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.
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.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
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.
For media inquiries or other questions, please contact Ostap Yarysh at ostap.yarysh@razomforukraine.org. Razom (“together” in Ukrainian) is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to helping build a more secure, democratic and prosperous Ukraine. Razom has provided over $188 million worth of medical and humanitarian aid since February 24, 2022. More information is available at RazomForUkraine.org.
In 2024, after securing the Sundance Grand Jury Prize in the documentary category, Porcelain War began its extraordinary journey across screens, cities, and continents—bringing with it a message that resonates beyond the theater walls. With the crucial support of Razom Cinema, the film reached audiences around the United States, while uplifting the voices of those at the heart of the story.
Co-directed by Slava Leontyev and Brendan Bellomo, Porcelain War tells the poignant story of artists in Ukraine resisting invasion through creation, not destruction. This powerful narrative struck a deep chord with viewers, leading to a screening run that spanned more than 100 film festivals and over 100 theatrical screens globally.
Sundance Film Festival 2024, Porcelain War team. Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev (with Frodo) holding the Grand Jury Award.
Thanks to Razom Cinema’s grant, Slava Leontyev and one of the film’s lead heroes, artist Anya Stasenko, were able to attend screenings and discussions in-person throughout the United States. From intimate community screenings to prestigious Academy-hosted events, Slava and Anya brought Ukrainian voices into the room—reminding every audience member of the urgent need to support Ukraine’s cultural and human resilience.
Their travels brought them to cities across the U.S., including San Francisco, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Washington D.C., where they presented the film at a bipartisan Congressional screening. During the Oscar campaign, their journey continued with repeated visits to key cities, where they met with Academy members and press alike to advocate for the film—and for Ukraine.
The support of Razom Cinema came at a critical moment. With this partnership, Porcelain War not only reached audiences in person—it achieved the incredible milestone of being shortlisted and ultimately nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 97th Academy Awards. This recognition was more than just cinematic—it was a call to action and a spotlight on Ukraine’s continued fight for freedom, dignity, and culture.
“It was a great honor to have the support of Razom Cinema to help share our story of Porcelain War. With Razom’s generous help, we were able to travel around the United States and talk with thousands of people about the importance of preserving our culture and freedom in Ukraine and, ultimately, taking this story to the world stage at the Academy Awards. I am grateful to everyone at Razom for their trust and partnership. Slava Ukraini.” From Slava Leontyev and Anya Stasenko
The Academy Award Oscars 2025, Porcelain War team.
We are honored to have supported this extraordinary film and its remarkable creators. As part of launching the Ukrainian theatrical release, Razom partnered with the Ukrainian distributor Arthouse Traffic to host a special screening of Porcelain War at Kyiv’s iconic Zhovten Cinema. Nearly 400 guests, partners, and friends of the organization gathered for the event. To present the film, Razom Cinema welcomed cinematographer Andriy Stefanov and one of the film’s central figures, Kateryna. This powerful evening not only celebrated the film but also continued Razom’s commitment to supporting the real-life heroes it portrays, by providing aid directly to their battalions.
Zhovten Cinema, Kateryna and Andriy in Kyiv (February 2025) presenting the film Porcelain War.
Thank you to Slava, Anya, and the Porcelain War team for your courage, your artistry, and your unwavering commitment to truth. And thank you to everyone who made this journey possible—including our community of supporters who believe in the power of cinema to change hearts and minds.
#RazomRecommends: This June, stand with Ukraine through art, music, film, community action, and powerful storytelling. Explore resilience. Celebrate culture. Support justice.
16 May – 24 August 2025 | Ongoing | 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. 🔗https://www.theukrainianmuseum.org/village-to-modern/
May 9 – June 22, 2025 | Ongoing | NYC OPEN GROUP: Yuriy Biley, Pavlo Kovach, and Anton Varga
Presented at 601Artspace, this exhibition showcases the collective’s Venice Biennale 2024 project for the Polish Pavilion — a powerful exploration of displacement, identity, and collectivity in wartime. 🔗https://601artspace.org/OPEN-GROUP
29 May – 28 June 2025 | London, UK The Reckoning Based on testimonies collected by The Reckoning Project, this powerful stage production brings real stories of war crimes in Ukraine to life. Created by Dash Arts, written by Anastasiia Kosodii and Josephine Burton, and directed by Burton, the play amplifies Ukrainian voices and demands justice through art. 🔗https://www.arcolatheatre.com/whats-on/the-reckoning/
June 2025 | Tour USA & Canada Konotopska Vidma: A Witch Returns This powerful reinterpretation of a Ukrainian classic reclaims the witch as a symbol of resistance and female power. Don’t miss this feminist theatrical sensation. 🔗https://fca.ua/en/konotopska-vidma-world-en/
June 5 | NYC A Time for Fun: A Concert Cabaret A warm, witty cabaret by Vira Slywotzky and pianist David Sytkowski, fusing classical and popular tunes with Ukrainian soul. 🔗https://www.razomforukraine.org/events/a-time-for-fun-a-concert-cabaret/
June 7 | NYC All Ages Family Concert Bring the whole family to this joyful musical experience exploring Ukrainian sounds and traditions. 🔗https://www.razomforukraine.org/events/all-ages-family-concert/
June 11 | Kyiv, Ukraine
DOCU/PRO Talk: Ukrainian Docs as Cultural Diplomacy
At this DOCUDAYS event, Razom Cinema lead Polina Buchak shares how Ukrainian films like 20 Days in Mariupol reach U.S. audiences, build strategic partnerships, and shape global perceptions. 🔗 https://docudays.ua/industry-accreditation-2025/
June 14 | The Ukrainian Museum, NYC
A Voice for the Future: Lesia Ukrainka and Cassandra
Discover how Lesia Ukrainka’s timeless feminist and anti-imperial drama Cassandra is being brought to the stage today. Featuring a talk by scholar Dr. Tamara Hundorova and a panel with the upcoming production team.
June 17 | DROM, NYC Enver Izmaylov: Crimean Tatar Jazz Fusion A rare U.S. performance by the world-renowned guitarist blending Crimean Tatar folk with jazz and improvisation. 🔗https://bit.ly/45wE3Ry
June 21 – November 2 | Lviv, Ukraine The Stammering Circle at Jam Factory Art Center A major international group exhibition exploring collective memory and interrupted cultural legacies — a highlight of the summer art season in Ukraine. 🔗https://bit.ly/43TS7TR
June 25 | Sony Hall, NYC Vopli Vidopliassova x Eugene Hütz (Gogol Bordello) Ukrainian rock legends join forces with NYC’s punk gypsy icon Eugene Hütz for an electrifying concert. 🔗https://bit.ly/4dELfwW June 26–29 | Carpathian Mountains, Ukraine
RUTA Annual Conference: Imagination, New Visions, and Connections
A vibrant gathering of Ukrainian scholars, creatives, and community builders exploring bold ideas, new visions, and cross-disciplinary connections.
Following the liberation of Kherson Oblast west of the Dnipro River in November 2022, the world has learned that the Russian grip is breakable. Local communities were saved from the cruel hands of the occupiers—but not from the relentless shelling launched by the Russian forces based on the temporarily occupied east bank. Due to the proximity of Russian positions just across the river, locals have as little as 40 seconds to hide, but often the missile arrives in the blink of an eye. Civilians are also not safe from drone attacks, the so-called “human safari,” recognized by the UN Commission as a crime against humanity. In addition to aerial attacks, people still have to deal with the aftermath of the Kakhovka Dam destruction caused by Russian forces in June 2023. While towns downstream were flooded—resulting in death toll and landscape devastation—those upstream faced serious water supply issues.
Mylove is located upstream of the drained Kakhovka reservoir. Submitted by Mylove Hromada.
Living with limited critical infrastructure is tough and demotivating, but despite all odds, Ukrainians do not give up. With support from Razom, Kherson region’s Hromadas keep the spirit of unity and continue to resist. While Russia aims to destroy Ukrainian cities, grassroots organizations in Dariivka and Bilozerka Hromadas create new opportunities for all community members, rebuild, and find ways to stay connected.
Volunteers who rebuild and strengthen unity
NGO Moya Khersonshchyna, in collaboration with local authorities, created Dobrobat, two volunteer groups formed in the Dariivka Hromada with a mission to mitigate the consequences of the invasion without external help. While retreating, the Russians took all the equipment with them — even the buckets, leaving the community without any means to take care of the Hromada. Over the course of six months, this initiative has helped 613 households across nine frontline towns and improved the quality of life for 2,021 residents and internally displaced people (IDPs). Razom provided a grant to equip the brigades with tractors, trailers, lawnmowers, and tools for providing rapid assistance to the community. They stabilize and repair homes after shelling, help households prepare for winter, fix roads, clean public spaces, and create places for community leisure.
Dobrobat volunteers building a public gazebo, restoring a damaged roof, and fixing water pumps. Submitted by NGO Moya Khersonshchyna.
“Thank you for your support, for not leaving me alone during a difficult time in Dariivka,” said Tetiana Chernetska, IDP, whose home was damaged as a result of an airstrike. “Thanks to the Dobrobat team for fixing our roof, boarding up the windows, and clearing the debris. It was a very hard time for us—my husband was in the hospital, and I couldn’t do anything on my own. I am truly grateful!”
Dobrobat brigades bring more than just tools—their arrival helps residents hold on to hope for the future and reminds them they are not left alone with their challenges. Moya Khersonshchyna plans to continue helping the residents as demand keeps rising. The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam posed a threat of severe water shortage in the Dariivka Hromada. Two-thirds of the impacted households requested reparation of the water supply network. Moya Hersonshchyna is looking to scale the project to reconstruct 10 wells and install water towers to benefit the community in the long run.
Light in the darkest hour
Power outages are a common occurrence across the country, as Russia is trying to disconnect Ukrainians from each other and provoke fear. Communities close to the front line spend days, sometimes weeks, without electricity. The NGO Kosmos Tabir found an innovative way to overcome challenging circumstances and provide locals with a means to not only keep their phones charged at all times, but also access public services whenever needed.
With the support of Razom, Kosmos Tabir initiated the installation of solar hybrid power systems at 18 administrative and public buildings across Tiahynka, Bilozerka, and Dariivka Hromadas, benefiting more than 10,000 civilians. This solution allows local city councils, resilience centers, schools, post offices, and hospitals to operate up to 8 hours during outages. The results of the project were immediately visible in Dariivka. Thanks to alternative energy, the city council was able to resume its work, and residents and IDPs finally received their pensions, financial support, and salaries.
NGO Kosmos Tabir representatives delivering solar panels and inverters to Dariivka, Bilozeka, and Tyahynka Hromadas. Photo by Kosmos Tabir.
Kosmos Tabir is training electricians to install and upkeep the systems, enabling villages to manage them independently. Since volunteers’ cargo vans are often targets of Russian drones, in many instances, having locals take care of panels is a safer and smarter strategy. Kosmos Tabir is in regular contact with electricians to assist with any questions and is planning to hold a workshop for technicians, emergency service workers, and volunteers to teach solar system maintenance skills.
A get-together place for all
NGO Lymanetska Diia has created a Center for Civil Activities in Lymanets, Dariivka Hromada, which offers a variety of services for residents, IDPs, and youth. Some come here to use the computers and printers, others to get assistance with documents, and the rest—to participate in the workshops and spend time with friends. The center was created thanks to a grant provided by Razom.
Zinaida Ivanenko, 72, was forced to leave her home because of Russian aggression and moved to Lymanets. She arrived with nothing but bare essentials. Her daughter is far away and her son serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“It was hard to get in touch and communicate with them [my children]. I was left completely alone,” Ivanenko said. “I want to sincerely thank those who opened the community center. There, they taught me how to call my children via messengers—now I can at least see them on the screen. They also explained what kind of support IDPs can receive and helped me apply for it. They photocopied and scanned all the documents I needed. It’s also very nice that I now have a place to spend my free time and talk to others my age. I especially appreciated when medical professionals came and explained what services are available at our clinic. The staff at the center always treated me warmly and kindly.”
Zinaida Ivanenko
Center for Civil Activities hosts workshops and assists senior residents. Photo by NGO Lymanetska Diia.
Nataliia Olefir, a 69-year-old retired primary school teacher, Lymanets local, could not afford to install internet at home or purchase a computer. When the digital literacy center opened in the Lymanets Starostat, she became a regular visitor.
“The sessions are interesting and meaningful: training, expert talks, computer skills lessons, and free internet access. But, most importantly, it’s a place for connection—with people and like-minded individuals,” Olefir said.
The biggest hurdle for the project is air raids. Luckily, the center has the necessary equipment to continue sessions in the underground shelter.
Bringing warmth to those who need it most
Bilozerka Center for Regional Development ensures that the community’s vulnerable population stays warm and comfortable during the cold months, as many are unable to leave their homes for various reasons. Due to constant shelling, residents live without electricity, gas, or water for weeks. With the support of Razom, the Bilozerka Center for Regional Development provided winter kits to 150 people, who were unable to afford basic items themselves—individuals with disabilities and limited mobility, and elderly citizens living alone.
Residents received winter kits consisting of a set of linens, an electric blanket, a pillow, incontinence products, a lamp, and wet wipes. Photo by Bilozerka Center for Regional Development.
Stefaniia Bonchkovska is a person with limited mobility, originally from the village of Pravdyne, where she had lived for over seventy years. Her home was partially burned as a result of the invasion, so her family was forced to move into another house. Due to intensified shelling and destruction, they eventually relocated to Bilozerka, where friends offered them a place to stay, and she now lives there with her daughter and grandson.
“I want to thank the Bilozerka Center for Regional Development for calling us, asking about our needs, and providing both food and non-food assistance,” Bonchkovska said. “I am also deeply grateful to the charitable organization Razom for the winter kit, which has been a great support for me. The most valuable item for me is the electric blanket—it keeps me warm during this cold season. Thank you so much! May God protect you.”
Thanks to you, Razom Relief continues to support grassroots organizations in Kherson Oblast, helping war-affected towns regain the ability to function independently and nurture unity within their communities. Your support enables us to keep working toward restoring dignity and comfort to Ukrainians who have been deprived of it.
“Don’t call me a poet, because the term ‘poet’, in short, nowadays means: chameleon, prostitute, speculator, and adventurer, and a lazy good-for-nothing. I want to be a human being of whom there are but a few in the world.”
These poignant words, along with the rest of poetry written by Ukrainian writer Ivan Bahryanyi in his collection “To the Forbidden Frontiers” in the early 1930s, became grounds for labeling him the enemy of the Soviet state and sending him to a forced labor camp in Siberia – a destiny that befell many Ukrainian writers who dared to express any views that did not align with those of the Communist Party. The Soviet leadership understood very well what expression of dissent and criticism could mean for the longevity of the regime.
Photo by SZRU
Tragically, this practice is inherited by the Russian Federation, which silences internal voices of dissent – while at the same time continuing the suppression of Ukrainian thought and writing that spans generations. The ongoing attack on Ukrainian museums, libraries, and book printers makes the support of Ukrainian literature an important tool of resistance and preserving national identity. Various Moscow-based regimes used language as a power tool that, over the course of several centuries, tried to erode the very essence of the Ukrainian nation. In 1769 The Moscow Synod banned the publication of Ukrainian primers and ordered the confiscation of existing ones. Later, in 1784, the imperial authorities banned Ukrainian lectures at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, and established Russian as the official language in all imperial schools. The 1863 Valuev Circular banned nearly all Ukrainian-language materials, claiming that “there never was, is not, and cannot be any separate little Russian language” and the subsequent 1876 Ems Ukaz extended the ban to prohibiting the import of Ukrainian books and the use of Ukrainian in public performances and musical notation. In the tragic 1930s, the Stalinist regime executed close to 30,000 Ukrainian intellectuals, a tragedy we now know as the Executed Renaissance. The many more insidious ways in which the Soviet leadership tried to erase Ukrainian language and identity are brought to light in “Language is a Sword. As the Soviet Empire Used to Say” by Evgenia Kuznetsova.
This understanding was reflected even in the treatment of prisoners at the forced labor camp, which Ivan Bahryanyi recounted in his statement during the hearing of the Committee on Un-American activities in the 86th Session of Congress in 1959: “Sadly, there was a marked difference in the treatment of political and criminal prisoners. Ordinary criminals and thieves were given light assignments, I mean, not heavy work, and they were known as not socially dangerous. The political prisoners were considered dangerous. Political prisoners, even if they complete the term of exile, are usually given a longer term, while ordinary prisoners sometimes have their term reduced.”
From the archive of Oleksandr Shugai, shared by UP.
For most writers in the Soviet Union, there were only two pathways available: submit to the regime (and become a “chameleon” as Bahryanyi calls them in the quote above) or try to escape the grasp of the Party. Ivan Bahryanyi chose the second: “So I escaped at the end of 1936. I lived illegally without any passport or documents in the Soviet Far East, and then I returned – also illegally – to Ukraine. It was comparatively easy for me to live illegally in the Far East, because I lived among the people who sympathized with political prisoners and escapees, and I took part in the hunting for wild animals. As a result of this experience I later wrote a book which was published in English, in America, as “The Hunters and the Hunted.”
Based on the author’s own lived experience, “The Hunters and the Hunted” follows a young political prisoner Gregory Mnohohrishny who escapes a train bound for a forced labor camp and finds refuge with a family of tiger hunters in the Far East. The story explores the horrors of Stalinist repressions, the freedom sought by political prisoners, and the spark of defiance that overcomes fear.
By Medvedchuchka - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Razom Connect is proud to support a stage reading of “The Hunters and the Hunted” musical based on Ivan Bahryanyi book at the Open Jar Studios in New York on May 29, 2025. This Ukrainian musical, co-written and co-composed by Anton Humaniuk, Bohdan Reshetilov, and Kyrylo Beskorovainyi, weaves history and contemporary events, celebrating Ukraine’s cultural heritage while examining the struggle between oppression and freedom. Directed by Lisa Rafferty, the reading will feature 11 songs (translated into English) and excerpts of dialogue, accompanied by a live piano performance by Ukrainian pianist Ruslan Ramazanov.
The international premiere of the musical took place at Harvard, and bringing the musical to a wider audience in New York, as a way to dismantle decades of Soviet – and now Russian – cultural propaganda through exhibits and exchanges – is something that Ivan Bahryanyi would himself approve of: “I think that the so-called cultural exchanges and exhibits have many dangerous features which Western nations, including the United States, do not realize. One of the most important purposes of these exchanges is to demoralize the Western countries, including the United States of America. It would be interesting for many Americans to know that these Soviet exchanges and exhibits portray, here in America and in many other countries, things which do not exist in the Soviet Union. The Soviet authorities endeavor to convince the world that they have such attainments in the art, in ballet, in music, and in other branches of culture because there exist cultural freedom in the USSR. In reality there is none such because there is no cultural freedom at all. Furthermore, this cultural exchange covers up the actual suppression of the national cultures of the many peoples in the Soviet Union. Why at this time, when when they show attainment of the Soviet State in the literary and artistic fields, at this very moment, are they suppressing the cultures of Ukrainians, Georgians, Armenians – and Byelorussians – and the Baltic peoples, who have no freedom to develop their own culture. They hide the Russification program which is even more dangerous for the free world, inasmuch as Moscow is perpetuating a vast spiritual genocide against the many peoples it controls.”
Support of this stage reading is one of the many initiatives of Razom Connect to promote Ukrainian literature in the English speaking world. Developing relationships with publishers, translators, booksellers allows Razom to support translations of such books as “Mondegreen” by Volodymyr Rafeyenko, “Cecil the lion Had to Die” by Olena Stiazhkina, “My Woman” by Yulia Iliyukha, and “Amadoka” by Sophia Andrukhovych. In 2024 alone, the team of Razom Connect organized eight literary events in New York, and coordinated a U.S. book tour for five Ukrainian authors.
The importance of this work is hard to overstate – it helps bring Ukrainian voices to the forefront of conversation about historic truth – and better understand the underpinnings of the current full-scale invasion of Ukraine. When Richard Arens, Staff Director at the U.S. House of Representatives, asked Ivan Bahryanyi during the Congressional hearing: “Why do the Soviets persecute poets, writers, or other literary persons more than they do ordinary criminals?”, the author responded: “The Soviet regime considers the ordinary criminals, when they commit a crime, damage or harm to a single person or individual, whereas poets, writers, literary figures, when they are anti-Soviet, naturally damage the entire Soviet system, the foundation on which it stands, because through the literature they spread a different kind of ideology, different kinds of beliefs, than those in which the communists believe.”
To anyone who has ever paid attention in history class, the importance of language for identity and nation-building is crystal clear. From the Stoic teachings of Marcus Aurelius that still resonate today, to the ideas of Enlightenment that sparked the French Revolution, and to the “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King, Jr., the power of words to shape consciousness and steer history is hard to overstate. Time has also shown the ability of language to break down, destroy, and dominate – the novel “1984” by George Orwell being one of the classic examples. Orwell’s work explores how use of language as a tool of control (through “Newspeak”) and the loss of objective truth (“doublethink”) can suppress dissent, erase privacy, and dominate the minds and lives of citizens.
Please help Razom bring more literary events, readings, and publications from and about Ukraine to the English speaking world. Donate to the program below – and stay tuned for more announcements of exciting and meaningful initiatives.
In the ever-evolving world of medicine, the exchange of knowledge is not just beneficial—it is essential to advancing patient care, driving innovation, and saving lives. Nowhere is it more true than in Ukraine, where the demands of wartime medicine include the full spectrum of patient care from rapid response for complex wounds and multiple life-threatening injuries, to patient stabilization, as well as reconstructive and rehabilitative care.
Paired with limited access to advanced subspecialty training in fields like neurosurgery, reconstructive, and plastic surgery, this creates a gap between the rising demand for complex procedures and the opportunity for Ukrainian surgeons to deepen and expand their expertise.
To provide support in alleviating this issue, the Razom Health program team launched its Co-Pilot Project in 2016 after the visit of Dr. Luke Tomycz to Ukraine. Having observed the needs of Ukrainian patients and the challenges in Ukrainian surgeon’s access to the newest surgical knowledge, Dr. Tomycz was resolved to engage the expertise of US surgeons to offer in-person trainings to their Ukrainian colleagues. Since then, numerous North American medical professional (!) organizations and initiatives have reached out to Razom and Co-Pilot Project expressing desire to help with performing complex surgeries and training Ukrainian doctors. Since the beginning of the project, Co-Pilot has implemented observerships in leading U.S. hospitals as part of its surgical training initiative. Between 2017 and 2022, 8 such placements were facilitated. Combining collaborative surgeries with international surgeons and observership programs helps bridge the gap in Ukraine’s short-term residency model—2 years compared to 4–7 years in the U.S. and Europe—and compensates for the absence of cadaver labs and surgical simulation training in Ukrainian residency programs. This approach is referred to as Co-Pilot’s “light residency.”
In 2023, a formal partnership with the University of Oklahoma was launched, with three maxillofacial surgeons participating and the expansion into a long-term program covering four specialties: neurosurgery, orthopedics, oculoplastics, and head and neck surgery. Additionally, Co-Pilot organized observerships for Ukrainian surgeons at Harvard Medical School, Mount Sinai, MedStar Washington Hospital, the University of Cincinnati, and several private clinics. These initiatives have been recognized at the inaugural Orden of Saint Panteleimon Awards, a recognition named after the Patron Saint of healers and helpers.
The Co-Pilot Project has made a major impact by training Ukrainian surgeons through hands-on collaboration with international experts. But for many doctors, one key piece was still missing: the chance to see how advanced surgical tools are actually used in practice – not just as individual instruments, but within real-world clinical workflows. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has received a wide range of donated medical equipment, but without the opportunity to observe how these tools are used together in high-functioning settings, much of their potential remains untapped. “Because of the war, a lot of equipment came to us, and a lot of instruments, and to see how to fully use it is a big help for us, which will allow us to help our defenders and civilians much better,” shared Dr. Yurii Lazarenko of the Central Regional Military Medical Center. Co-Pilot is helping close that gap – giving Ukrainian surgeons the chance to train in environments where technique, equipment, and teamwork come together in practice.
Now, thanks to the Co-Pilot Project, Ukrainian surgeons can receive hands-on training on the newest approaches in surgical care and correct utilization of imported medical equipment through the observership initiative. The most recent of such observerships brought nine Ukrainian surgeons to Oklahoma City to spend one month with colleagues at OU Health under the program Operation Ukraine. Surgeons from Lviv, Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia—representing four different medical specialties—were carefully selected.
This is the fifth cohort organized under the Operation Ukraine observership program at OU Health in Oklahoma City, offering Ukrainian surgeons the opportunity to learn advanced surgical techniques and collaborate with American colleagues.
Razom played a key role in making this observership possible by supporting travel, visa assistance, stipends, and program logistics. The team also helped select candidates through a competitive application process and awarded a grant to OU Health to help cover key training and administrative costs. With an average cost of $6,000 per participant, this initiative depends on donor support to continue creating high-impact training experiences for Ukrainian surgeons.
The observership at OU Health is unlike any other program of this kind in the US, in that the Ukrainian surgeons are able to scrub in and assist in surgeries, learning the skills in instrument usage, operating room dynamics, and innovative techniques. “We don’t have such an opportunity in Ukraine,” Dr. Andrii Kovalov, a Ukrainian Surgeon said. “This is, I think, one of the best opportunities to get the hard skills before you get that access to the patients.”
At the heart of the Operation Ukraine program is Dr. Mark Mims who has spearheaded this initiative within OU Health. Dr. Mims has worked with the state medical board, hospital administration and leadership team to structure the program in such a way as to permit the vital “scrubbing in and assisting” element for Ukrainian surgeons, allowing them to gain the necessary skills in a drastically compressed time frame. “With our Operation Ukraine program at OU Health, our hope is to help train the next generation of Ukrainian surgeons,” Dr. Mark Mims with OU Health said. “We want the surgeons who come through our program to return home not only with advanced skills to care for their patients, but also with the ability to pass that knowledge on — building a stronger future for healthcare in Ukraine.”
Once back in Ukraine, the surgeons apply what they’ve learned to treat some of the war’s most complex injuries. They also train their colleagues, multiplying the impact of the observership and helping to build a stronger, more resilient surgical community. As Dr. Vitalii Panchenko of Lviv Military Hospital shared, “This experience changed everything. I now have the skills and confidence to perform complex surgeries that once felt impossible.”
This work is made possible through the partnerships with doctors, hospitals, and thanks to the generous contributions from our donors. If you are interested in supporting more opportunities for learning and connection for Ukrainian doctors, you can make a donation below.
