management.
“After the first few days, for the first time in many years, I drew ‘spaghetti’ – process diagrams – on the walls of my office. The team didn’t understand at first, but they quickly picked up on it,” says Pavlo, head of a medical department. “At home, the children laughed that I had taken all their crayons. And I wanted to work – again.”
Participants analyze real-life cases – from combat units to adapted international experience. All through the prism of management, leadership, and trust.
The program included those who make dozens of decisions every day, lead teams, and those who are responsible not only for the process, but also for human dignity and life. Many of them, for the first time in their years of service, had the opportunity not only to relax emotionally, but also to look at their work strategically.
“A breath of fresh air is a feeling that accompanied me all the days of training.
The feeling of oxygen, which was so lacking during these more than three years of service. And this increased oxygenation fills the brain with new meanings and a desire for changes that bring us closer to Victory,” shares Igor Artyushenko, head of a brigade’s medical service.
The program included not only classic management modules, but also unique meetings with practitioners who directly shape the culture of medical management at the front. The training involved heads of medical services of forward companies and corps, as well as specialists with experience in real management in combat conditions.
A special highlight was a lecture within the framework of inter-program collaboration with Razom Health, dedicated to planning medical operations in the military sphere. It was given by Michael R. Hetzler – a paramedic, a veteran of the U.S. Special Operations Forces, an expert in military medicine, and a defense strategist who currently heads the NATO initiative for the development of allied medical training. He conducts courses on special operations surgery and modern concepts of combat medicine.
The program also featured a separate lecture dedicated to Lessons Learned approaches in the medical unit system as a tool for analyzing, adapting, and implementing changes based on field experience.
The training did not end with a certificate. Each participant became part of a community that is being formed. They will be able to communicate with each other and continue learning – for this we are also preparing a resource base of lectures that will be available in online format.
“Mini-MBA is an example of how civil society can change systems. We don’t just teach, we create an environment where a new type of leader is born – resilient, thoughtful, open to change,” emphasizes Taras Hatalyak, director of the Razom Heroes program.
This is the first program in Ukraine where management is adapted to the real challenges of the medical system in crisis conditions. The format combines offline modules, online blocks, mentoring, and practice. Training runs parallel to the service – supporting, not distracting.
“I started the course as the commander of the battalion medical service, and I am leaving the course as the commander of the brigade medical service. The topic of leadership is very important to me. I see an example of how management works, both in civilian life and in the army. You work with people and you must have a certain knowledge base and skills. Especially when you hold a certain position. To know how to cooperate with these people, how to make management decisions and most importantly how to motivate people so that they want to work with you. This is a very cool, full-fledged program, and all this time everything I did on intuition has been replaced by real knowledge and actions that I am already implementing in my work,” Alina Mikhailova, commander of the brigade medical service, shares after the course.
Mini-MBA is more than an educational project. It is an investment in the people who maintain the system every day. They do not wait for reforms – they become them themselves.
Women in Translation (WiT) Month, celebrated annually in August, is an initiative focused on celebrating women writers from around the world – especially those writing in languages other than English. A fully volunteer-led movement, WiT was started by a book blogger and lifelong bibliophile Meytal Radzinski in 2014 and has become a staple of the literary community since. WiT aims to celebrate and promote translated literature by women and highlight the underrepresentation of women authors in translated works – a gender imbalance where a disproportionate number of translated books are written by men and come from Western European countries. We invite you to celebrate WiT Razom (together) with us by seeking out, reading, discussing, and sharing books written and translated by Ukrainian women. We share a few options to get your exploration started below.
Algometry by Iryna Vikyrchak (translated by Nina Murray)
Algometry is a lyrical portrait of the generation of Ukrainians who grew up and were shaped by the common and individual painful inner and outer experiences, to become the most resilient and brave nation. Algometry is a term of physiology and neurology, but it is not the physical pain that is the recurring motif of the book: the speaker, a millennial woman who grew up in Western Ukraine in the 90s, takes us through the three thematic corridors emphasizing emotional sensitivity, hyper-empathy, and inner strength.
Ivan and Phoebe by Oksana Lutsyshyna (translated by Nina Murray)
Married couple Ivan and Phoebe grapple with questions about family, tragedy, and independence. Although protagonist Ivan tells the story, Phoebe’s voice rings through the text. The two reflect on the harrowing aftermath of revolution: torture at the hands of the KGB and each other. Ivan refuses to talk about his pain, while Phoebe recounts her past wounds through poetic monologues. The story bounces between politically charged cities like Kyiv and Lviv and Ivan’s small, traditional hometown of Uzhhorod. As characters come to exercise their rights to free speech and protest, they must also reevaluate the norms of marriage and home life. These initially appear to be spaces of peace and harmony but are soon revealed to be hotbeds of conflict and multigenerational trauma.
Love Life by Oksana Lutsyshyna (translated by Nina Murray)
Love Life, the second novel by the award-winning Ukrainian writer and poet Oksana Lutsyshyna, follows Yora, an immigrant to the United States from Ukraine. A delicate soul who is finely attuned to the nuances of human relations, Yora becomes enmeshed with Sebastian, a seductive acquaintance who suggests that they share a deep bond. But the relationship ends, sending her into a period of despair and grief. Full of mystic allusions, Love Life is a fascinating story of self-discovery amidst the complexities of adapting to a new life.
The God of Freedom by Yulia Musakovska (translated by Olena Jennings)
In Yuliya Musakovska’s newest poetry collection, The God of Freedom, she reveals, facet by facet, the landscape of a turbulent, contemporary Ukraine. Equal parts intimate and expansive, the poems follow the societal struggles of women and their families, the trauma of returning soldiers, and the peoples’ future under the shadow of war and its tumultuous past.
Cecil the Lion Had to Die by Olena Stiazhkina (translated by Dominique Hoffman)
In Cecil the Lion Had to Die, Olena Stiazhkina follows four families through radical transformations when the Soviet Union unexpectedly implodes, independent Ukraine emerges, and neoimperial Russia occupies Ukraine’s Crimea and parts of the Donbas. Just as Stiazhkina’s decision to transition to writing in Ukrainian as part of her civic stance–performed in this book that begins in Russian and ends in Ukrainian–the stark choices of family members take them in different directions, presenting a multifaceted and nuanced Donbas.
My Women by Yuliya Iliukha (translated by Hanna Leliv)
Yuliia Iliukha’s My Women, translated from Ukrainian by Hanna Leliv, is an urgent and poignant story collection of women confronted by the countless brutalities of war. It locates the voices and devastating experiences of those who have been silenced, those who have lost loved ones, those who have fought and persevered, and those who have broken down.
Forgottenness by Tanja Maljartschuk (translated by Zenia Tompkins)
An award-winning novel from one of Ukraine’s most prolific contemporary authors, Forgottenness tells a spellbinding story of belonging and uprootedness, as understood by two exiles across time.
A Crash Course in Molotov Cocktails by Halyna Kruk(translated by Amelia M Glaser and Yuliya Ilchuk)
These stunning poems of witness by one of Ukraine’s most revered poets are by turns breathless, philosophical, and visionary. Leading readers into the world’s darkest spaces, Kruk implies that the light of language can nevertheless afford some measure of protection. Naming serves as a shield, albeit a wooden one.
Lost in Living by Halyna Kruk (translated by Dzvinia Orlowsky and Ali Kinsella)
Lost in Living presents Halyna Kruk’s unpublished work from the immediate “pre-invasion” years when life in Ukraine was marked by turmoil but full-scale war was not yet normalized. In these “dear poems that don’t pain [her] like those about the war do,” Kruk uses imagery and tone to underscore poetic agency, at times juxtaposing figurative language with a calm, direct voice to bring her poems to life. Nature cannot be relied on to sustain nor renew, and life is shown to be fundamentally vulnerable.
The Museum of Abandoned Secrets by Oksana Zabuzhko (translated by Nina Murray)
Spanning sixty tumultuous years of Ukrainian history, this multigenerational saga weaves a dramatic and intricate web of love, sex, friendship, and death. At its center: three women linked by the abandoned secrets of the past–secrets that refuse to remain hidden.
Fieldwork in Ukrainian Sex by Oksana Zabuzhko (translated by Halyna Hryn)
Called “the most influential Ukrainian book for the 15 years of independence, Field Work in Ukrainian Sex by Oksana Zabuzhko is the tale of one woman’s personal revolt provoked by a top literary scandal of the decade.
Literature is a tool for amplifying Ukrainian voices – especially women’s voices during WiT Month. Read these books, share them, and use them in your advocacy.
August marks one of the most important holidays in the Ukrainian calendar – Ukraine’s Independence Day. A state holiday celebrated on August 24 in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence of 1991, it marks Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union as it restored its rightful sovereignty. Ukrainian diaspora communities around the US plan festivals, parades, movie screenings, and concerts to mark this day. In this month’s #RazomRecommends we highlight some of these events in various states – we hope you’ll consider attending a gathering near you to meet the Ukrainian community and learn why this holiday is so important – especially during the full-scale invasion.
21-23 August 2025| California
Checkpoint Zoo Screenings in partnership with Razom
Checkpoint Zoo documents a daring rescue led by a heroic team of zookeepers and volunteers, who risked their lives to save thousands of animals trapped in a zoo behind enemy lines during the initial days of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Drawing from first-hand footage, Award-winning filmmaker Joshua Zeman’s Checkpoint Zoo showcases a story of human compassion, bravery, and sacrifice during Ukraine’s darkest hours -shining a light on the best of humanity when it is all too easy to focus on the worst. Presented in various cities across California in partnership with Razom.
A celebration of 34 Years of Independence with Ukrainian culture, food, music, and community. The all-day event will feature performances – including a special guest Oleh Skrypka, authentic Ukrainian cuisine, local vendors and artisans, family-friendly activities, and community connection.
Unbroken: Evening Honoring Ukraine’s Independence Day
A meaningful gathering to reflect on Ukraine’s enduring spirit, honor its path to sovereignty, and celebrate the resilience and support of our community. The evening will include delicious Ukrainian-inspired bites, a silent auction benefiting humanitarian aid through the Ukrainian Arizona Foundation, and community updates on local efforts committed to supporting Ukraine during this critical time. This is a ticketed event.
The Fest returns for its third year in a row, and will include live performances, art workshops, kids fun zone, arts and crafts market of handmade goods, and lots of authentic Ukrainian cuisine to sample and purchase. The event is free to attend.
The event in Raleigh consists of two parts. The first part is a free festival with Ukrainian music and folk dancing, traditional cuisine, and a tour of the Ukrainian School of Raleigh. The second part is a concert of the famous Ukrainian artist Oksana Mukha benefitting Revived Soldiers of Ukraine.
The capital’s event centers around a rally and a march, followed by a concert featuring Ukrainian music, poetry, and dance, as attendees come together to honor Ukrainian Independence. Guests will assemble at the north side of the White House, hear official remarks and a musical interlude, and then march to the Taras Shevchenko Memorial where the main concert will take place.
All are welcome at this free event that honors Ukrainian heritage, celebrates cultural diversity, and fosters a sense of connection. The gathering will provide an opportunity to connect with community leaders, explore local and international resources, experience powerful national anthems, and hear moving performances from special guests and civic leaders. The event will be concluded by a headline performance by KAZKA, the internationally acclaimed Ukrainian electro-folk-pop sensation.
A free event in partnership between the Ukrainian Society of Indiana and Bier Brewery Noblesville. Community members are invited to enjoy food, mingle, and help raise funds for the charitable causes supported by the Society in Ukraine.
The event will reflect freedom through music, movement, song, dance, and visual art. Main element of the event — large scale bird installation, as a symbol of resilience, flight, and freedom. To honor the fallen. To inspire the living. Performances by Pavlo Ginta, Alex Pryrodny, Fima Chupakhin, Valeriia Vovk, Angelina Statyeva, Hanna Datsko, Markiian Krysa, Maksym Lozynskyj, Dumka chorus, and others. All proceeds from the evening will go toward life-saving supplies for Ukrainian defenders.
Organized for the fifth consecutive year by Ukrainian Jersey City, this event embodies the spirit of unity, compassion, and solidarity. A running race (or walk) with proceeds dedicated to supporting a humanitarian cause which is raising funds for a cornerstone project “Ambulances for Ukraine”. Vyshyvankas and Ukrainian symbols/flags are very much welcome!
Celebrate the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s Renewed Independence at the UIA’s family-friendly Open House. Visit the Ukrainian Food Court to indulge in a variety of savory and sweet treats, shop for Ukrainian design treasures at the Code 380 pop-up, and see over a thousand pysanky in The Pysanka: A Symbol of Hope. Admire exquisite 19th-century Ukrainian traditional costumes and textiles, take home a book or two, and experience powerful contemporary films made by Ukrainian filmmakers during the war.
Match in a Haystack Screening in partnership with Razom
Join us for a screening of the documentary Match in a Haystack and a panel discussion. The film will be followed by a 30-minute conversation about the fight for Ukrainian culture and Russia’s attempts to erase Ukraine’s unique identity with Arielle Sherman — an Emmy Award–winning film editor; Natalie Keyser — photographer with the NYT; Nina Murray — poet and an award-winning translator of Ukrainian literature and Program Director of Razom Connect. Match in a Haystack follows a group of Ukrainian dancers in Kyiv as they prepare for a performance against the backdrop of the Russian invasion.
Similarly to DC, this event will focus on a public march along Chicago’s main street in honor of the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. Gathering begins at 2:00 PM at Congress Plaza Garden, and the march will conclude with a program at the western end of the Riverwalk.
Ukrainian teenagers are built differently. War makes them grow up quickly and take on responsibilities they were not supposed to handle. But tough realities create a strong nation and responsible young leaders who know the importance of being proactive citizens. Like the rest of the world, Ukrainians have to deal with ecological issues, but in addition, they face military pollution, which contributes to the degradation of the environment. Almost 20% of Ukraine’sterritory is mined and might take a dozen years to clear, experts say.
Iryna Vynar, 17, from Boryslav, Lviv Oblast, has always been interested in ecology and biology. She was 14 when the full-scale invasion started, and her father joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. She has changed a lot since then.
“Each of us has grown up,” Iryna said. “I realized that now I have to take responsibility. Right after the start of the full-scale invasion, I knew I wanted to contribute somehow to bring our victory closer.”
This nudged Iryna to create a plastic shield—a tool that would both help reuse plastic and make the mines safer.
Iryna Vynar talking to her fellow uBoost participants. Submitted by Iryna Vynar.
She developed her idea during the uBoost’s “Create HERE!” program, supported by Razom. Iryna’s grandma saw an announcement and encouraged Iryna to apply.
uBoost is a free educational platform empowering teenagers aged 13–23 from frontline communities and small towns in Ukraine to develop soft skills, launch their own projects, and connect with industry mentors to support their professional and entrepreneurial journeys.
During the program, Iryna learned the basics of entrepreneurship and marketing. The most impactful part, she said, was working with a mentor, who helped her feel more confident about her idea.
“At first, I was a bit worried—maybe something wouldn’t work out, maybe I was doing something wrong. But the support played a huge role for me. It helped me a lot.
By the time I was pitching my project, I wasn’t scared anymore—everything felt great,” she said.
Iryna created the plastic shield for mines that would protect people clearing and operating landmines and give new life to plastic waste. The shield is made of three strong layers that absorb shocks, provide insulation, and guard against mechanical damage. Iryna’s invention can be used for controlled detonation, post-war demining, and safe transportation of mines.
Iryna believes that her idea can make a significant impact, not just for people, but for animals, plants, and the entire ecosystem. “It can really help not only us,” she said, “but the ecosystem that affects us all so deeply.”
Iryna is currently looking for companies that can manufacture the plastic shield to help her dad be safer and the environment cleaner. She plans to continue her journey in the field of environmental protection in the future. This year, she finished her first year at the Ukrainian National Forestry University.
uBoost is supporting teenagers who develop their ventures in various areas, whether it’s creating psychological cards, personalized decorative boxes, or a modest clothing brand. Iryna said it was “incredibly great to talk to people who are developing completely different kinds of projects.”
“Our country will need to be rebuilt, and that responsibility will fall on the shoulders of this generation. And when you see young people developing and trying to do something, it brings a lot of joy,” she said.
Iryna Vynar at the uBoost meet-up. Submitted by Iryna Vynar.
With your support, Ukrainian youth have the opportunity to implement impactful projects and gain empowerment through mission-driven organizations like uBoost, supported by Razom.
Razom Thanks President Trump for Providing Further Assistance to Ukraine
Washington, DC – Razom applauds President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. and NATO will work together to send life-saving weapons to Ukraine and put additional economic pressure on Russia.
“Today’s announcement is President Trump’s strongest move towards peace in Ukraine yet. This is an important step toward President Trump’s goal of ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, and it will save countless Ukrainian lives,” said Mykola Murskyj, Director of Advocacy at Razom. “Like President Trump said, Ukraine’s defenders have the courage and the know-how to defend themselves; they just need the tools.”
“President Trump has provided Russia’s leadership with every opportunity to demonstrate interest in negotiating a resolution to its war. The Kremlin has rejected these windows of opportunity, even as Ukraine’s government has signed an economic partnership with the U.S. and repeatedly committed to a meaningful dialogue to end the killing.”
“More than three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, there are no longer any mysteries about Vladimir Putin’s intentions. He believes that he can crush the dream of an independent Ukraine one mile, one missile, and one murder at a time. He believes that he can peddle platitudes to America’s President while raining destruction on Ukraine’s cities.”
“The executive branch should immediately implement this policy and Congress should quickly pass the Sanctioning Russia Act.”
“We thank President Trump for this life-saving decision.”
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Razom, which means “together” in Ukrainian, is a U.S. nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and a leading advocate for continued U.S. assistance to Ukraine.
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In the fourth year of Russia’s full-scale invasion into Ukraine, the damage from targeted missile and drone strikes, frontline hostilities, and deliberate damages in the temporarily occupied territories is already shocking – and continues to rise every day. Kyiv School of Economics assessed the damage at $170 billion as of November 2024, while UNDP calculations offer a staggering $524 billion needed for recovery in Ukraine over the next decade. This scale of reconstruction and restoration of people’s livelihoods is far beyond the scope of what government authorities alone can address – underscoring the critical role of civil society in Ukraine’s resilience and recovery. Indeed, the German Marshall Fund suggests that “A resilient and dynamic civil society is a fundamental requirement for the sustenance of pluralistic liberal democracies.”
The robust civil society movement in Ukraine can be traced back to the civil activism of the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity in 2014 (the latter having served as an impetus for creating Razom). Ukrainian NGOs, civic groups, and volunteer associations have been, consistent with research, the driving force behind democratic societal change. And, since 2022, these organizations have found themselves at the forefront of Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukrainian scholars confirm that, “Ukraine’s massive civic engagement and collective action, most recently in defense against Russian aggression, offers a startling picture of grassroots activism.” Ukrainian NGOs have taken on everything from human and animal evacuations, to tactical medicine and food deliveries to the front lines, to community restoration and assistance to internally displaced people.
The ruins of a church in Bohorodychne, Donetsk district, Ukraine, on Jan. 27, 2024. Photo by Violeta Santos Moura/Reuters
Unfortunately, 2025 delivered another blow to the Ukrainian NGOs’ ability to sustain their operations and contribute to the emergency relief and recovery development efforts. The abrupt shuttering of USAID led to the cancellation of over 80% of its programs, forcing many Ukrainian NGOs to close offices, furlough personnel, and suspend critical services like mobile clinics, rehabilitation programs, and civic education initiatives. Stripped of primary U.S. funding, these organizations scrambled to secure alternative donors, resulting in delayed projects, reduced capacity, and heightened vulnerability among displaced populations and frontline communities. This is where Razom has stepped in, leveraging its Razom Relief program to offer innovative solutions to bolster Ukrainian civil society organizations (CSOs).
Launched in 2022, Razom’s Relief Program has been initially focused on helping civilians in Ukraine who are directly affected by the invasion by providing food and shelter, clean water, winter supplies, and psychological and behavioral support for adults and children. It has been immensely effective in service delivery and creating immediate impact specifically because the program partners with more than 200 local grassroots organizations that know the needs of their communities better than anyone else. The program’s unique approach has allowed for an intimate understanding of the needs and gaps in the resource base experienced by local Ukrainian CSOs in small – and often frontline – communities. While local organizations do the majority of the work (delivering up to 80% of humanitarian aid on the ground), they get less than 1% international humanitarian funding directly, which means they lack the means to build a sustainable operation.
Residents of Tomakivka in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast use Razom Relief-installed water filtration system.
Having worked closely with numerous Ukrainian CSOs for the past three years, the team of Razom Relief has come to realize that providing training and capacity building is the difference between a sustained continuation of impact and the dissolution of many smaller organizations. This understanding led to the creation of the Razom Sylnishi (Stronger Together) Project, aimed at providing the resources and organizational knowledge necessary for the survival and success of the smaller CSOs. Among various capacity building efforts, Razom Sylnishi developed the NGO Growth Lab – a unique education and mentoring initiative that allows the CSOs to become more sustainable and equipped to resolve the issues on the local level.
In 2024 Razom Relief launched a pilot version of this initiative As a result, 15 organizations received grants, and eight organizations received mentorship support. A post-implementation survey revealed that 93% of the participants achieved their goals: 78.6% were able to start new projects and 64% were able to attract new donors. In addition, the number of organizations that had a working fundraising plan and strategy increased from 31% to 81% and the number of organizations that had a clear overall strategy increased from 75% to 94%. With the success of the initiative so high, Razom is continuing the program in 2025 with a new cohort of NGOs.
Based on the feedback from this initiative, Razom extended the mentoring program and added the offline educational component. One of the additions to the initiative was a short-term school for 28 leaders of CSOs that took place on 11-17 August, 2024, at the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU). The aim of the school was to develop leadership knowledge and skills among civil society actors to ensure more sustainable and long-term activities of organizations. The school provided several training blocks, including Strategic planning for Managers, Fundraising Tools for CSOs, and Communication Strategy. The mentoring program was extended for 6 months, pairing the smaller and newer CSOs with experienced nonprofit leaders who would help them integrate the learning of the UCU school. With the success of the initiative so high, Razom is continuing the program in 2025 with a new cohort of NGOs.
Representatives of NGOs attending Razom Sylnishi Conference in Kyiv.
Today the NGO Growth Lab follows best practices of international grassroots NGO capacity building and offers a multifaceted approach that includes a week-long nonprofit management school at the Ukrainian Catholic University; assessment of organizational capacity and creation of the capacity development plan; a 6-month mentoring program with a mentor from experienced NGO leaders; as well as additional training and funding to address areas identified in the capacity assessment. At the end of the program, the organizational assessment is repeated again – to document the progress of organizations and outline the most effective next steps.
One of the NGO Growth Lab beneficiaries stands out the most for having shown a remarkable ability to take full advantage of the resources and knowledge offered by the initiative and having implemented the most notable and lasting changes. The Kyiv-based NGO “OOPS. Life in My City” which before the invasion worked to improve the management, safety, and oversight of residential buildings and areas in the capital.
However, once the invasion started, this small organisation dedicated most of its resources to providing humanitarian aid to most affected areas, such as the Chernihiv and Kyiv regions. As the need for humanitarian aid decreased, the organization needed a new strategy to revitalize its work. As a result of their NGO Growth Lab participation, the “OOPS. Life in My City” NGO was able to significantly streamline internal structures and processes, improve grant writing skills (and succeed in securing additional grant funds!), and created transparent and responsive communication processes. These capacity enhancements allowed “OOPS. Life in My City” to launch new projects that used their existing expertise, including playground safety inspections, installations of solar panels for multi-apartment buildings, setup of recycling programs, and construction of bomb shelters. The latter is an especially timely undertaking considering the ongoing brutal attacks on Kyiv and the lack of shelter spaces for residents of densely populated neighborhoods.
OOPS. Life in My City and Razom deliver humanitarian aid in Chernihiv Oblast.
Some of the process improvements achieved by “OOPS. Life in My City” NGO during the Growth Lab include clarifications in procurement policy – including the establishment of transparency and accountability during procurement and developing relationships with Ukrainian manufacturers in order to support the internal market. Internal communications and HR processes improved as well, which allowed the organization to hire new staff and allocate time to the budding initiatives – helping 66 individuals claim payments for destroyed property and conducting 1,204 legal consultations for the IDPs residing in Kyiv and its environs. But probably the most impressive outcome of the Growth Lab was the NGO’s ability to launch a separate charitable fund to address issues and projects that fell outside the organization’s newly clarified mission -creating a focused and sustainable path forward for the NGO.
Implementing a successful program at this scale requires significant time and resources, with participation cost for each CSO standing at about $6,000. We hope that you will consider supporting the work of Razom in ensuring a bright future for Ukraine’s civil society and the country’s recovery from a brutal invasion.
#RazomRecommends: While schools may be out for the summer, learning and exploration do not need to stop. July offers plentiful opportunities to engage with Ukrainian arts and culture – offering a glimpse into the resilience, bravery, and ingenuity of the people who are defending the values of the free world.
16 May – 24 August 2025| NYC
Village to Modern: Ukrainian Folk Art from the Vasyl and Maria Petryshyn Collection
The Ukrainian Museum’s newest exhibit traces the journey of traditional village crafts to modern artistry, showcasing the richness of Ukrainian visual culture. Folk art’s bright colors and bold patterns influenced avant-garde artists to experiment with new techniques and styles, leading to the development of innovative and groundbreaking artworks.
The first comprehensive survey exhibition of Ukrainian artist Jurij Solovij at the Ukrainian Museum in New York presents a significant opportunity to explore the multifaceted contributions of a distinguished artist who adeptly navigated the complexities of culture and identity through his work.
The Ukrainian Institute of America hosts a two-part exhibition by Ukrainian architect, designer, and artist Victoria Yakusha, founder of the live design brand FAINA. Bringing together a decade of creative evolution with a new body of work, this exhibition invites viewers into a world shaped by memory, presence, and the vitality of form.
Soul of a Nation: Voices of Resilience in Ukrainian Folk Art
Fuller Craft Museum proudly presents a multimedia exhibition celebrating Ukraine’s rich artistic heritage and enduring creative spirit. Highlighting the profound role of traditional crafts as acts of resistance and cultural preservation, the exhibition features Zaporizhzhya embroidered textiles, hand-painted pysanka (Easter eggs), Crimean-Tatar ceramics, Hutsul wood art, and Petrykivka painting.
Courage of a Nation: Photo Exhibition by Howard G. Buffet
The extraordinary photo exhibition Courage of a Nation, by Howard G. Buffett, Ukraine’s largest private donor, will be on display at the Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago. The photo exhibition is a selection of images taken by Howard G. Buffett between April 2022 and January 2025, including more than 63 days along the front lines.
Open Group (Yuriy Biley, Pavlo Kovach, and Anton Varga) Artist Talk and Premiere Event
A seated conversation and varenyky (aka pierogi) with Ukrainian artist collective, Open Group, in celebration of the New York institutional premiere of their 2024 work, Repeat After Me – a portrait of civilian victims of and witnesses to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, arranged to follow the format of a karaoke sing-along video.
Meet & Greet with Open Group Ukrainian Artist Collective The Ukrainian Museum and the High Line are pleased to co-host a Meet & Greet event at the Museum where participants will be able to enjoy wine and personal conversations with the collective’s permanent members, Yuriy Biley and Anton Varga, and hear from them about Repeat After Me and their other projects.
Entangled Expressions: Exploring the Labyrinth of Linearity
An immersive journey into the realm of meandering and undulating lines, where art converges with the intricate patterns of nature, mathematics, and human expression. This exhibition features the captivating works of three visionary artists who ingeniously navigate the complexities of lines, knots, and entanglements, each employing a unique medium to articulate their profound explorations.
In his follow-up to Oscar®-winner 20 DAYS IN MARIUPOL, Pulitzer-winning AP journalist Mstyslav Chernov again immerses us in the invasion of Ukraine — this time during the 2023 counteroffensive. Embedded with a small Ukrainian platoon on a high-stakes mission to liberate the Russian-occupied village of Andriivka, Chernov and colleague Alex Babenko hole up in trenches, shadowing soldiers as they inch forward through forest, minefields, shellings, and artillery fire. This first-person witness to war’s cruel reality intersperses with intimate, moving moments — conversations that reveal the bare humanity of young men on the front lines who dream and fear and hope.
A moving cultural evening blending wartime Ukrainian poetry, music, and community in support of Razom for Ukraine. Set in the beautiful Hudson Valley at the Stissing Center for Arts and Culture, just 100 miles from NYC, this special event features poetry in translation, traditional Ukrainian folk music, inspiring speakers, food, drinks, and a live auction.
