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.
Thank you so much for your support and willingness to help Ukraine in such difficult times. So many of you are taking on efforts to support Razom and Ukraine that we are overwhelmed with requests, questions, and proposals. Our team is working tirelessly to scale our efforts to provide what is needed in Ukraine, which can change day by day. Before reaching out to info@razomforukraine.org, review our Frequently Asked Questions below.
We can do this. Together!
Whom can I talk to about corporate funds and/or donation matching?
To discuss donation matching and/or large corporate, organization and funds grants & donations, please send your inquiries to donations@razomforukraine.org. There are hundreds of companies running matching programs with Razom today. You can find ways to donate to Razom, including all banking information and Razom EIN, on our Donate page.
What to do if I want to change my recurring donations?
We’re sorry to hear you haven’t received a receipt for your generous donation to Razom! There are a few ways to troubleshoot this. First, check your inbox and spam folder for an email from donations@razomforukraine.org If you don’t find your receipt after searching for the Donations email address, this may mean that we do not have your email address or mailing address due to the form of payment or platform you used to make the donation. Typically, if you make a donation to Razom via Facebook/Meta, you will receive your donation receipt from Facebook/Meta. Similarly, if you made a donation to Razom through corporate matching or your employer, please ask your employer or company for a receipt. If all else fails or if you still have questions, please contact donations@razomforukraine.org and include your name, amount of donation, and the donation method used. Please wait up to a month for donation processing, especially if you sent us a check in the mail. Thank you!
Can I donate my time and volunteer with Razom?
Thank you for your desire to become a Razom volunteer. Volunteers are fundamental to Razom’s success and ability to make an impact for Ukraine. If you would like to become a volunteer, please fill out this form. Right now, we can’t promise to get back in touch with you immediately, but will email you as soon as we get a new volunteer request from our teams. That said, you don’t have to wait for us to reach out to be able to support and make an impact for Ukraine:
Participate in informational efforts by advocating for Ukraine on your social media. Follow our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter accounts for the latest action items and subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news on how you can advocate for Ukraine in your community and beyond.
Bookmark the Razom HeyLink page for a one-stop-shop of all kinds of links and resources to help Ukraine – and share it with your friends!
Run a fundraiser on behalf of Razom or other organizations doing great work and feel free to get as creative as you can. We’ve had people start personal fundraisers for Razom on social media, host benefit concerts, poetry readings, dinners, make tattoos, produce art, and so many creative ways that get people in their communities involved in helping Ukraine. If you’d like to start a GoFundMe campaign, you can choose Razom as the recipient at their platform here. Email your questions about personal and small fundraisers for Razom to donations@razomforukraine.org.
Can Razom help me volunteer in Ukraine?
Razom is not recruiting volunteers in Ukraine at this time. If you’re intent on going to Ukraine and volunteering, you may find the following resources helpful:
If you’re interested in volunteering for Razom, either remotely or in-person in the New York area, please fill out the Razom Volunteer Form.
If you are a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident, one of the most powerful ways you can support Ukraine is by becoming an advocate for Ukraine. Join the Razom Advocacy Network here and you’ll be sent alerts on the next important opportunity to contact your Representatives in Congress about legislation in support of Ukraine.
Please keep in mind that your donations to Razom go a long way in helping Ukraine as well. Consider making a donation to Razom or organizing a fundraiser in your community.
Thank you for your support and willingness to help!
How can I see an overview of Razom work in 2022? How can I catch up on reading the email newsletters from Razom?
Information on planned rallies around the world can be found here. The list is crowdsourced – you can add information about a rally in your city or town to the list by completing a form on their website. If you don’t see any rallies nearby – consider organizing one, reach out to your local Ukrainian community, start a group on Facebook. Be proactive! Be creative!
Razom regularly promotes rallies in the New York City area as well as rallies meant to bring people from all over the US together in Washington D.C. Just follow us on social media, especially the Razom Instagram, or subscribe to our newsletter to get alerts.
How does Razom spend its donation money?
Following russia’s full scale attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Razom quickly mobilized an emergency response to save lives. Our priority is to provide critical humanitarian war relief and recovery depending on the most urgent needs as they evolve. Right now this means delivering humanitarian aid in the form of tactical medicine, hospital supplies, and communication equipment, supporting the Ukrainian healthcare system by providing critical medical aid to hospitals and doctors, supporting on-the-ground efforts by distributing grants to hyper-local NGOs, and advocating for Ukraine. Razom maintains an admin rate of no more than 15% (historically averaged below 10%). Learn about the latest Updates on our project impact by checking out the July 2022 Razom Impact Report and stay tuned for an updated 2022 Razom Impact Report, which will be out very soon!
Are you a legit non-profit organization?
We are a US-based, registered 501c3 non-profit, started as a volunteer-driven organization founded after Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity in 2014. You can learn more about Razom on various pages of this website:checkout ourAnnual Reportsfrom the past eight years, ourBoard of Directors and Leadership Team, our projects and partnerships. Following russia’s attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Razom quickly mobilized its emergency response project to save lives. You can find regular updates on our Updates page.
How can a hospital in Ukraine receive aid from Razom?
Thanks to the incredible work of the Razom Health team, Razom provides aid to hospitals and nurses in the form of medical and hospital supplies and tools, which vary depending on the in-kind donations we receive and the procurement process. If you would like to request aid for a hospital or a medical institution, please visit this page.
How can someone on the frontlines (first responders and defenders) request aid from Razom? To request humanitarian aid for a Ukrainian military or first responder unit, please visit this page.
Do you help refugees?
We are aware of the large number of Ukrainians who fled or lost their homes as a result of the war. Razom is responding to this in a few ways:
Razom received a grant from the Mayor’s Office of New York City to support the Razom Ukrainian Response Initiative (URI), a program started by Razom volunteers to support newly-arrived Ukrainians in NYC via legal clinics, clothing drives, school supply distributions, and other efforts. Learn more about the Ukrainian Response Initiative. The URI team has a document of helpful public immigration information and updates here.
If you personally, or your organization, is willing to help displaced Ukrainians in a meaningful way, please fill out this form.
If you’re a Ukrainian migrant that needs help, fill out this form.
URI has an office at the address 98 2nd Avenue in New York City, but please email URI@RazomForUkraine.org first to check if the team can help answer your questions via email.
There are many other organizations, large and small, working in this area. Among them we recommend referencing the following resources:
If you haven’t found an answer to your question on this page, please write to info@razomforukraine.org. Please allow us 48 hours to respond. Our resources are limited, but we are doing our best to follow up as fast as we can. Thank you for understanding!
ПОШИРЕНІ ЗАПИТАННЯ
Дякуємо за підтримку та готовність допомогти Україні в такі важкі часи. Через таку велику зацікавленість підтримати Разом та Україну, ми щодня отримуємо велику кількість прохань, запитань, та пропозицій різного роду. Наша команда невпинно працює над збільшенням масштабу наших зусиль, щоб забезпечити те, що потрібно Україні, і ці потреби та виклики змінюються також щодня. Перш ніж звертатися до нас за адресою info@razomforukraine.org, перегляньте поширені запитання нижче.
Разом до перемоги!
З ким я можу поговорити про корпоративні пожертви та/або мечінг кампанії?
Щоб обговорити мечінг кампанії та/або великі корпоративні, організаційні та фондові пожертви та кампанії, будь ласка, напишіть на пошту donations@razomforukraine.org. Сьогодні існують сотні компаній, які використовують відповідні кампанії з Разом. Ви можете знайти всі способи фінансової підтримки Разом, включно із всією банківською інформацією та EIN номером Разом, на нашій сторінці для донатів.
Чому я не отримав(ла) квитанцію для своєї пожертви?
Дякуємо за вашу щедру пожертву Разом! Є кілька способів знайти квитанцію про вашу пожертву.
Якщо ви не знайшли свою квитанцію після пошуку, це може означати, що ми не маємо вашої адреси електронної пошти чи поштової адреси.
Як правило, якщо ви робите пожертву Razom через Facebook/Meta, ви отримаєте квитанцію про пожертву від Facebook/Meta. Подібним чином, якщо ви зробили пожертву Razom за допомогою корпоративного збору коштів або свого роботодавця, попросіть у свого роботодавця чи компанії про квитанцію.
Якщо ви досі не можете отримати квитанцію, або у вас все ще є запитання, будь ласка, напишіть на donations@razomforukraine.org і вкажіть своє ім’я, суму пожертви та використаний метод пожертви.
Будь ласка, зачекайте до місяця для обробки пожертви, особливо якщо ви надіслали нам чек поштою.
Чи можу я пожертвувати свій час і стати волонтером у Razom?
Дякуємо за бажання стати волонтером Разом! Волонтери є основою успіху Разом.
Якщо ви хочете стати волонтером, будь ласка, заповніть цю форму. Наразі ми не можемо обіцяти, що зв’яжемося з вами відразу, але ми надішлемо вам лист, як тільки отримаємо новий запит для волонтерів від наших команд. Більш того, вам не потрібно чекати, поки ми звяжемось з вами, щоб мати змогу підтримати Україну:
Долучайтеся до інформаційної підтримки України у своїх соціальних мережах. Слідкуйте за нашими сторінками у Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, щоб дізнаватися про останні дії та підпишіться на нашу розсилку, щоб отримувати останні новини про те, як ви можете відстоювати інтереси України у своїй громаді та у світі.
Слідкуйте за майбутніми подіями на сторінці Razom Events
Збережіть сторінку Разом в HeyLink, щоб мати доступ до ресурсів для допомоги України, і поділіться нею з друзями!
Проведіть збір коштів для Разом або інших організацій, які ви підтримуєте. Можна відкрити особистий збір коштів для Разом у соціальних мережах, організовувати благодійні концерти, поетичні читання, вечері, робити благодійні татуювання, творити мистецтво та багато іншого щоб залучити людей до допомоги Україні. Якщо ви хочете почати кампанію GoFundMe, ви можете вибрати Разом як одержувача на цій платформі тут. Надсилайте свої запитання щодо організації збору коштів для Разом на donations@razomforukraine.org.
Я хочу волонтерити в Україні. Чи може Разом мені допомогти з цим?
Разом наразі не приймає волонтерів в Україні. Якщо ви маєте намір поїхати в Україну та бути волонтером, вам можуть бути корисні наступні ресурси:
Якщо ви зацікавлені у волонтерстві для Razom, дистанційно або в районі Нью-Йорка, заповніть цю форму.
Якщо ви є громадянином або постійним жителем США, один із найпотужніших способів підтримати Україну – це стати адвокатом України. Приєднайтеся до адвокаційний мережі Разом тут, і вам буде надіслано сповіщення про наступну можливість зв’язатися зі своїми представниками в Конгресі щодо підтримки України.
Майте на увазі, що ваші пожертви на Разом також суттєво допомагають Україні. Ви можете зробити пожертву Разом тут або організувати збір коштів у своїй громаді.
Дякуємо за вашу підтримку та бажання допомогти!
Де я можу переглянути всю роботу Razom у 2022 році? Де я можу прочитати всі розсилки Разом?
Перегляньте наші інформаційні бюлетені тут і підпишіться на розсилку тут, щоб отримувати найсвіжіші новини Разом прямо в свою електронну пошту. Натисніть тут, щоб знайти звіт Разом від липня 2022 р., і слідкуйте за новинами про звіт Разом за 2022 р., над яким ми зараз працюємо і який буде опубліковано дуже скоро!
Коли і де наступний протест?
Інформацію про заплановані акції по всьому світу можна знайти тут. Ви можете додати інформацію про акцію у вашому місті до списку, заповнивши форму на сайті. Якщо ви не бачите жодних мітингів у вашому місті – організуйте! Зв’яжіться з місцевою українською громадою, створіть групу у Facebook. Будьте ініціативними! Будьте креативними!
Разом регулярно рекламує мітинги в Нью-Йорку, а також мітинги, які збирають людей з усіх куточків США у Вашингтоні, столиці США. Слідкуйте за нами в соціальних мережах, особливо Instagram, або підпишіться на нашу розсилку, щоб отримувати інформацію вчасно.
Як Razom витрачає зібрані кошти?
Після повномасштабного вторгнення росії в Україну 24 лютого 2022 року Разом швидко мобілізувало проект Emergency Response, для порятунку життів в Україні якомога швидше. Нашим пріоритетом є надання найнеобхіднішої гуманітарної допомоги. Наразі це – тактична медицина, медичне обладнання та комунікаційне обладнання, підтримка української системи охорони здоров’я шляхом надання критично важливої медичної допомоги лікарням і лікарям, підтримка громадянського суспільства шляхом розподілу грантів НУО, та адвокація подальшої підтримки України у Конгресі США. Разом відкладає не більше 15% (історично в середньому нижче 10%) коштів на адміністративні витрати. Дізнайтеся більше про роботу Разом, переглянувши звіт, що вийшов у липні 2022 року, і слідкуйте за новинами Разом щоб дізнатися про роботу Разом у повному звіті за 2022 рік, який буде опубліковано дуже скоро!
Чи ви легітимна/законна неприбуткова організація?
Разом – неприбуткова організація у США з офіційною реєстрацію 501c3, заснована волонтерами після Революції Гідності в Україні в 2014 році. Ви можете дізнатися більше про Razom на різних сторінках цього веб-сайту: перегляньте наші річні звіти за останні вісім років, нашу раду директорів і керівництво, наші проекти та партнерства. Після початку повномасштабного вторгнення 24 лютого 2022 року Разом швидко мобілізувало проект Emergency Response, щоб врятувати якомога більше життів в Україні. Ви можете знайти регулярні новини про нашу роботу на сторінці Updates.
Як лікарня в Україні може отримати допомогу від Разом?
Завдяки неймовірній роботі команди Razom Health, Разом надає допомогу лікарням та лікарям у вигляді різного медичного та лікарняного обладнання та інструментів, наявність яких змінюється залежно від того, що ми отримуємо від донорів, і процесу закупівлі. Якщо ви бажаєте подати запит на допомогу для лікарні чи медичного закладу, зайдіть на цю сторінку.
Як хтось на передовій (служби першої допомоги та захисники України) може отримати допомогу від Разом?
Щоб подати запит на гуманітарну допомогу українським військовим або підрозділу, зайдіть на цю сторінку.
Чи ви допомагаєте біженцям?
Ми знаємо про велику кількість українців, які були вимушені покинути Україну або втратили свої домівки внаслідок війни. Разом допомагає таким людям кількома способами:
Разом отримало грант від мерії міста Нью-Йорка на підтримку ініціативи Разом Ukrainian Response Initiative (URI), програми, започаткованої волонтерами Разом для підтримки новоприбулих українців у Нью-Йорку через юридичні консультації, роздачу одягу та їжі, медичні послуги та інші види допомоги. Дізнайтеся більше про Українську ініціативу тут. Команда URI створила документ із корисною публічною імміграційною інформацією та оновленнями тут.
Якщо ви особисто чи ваша організація бажаєте суттєво допомогти новоприбулим українцям, будь ласка, заповніть цю форму.
Якщо ви новоприбулий українець чи українка, якому потрібна допомога, будь ласка, заповніть цю форму.
URI має офіс за адресою 98 2nd Avenue у Нью-Йорку, але, будь ласка, спершу надішліть лист на URI@RazomForUkraine.org, щоб записатися на прийом.
Є багато інших організацій, великих і малих, які працюють у цій сфері також. Серед них рекомендуємо звернутися до наступних:
Національний банк України відкрив спеціальний рахунок для збору коштів на потреби Збройних Сил України
Якщо ви не знайшли відповідь на своє запитання на цій сторінці, будь ласка, напишіть нам на пошту info@razomforukraine.org. Дайте нам, будь ласка, 48 годин на відповідь. Наші ресурси обмежені, але ми робимо все можливе, щоб якнайшвидше відповісти та допомогти вам. Дякуємо за розуміння!
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.
Today, October 10, marks World Mental Health Day, a timely reminder of the importance of mental well-being, especially for those affected by war. In Ukraine, where the trauma of war has deeply impacted millions, the Razom z Toboyu (Razom with You) program is offering critical psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults.
Iryna Gudyma, Razom z Toboyu (RzT) Project Manager
For this Mental Health Day, we had the opportunity to interview Iryna Gudyma, Razom z Toboyu (RzT) Project Manager, who reflected on the project’s mission:
1. Can you describe the mission and goals of the Razom z Toboyu project and how it addresses the mental health needs of Ukrainians affected by war?
Razom z Toboyu was born out of the urgent need to support Ukrainians grappling with the psychological toll of war. Since the launch in July 2022, we have conducted over 18,000 individual sessions and over 2,500 hours of group work.
We aim to provide accessible, high-quality psychological support to those affected by the war, whether they’re internally displaced, veterans, or families who’ve lost loved ones.
Our key goals are multifaceted. We work to prevent the development of long-term mental health disorders, particularly PTSD, among those experiencing war trauma. We look to stabilize people’s emotional states and help them tap into their inner resources for resilience.
Importantly, we’re also focused on building capacity within Ukraine’s mental health system by training professionals in trauma-informed care and developing innovative support programs.
What drives us is the belief that mental health care is crucial not just for individual well-being, but for Ukraine’s collective recovery and future. We’re committed to breaking down the stigma around seeking help and making mental health support a normalized, integral part of the country’s post-war healing process.
2. What specific services or resources does RZT provide to support mental health, and how have these been received by the community?
We offer a range of services tailored to the diverse needs we’re seeing. This includes individual counseling, group therapy sessions aimed at posttraumatic growth, specialized training for special groups including social workers, medical professionals, teachers, etc. We’ve also developed psychoeducation workshops to help people understand trauma responses and learn coping strategies.
The response from communities has been overwhelmingly positive as evidenced by an anonymous survey of over 450 participants who received support. For instance, 95% reported establishing a trusting relationship with their psychologist, while 74% noticed improvements in their emotional well-being. Impressively, 85% felt that their psychologist helped them cope with their specific issues, and all participants indicated they would recommend the “Razom z Toboyu” project to others.
Many people tell us they’ve never had access to mental health support before, or that they were hesitant to seek help until they learned about our services.
One service that’s been especially well-received is our growth groups that provide a safe space for people to share experiences and coping strategies with others who truly understand their situation. We’ve seen remarkable bonds form within these groups, creating support networks that extend beyond our formal sessions.
3. Could you share a memorable success story or experience from the RZT project that highlights its impact on individuals or families?
One of the many stories that struck me is that of an eight-year-old Mykyta from Mariupol. After escaping the besieged city, we discovered he had stopped eating meat because the smell reminded him of burnt bodies he’d witnessed during the war. This heartbreaking detail shows how deeply conflict affects children, creating fears that persist long after the immediate danger has passed.
Our psychologists worked closely with Mykyta and his family, helping them process their trauma and rediscover a sense of normalcy. His journey emphasizes the critical need for specialized mental health support for war-affected children. Mykyta’s progress reminds us that with the right care, even the deepest wounds can heal, allowing children to reclaim their childhoods and look towards a brighter future.
4. What challenges has RZT faced in delivering mental health support, and how have you worked to overcome them?
One of our most pressing challenges has been addressing the mental health needs of a country still at war, with an estimated 1.3 million veterans and projections of 4-6 million in the future. To tackle this, we’ve developed specialized programs for veterans and their families, focusing on preventing secondary traumatization and preparing society for their reintegration.
Another significant challenge is the sheer scale of need versus our resources. To tackle this, we’ve focused on a train-the-trainer model, where we work with social workers, teachers, medical professionals and community leaders, equipping them to provide ongoing support in their areas. This approach not only increases our capacity but also ensures culturally sensitive care tailored to the Ukrainian context.
The ongoing nature of the conflict poses unique challenges for treatment approaches. We’ve also had to be innovative by adapting evidence-based practices to the unique context of wartime Ukraine. This has involved developing shorter-term intervention models and integrating traditional Ukrainian cultural practices into our therapeutic approaches to make them more resonant and effective for our clients.
Additionally, we are actively working to combat the stigma surrounding mental health care by promoting awareness and offering free services that encourage individuals to seek help.
5. October 10th is Mental Health Day, what message do you want to convey to the community regarding the importance of mental health support for those affected by war in Ukraine?
On this Mental Health Day, I want to remind everyone that it’s absolutely okay not to be okay, especially during these challenging times. Prioritizing mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for both individual and national resilience. If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The war has left deep scars on many hearts, but healing from trauma is possible. Reaching out for support is a vital step in the recovery process. For those not directly affected by the conflict, I urge you to show empathy, patience, and support for those who are struggling.
To the international community, I want to emphasize that the mental health impacts of this war will extend far beyond the physical conflict. Supporting mental health initiatives must be a key component of any long-term recovery and development plans for Ukraine.
Despite the immense challenges, we’ve witnessed incredible resilience and growth among the individuals and communities we work with. This gives me hope. By supporting one another and prioritizing mental health, I believe Ukrainians can not only recover from this trauma but emerge stronger and more united than ever before.
To learn more about Razom z Toboyu and support its mission, visit https://razomztoboyu.org/ The project is implemented by Razom for Ukraine and GlobalGiving.
“At once subtle and blunt… [Intercepted shows] the awful intimacy of the war in Ukraine” – The New York Times
Razom Cinema’s grantee, a critically acclaimed documentary Intercepted launched their American theatrical release with a Film Forum series of screenings this past Saturday, October 5th.
Our Cinema Impact Producer, Polina Buchak, had the pleasure of moderating a Q&A with the award-winning director Oksana Karpovych in the iconic Film Forum theater. The evening featured a screening of Intercepted, a powerfully crafted documentary providing a visceral account of the full-scale Russian invasion by exposing the intercepted phone calls made by Russian soldiers to their families from Ukraine.
Film Forum is renowned for its legacy of excellent film programming, which has lasted for more than half a century. The Razom Cinema team was elated to be part of the program, made even more meaningful in light of our prior support of its premiere at the prestigious “New Directors/New Films” in New York.
Thank you to everyone who attended and presented your questions to the director. If you have yet to see this new Ukrainian documentary, head over to https://filmforum.org/film/intercepted to plan your visit. Don’t forget to use our promo code RAZOMXFF
Intercepted by Oksana Kaprovych is playing at Film Forum in NYC now through October 10th.
Since 2022, Razom has delivered over $100 million worth of humanitarian aid and programming in Ukraine. When procuring and delivering life-saving aid and technologies, we prioritize buying items made in Ukraine. We are dedicated to advancing Ukraine’s economy and technological potential by purchasing and distributing innovative Ukrainian-made products that drive progress and save lives. A prime example is Razom’s role as “early-adopter” of Himera radios, cutting-edge communication technology developed by Ukrainian engineers.
Supporting Life-Saving Technology Himera radios are designed to ensure reliable communication in emergency scenarios. These high-quality devices provide dependable connections in challenging conditions, making them essential for first responders. Razom has purchased more than 2100 Himera radios, playing a meaningful role in launching this life-saving technology, which is now making waves in international markets.
Recently, Himera presented their latest G1 Pro L radios, and our Razom team had the opportunity to test them. The field tests were highly successful, confirming the reliability and effectiveness of Himera radios.
The success of Himera showcases how Ukrainian developers create products that compete globally and positively impact the economy. Misha Rudominski, Himera’s co-founder, emphasized the importance of our support: “We are incredibly grateful to Razom. Their support has allowed us to continue developing new versions of our radios, significantly enhancing our capabilities.”
📹 Watch our interview with Misha Rudominski to learn more about Himera’s development and work with Razom:
Impact on Emergency Response and Economic Growth Himera radios are engineered to meet the demands of modern emergencies, including field and disaster scenarios. Their durability, multifunctionality, and reliability make them indispensable for first responders, volunteers, and civilians. Beyond their immediate applications, Himera radios contribute to the growth of Ukraine’s high-tech sector, creating jobs and inspiring other start-ups.
When Razom delivers on our program goals, we make an effort to “buy Ukrainian” because we believe that supporting local innovation is significant for Ukraine’s economic growth. By purchasing goods and services from domestic producers, we preserve jobs, stimulate local business development, and strengthen the national economy. Supporting Himera radios is a step towards contributing to a secure, prosperous, and democratic Ukraine. Explore more about Himera athimeratech.com. To support Razom’s efforts and help Ukraine, please donate today.
We’re proud to announce that Forbes Ukraine has ranked Razom for Ukraine 8th in its list of the Top 50 nonprofit organizations in Ukraine for 2023. This recognition highlights our ongoing efforts in providing humanitarian aid, supporting Ukraine’s civil society, and promoting Ukrainian culture worldwide.
Since the full-scale invasion, Razom has grown from an all-volunteer organization of dedicated activists to a community of 222,000+ supporters around the world. Together, we’ve delivered vital medical supplies, communication gear, evacuation transport, and more to Ukrainian heroes.
Our work spans five key areas:
Heroes: Delivering life-saving aid to first responders and frontline medics.
Health: Strengthening Ukraine’s healthcare system to serve people now and after victory.
Relief: Investing in grassroots NGOs that supply aid to vulnerable communities.
Advocacy: Advancing legislation and policy for Ukraine’s victory.
Connect: Promoting the vibrancy of Ukrainian voices through education, volunteering, and the arts.
We are honored to be recognized for our impact during such a critical time and remain committed to supporting Ukraine. Every donation brings us closer to a stronger, democratic Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Cultural Festival is co-presented by Razom for Ukraine and the Ukrainian Institute, Kyiv and produced in partnership with the National Ballet of Ukraine, Ukrainian Contemporary Music Festival, Yara Arts, Ukrainian Museum, KISFF, Linoleum Festival, and others and will take place October 15th through October 31st in New York.
Over the course of two weeks in October, you will have an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Ukrainian poetry and prose and check out the best in contemporary Ukrainian cinema.
Meet writers Halyna Kruk, Marianna Kiyanovska, Ostap Slyvynsky, Yuliia Iliukha, Olena Stiazhkina, Andriy Lyubka, and Alex Averbuch. Watch “Porcelain War,” “La Palisiada,” and other award-winning films.
Below is the schedule of events. Please check in often for changes and ticket information.
Experience the magic of the National Ballet of Ukraine, one of the world’s top ballet companies and the country’s official ballet company, during their premiere tour of the United States, for the first time in over 30 years since the dissolution of the USSR. Straight from the historic Kyiv National Opera House, these world-class dancers will captivate you with a stunning program featuring timeless classics, including The Dying Swan, Don Quixote, and Giselle. The program tells stories of love, loss, and triumph, leaving you mesmerized by the company’s unparalleled grace and strength. Prepare to be swept away as the dancers defy gravity, their bodies soaring high above the stage with dance movements filled with intensity, emotion, and perfect harmony.
Yara Arts Group’s “Slap!” album launch followed by new poetry from Serhiy Zhadan and Friends
Join Yara Arts Group for the launch of their “Slap!” music album with Bob Holman, Susan Hwang & Julian Kytasty, from their show “Slap!” about the Ukrainian artist David Burliuk. This music album performance will be followed by a second event with new Ukrainian poetry from Serhiy Zhadan and Friends.
“Slovo House. Unfinished Novel” is a dramatic story about Ukrainian writers from the era of the Executed Renaissance who were gathered under the roof of one building and forced to work for the benefit of the Soviet system. The film depicts how the communist paradise turns into a communist hell. In 1927, Soviet Ukraine, by order of Stalin, the “Slovo” cooperative house was built in Kharkiv.
The most outstanding Ukrainian writers live in comfortable apartments. All of them became participants in an experiment aimed at deriving a new type of Soviet writer and establishing total control over the creative process in order to create a single artistic method of socialist realism. However, not every writer agrees to glorify Stalin’s cult. Unexpectedly for the residents of the “Slovo” House, an unknown young writer named Volodymyr Akimov moves in with them. Who is he? No one knows. With his arrival, strange events begin to happen in the “Slovo” House, events that its walls still remain silent about.
Yara Arts Group presents Julian Kytasty, performing traditional and new music on the bandura, including music from Yara’s “The Magic of Light”
Yara Arts Group will present Julian Kytasty, Master of the bandura, a traditional Ukrainian instrument, performing original and traditional music, including music from Yara’s new theater piece “The Magic of Light.”
A Ukrainian Dictionary of War: An Evening with Ostap Slyvynsky
You must register by 5pm on October 16, 2024 in order to attend this event.
Please join the Ukrainian Studies Program at the Harriman Institute for A Ukrainian Dictionary of War: An Evening with Ostap Slyvynsky.
Ostap Slyvynsky will present poetry and prose from the recently published, award-winning The Winter King (Lost Horse Press, 2023), translated by Vitaly Chernetsky and Iryna Shuvalova and the forthcoming A Ukrainian Dictionary of War (Lost Horse Press), translated by Grace Mahoney and Taras Malkovych. Also, in conversation with the Harriman Institute’s Mark Andryczyk, Mr. Slyvynsky will discuss his work today as a writer, scholar, and Vice President of PEN Ukraine.
Ostap Slyvynsky is a Ukrainian poet, translator, essayist, and scholar. He authored five books of poetry: Sacrifice of Big Fish (1998), The Midday Line (2004), Ball in Darkness (2008), Adam (2012), The Winter King (2018), as well as The Dictionary of War (2023), a documentary book based on a testimony of participants and witnesses of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. His books have been published in the USA (The Winter King, Lost Horse Press 2023), Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Macedonia. He is also known for translating the works of Derek Walcott, William Carlos Williams, Charles Simic, Czesław Miłosz, Olga Tokarczuk, Georgi Gospodinov, and many others.
Columbia University Harriman Institute Atrium
12th floor International Affairs Building, 420 W 118th St New York, NY 10027
When poets confront war, their writing transforms to both document and bear witness. Whether in Ostap Slyvynsky’s Dictionary of War, Yuliia Iliukha’s My Women or Alex Averbukh’s documentary poetry based on online conversations of Ukrainians living under Russian occupation, real people emerge with their stories, offering a harrowing account of what it is like to endure a violent invasion.
Razom for Ukraine Office 54 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010
Join us to celebrate the U.S. Book Launch of Yuliia Iliukha’s My Women, translated from Ukrainian by Hanna Leliv. It will be held at dear friend books on Saturday, October 19th @ 7:30 pm.
Winner of 128 LIT’s 2023 International Chapbook Prize, My Women 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. Through poetic repetition, the nameless protagonists, My Women, bring succinct and emotionally charged stories that evoke life during war in Ukraine with an intensity that is at times excruciatingly difficult yet deeply moving.
Water Drops on Burning Rocks Nina Murashkina and Xavier Escala’s exhibition
Rukh Art Hub presents “Water Drops on Burning Rocks” — a new art show in NYC, featuring works by prominent Ukrainian and Spanish contemporary artists — Nina Murashkina and Xavier Escala. The exhibition will be on display from October 20th to October 27th at Mriya Gallery, — an art space showcasing Ukrainian artists in the US.
“Water Drops on Burning Rocks” is an artistic manifesto of multidimensional sensuality where candid and vivid canvases are balanced by the eloquent and tranquil silence of the sculpture, forging a space of an unrestrained experiment. The delicate harmony of contrasting artworks that are brought together, like water to a burning rock to form a mist of new, ethereal essence, creates a novel, multi-spectral creative realm.
Ukrainian Animation Shorts with Linoleum Contemporary Animation and Media Art Festival
Together with LINOLEUM Animations Festival, we are bringing you a program showcasing 10 Ukrainian Animation Short Films.
Comma Sonia Leliukh Ukraine | 04:00 | 2023 A person with an overwhelmed mind is waiting at the station. They attempt to piece together a coherent story from fragments of newspapers, exploring how one can survive and continue walking the dog amidst large-scale disasters. Growths Elina Pupina Belgium, Ukraine | 07:19 | 2023 A young woman in search for her cultural identity is facing the pressures of oppressing neighbouring countries’ imperialist agendas. Sometimes it is difficult to stand free from the ties of others in order to identify your inner self and grow. Will she be able to go through this difficult path of self-exploration to gather all the pieces of her cultural background to free herself? Touch Anastasiia Martyniuk Ukraine | 01:26 | 2024 A story about the unpredictable journey of human birth and the courage it takes to overcome loneliness and find intimacy. Wheel Of Freaks Maksym Danylko Ukraine | 06:30 | 2023 On his birthday, Yellow is surrounded by a peculiar gathering of guests. Suddenly, mysterious figures materialise, each embodying different aspects of his past life. Through chalk animation depicting cold icicles, the story of Yellow’s existence unfolds before his eyes. The Town On The Sand Vladyslav Kalenskyi Ukraine | 05:50 | 2024 The Russian occupation attempts to invade the imprinted memories, where the light in Ukrainian cities is preserved. “Naukova—Derzhprom” Anastasiia Bondar Ukraine | 01:31 | 2024 “Naukova – Derzhprom” is a fiction film depicting the author’s longing for her beloved city of Kharkiv during her forced displacement. Through symbols and visual metaphors, the film captures the sense of loss and the journey of rediscovery in new surroundings. Central to the narrative is a pendant adorned with the image of the city centre, a gift from Anastasiia’s mother. More than a mere object, it embodies memories of home and family, serving as an anchor that prevents her from becoming lost in time and space. From the Past Hanna Palamarchuk Czech Republic, Ukraine | 01:16 | 2023 Memories surfaced through the smell of borscht, which once on a sunny day my grandmother cooked. They are never accurate, they are fast as lightning, but they carry in themselves a light nostalgia and calm. Moments that you want to remember forever: a song sung by mom, a clear sky above your head and the certainty of tomorrow, because there is still a whole summer of fun ahead. DEEP LOVE Mykyta Lyskov, 14:00, 2019 Deep love has finally happened in Ukraine. TROIA Andrey Naumenko, 02:34, 2022 TROЯ (Troіa) – these are the episodes of everyday life in the sleeping area of Kyiv called “Troieschyna”. Here I was born, raised and I live here now. Here you understand that clothes don’t make the man and events can have unexpected endings. THE WAR THAT IS ALWAYS AROUND Iryna Harkavets, 01:34, 2022 Experience from Russia’s war against Ukraine and its aftermath in the form of PTSD. An animated film about surviving horror and coming home. First use of neural network animation in a short film along with classic animation.
Regal Union Square Doors open at 6:00 PM Screening starts at 6:30 PM
The Voices of Babyn Yar: A book talk and reading by Marianna Kiyanovska
With this collection of stirring poems, the award-winning Ukrainian poet honors the victims of the Holocaust by writing their stories of horror, death, and survival in their own imagined voices. Artful and carefully intoned, the poems convey the experiences of ordinary civilians going through unbearable events leading to the massacre at Kyiv’s Babyn Yar from a first-person perspective to an effect that is simultaneously immersive and estranging. While conceived as a tribute to the fallen, the book raises difficult questions about memory, responsibility, and commemoration of those who had witnessed an evil that verges on the unspeakable.
About Marianna Kiyanovska: Award-winning Ukrainian writer, translator, literary scholar, and public figure whose works have been translated into eighteen languages. She is the author of more than a dozen books of poetry, prose, and literary translation. A winner of the Vilenica International Literary Festival and the CEI Fellowship (2007), she was also awarded the Gloria Artis Medal for Merit to Culture in Poland (2013). In 2020, she was recognized with the prestigious Taras Shevchenko National Prize in Literature for The Voices of Babyn Yar. She is the Laureate of the Zbigniew Herbert International Literary Prize and was named the European Poet of Freedom (both in 2022). The English-language translation of The Voices of Babyn Yar has won the 2022 Aldo and Jeanne Scaglione Prize for a Translation of a Literary Work from the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the 2021–22 Translation Prize from the American Association for Ukrainian Studies (AAUS). This book was also shortlisted for the 2023 Best Literary Translation into English Prize from the American Association of Teachers of Slavic and Eastern European Languages (AATSEEL)
About Emily Hamilton (Moderator): Emily Hamilton is the producer of three documentary films, Why Ukraine, Slava Ukraini and Glory to the Heroes, by Bernard-Henri Lévy on Ukraine’s extraordinary resistance since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, and is the Executive Director of Justice for Kurds. Previously, she was the Director of Development and Communications at the Cultural Services of the French Embassy. Emily serves on the board of the Albertine Books Foundation and The Octavian Report.
Razom for Ukraine Office, 54 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010
Amid the chaos and destruction of the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine, three artists defiantly find inspiration and beauty as they defend their culture and their country. In a war waged by professional soldiers against ordinary civilians, Slava Leontyev, Anya Stasenko, and Andrey Stefanov choose to stay behind, armed with their art, their cameras, and, for the first time in their lives, their guns. Despite daily shelling, Anya finds resistance and purpose in her art, Andrey takes the dangerous journey to get his young family to safety abroad, and Slava becomes a weapons instructor for ordinary people who have become unlikely soldiers. As the war intensifies, Andrey picks up his camera to film their story, and on tiny porcelain figurines, Anya and Slava capture their idyllic past, uncertain present, and hope for the future.
Regal Union Square Time: 7 PM Note: The film will be screened in Ukrainian with English subtitles.
The avant-garde artist Alexandra Exter lived most of her life in Ukraine. Her homeland’s rich cultural heritage had a great impact on her work. Dubbed the “avant-garde Amazon,” Exter influenced a whole generation of Ukrainian artists. Join us at The Ukrainian Museum for a presentation delving into the important milestones in Exter’s work when she lived in Kyiv and Odesa, Ukraine. The presentation will be followed by a walk-through of our current exhibition, Alexandra Exter: The Stage Is a World, and a Q&A session.
Our guest speaker, Tetyana Filevska, specializes in Ukrainian modernism and Ukrainian contemporary art. She is the Creative Director of the Ukrainian Institute in Kyiv, the author of a number of books, including Kazimir Malevich: Kyiv Period, 1928–1930, the producer of several films, among them Malevich: Born in Ukraine, and the co-founder of the non-governmental organization Malevich Institute. Ms. Filevska curated the public program for the Ukrainian Pavilion at the 59th Venice Biennale, dedicated to the decolonization of Ukrainian and Eastern European art.
Ukrainian Museum
3:00 – 4:30 PM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
A Guide to Decolonizing Ukrainian Art
A Discussion with Tetyana Filevska and Peter Doroshenko
Much of Ukrainian art history and many Ukrainian artists have been mislabeled as Russian as a result of Ukraine’s subjugation under imperial Russia and the Soviet Union.
A new guide for museums that focuses on the decolonization of Ukrainian art and artists is scheduled for publication in the winter of 2025 by the Ukrainian Institute in Kyiv, Ukraine. The project is the result of an initiative that began soon after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage adopted a greater sense of urgency. A partnership with the British Council, the Museum Association, ICOM UK, and ICOM Ukraine, the guide facilitates many of the questions that the international museum community has faced in its work since the invasion and includes guidelines on effectively identifying, collecting, researching, exhibiting, and labeling Ukraine’s cultural articles.
Join us at The Ukrainian Museum for an evening of lively discussion about this project with Tetyana Filevska, Creative Director of the Ukrainian Institute in Kyiv, and Peter Doroshenko, Director of The Ukrainian Museum. The Ukrainian Institute’s mission is to promote knowledge and understanding of Ukraine internationally and to develop cultural relations between Ukraine and other countries.
Ukrainian Museum
6:30 – 8:00 PM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
“La Palisiada” Film Screening
Join us for a screening of an award-winning narrative feature “La Palisiada” (FIPRESCI Award at the Rotterdam International Film Festival 2023). Philip Sotnychenko’s meta-cinematic investigation into the alienated underbelly of post-Soviet Ukraine is a muted reckoning with a past that must be confronted before its insidious grip on the present can be loosened.
Philip Sotnychenko’s award-winning DV debut feature uncovers the hidden connections between the violence of the past and the present. Shot on raw DV cameras, “La Palisiada” centers around an investigation into the murder of a police colonel in 1996 that ultimately leads to the final execution to take place in independent Ukraine. Twenty five years later, a new generation of young Ukrainians are facing their own personal and political crises, with shocking consequences.
Writer as a Volunteer: How Ukrainian culture aids the war effort. Andriy Lyubka in conversation with Iryna Solomko
Amid the horrors of a full-scale invasion, many in Ukraine believe that Ukrainian culture has undergone a renaissance. New bookstores are opening, theaters are drawing crowds, and art exhibitions are breaking attendance records. During this meeting, Andriy Lyubka will discuss how, after the onset of the invasion, Ukrainian culture became a vital component of the country’s defense strategy. Beyond strengthening national identity and boosting morale, it has provided practical support, aiding the Armed Forces of Ukraine both financially and materially. The writer will present his nonfiction book War from the Rear, and share his volunteer efforts, which have raised over $1.5 million and resulted in the purchase of more than 310 vehicles for the front lines. He will also highlight other significant initiatives within Ukrainian culture and art that actively support the military.
Razom for Ukraine Office, 54 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010 2:00 PM
A Crash Course in Molotov Cocktails: Reading by Halyna Kruk
Halyna Kruk (1974) is an award-winning Ukrainian poet, writer, translator, and scholar. She is the author of five books of poetry/ Two collections have come out in English in the past two years: Griffin Poetry Prize shortlisted A Crash Course in Molotov Cocktails (Arrowsmith Press, 2022) and Lost in Living (Lost Horse Press, 2024) Her numerous literary awards include the Sundara Ramaswamy Prize, the 2023 Women in Arts Award, the 2021 BookForum Best Book Award, the Smoloskyp Poetry Award, the Bohdan Ihor Antonych Prize, and the Hranoslov Award. She holds a PhD in Ukrainian baroque literature (2001). Kruk is a member of Ukrainian PEN; she lives and teaches in Lviv.
Razom for Ukraine Office, 54 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010
After transferring from a downtown high school, Tonia (Alina Cheban) befriends a group of badass youngsters, trying to find protection from her past and a place she truly belongs. They spend time together, roaming around Kyiv’s post-socialist suburbs, having fun and getting in trouble.
Soon, Tonia falls in love with Zhurik (played by Zachary Shadrin, whose credits include HBO’s “Industry” and Apple TV+’s “Little America”). When she also falls for Sania (Arthur Aliiev), she finds herself tangled up in an alluring secret love triangle. But Tonia’s painful past still haunts her, challenging this newfound friendship and romance. Will she be able to find her own path or lose herself in this new controversial relationship? Set in the late 90s Kyiv, this is a story of the young and rebellious amid the ruins of the Soviet regime. Those who had to grow up faster due to the circumstances but got lost in the adult world. A story of which we need constant reminding, as some things only exist at the moment, while others last forever.
The day before her work, The Bell, debuts at Carnegie Hall, Victoria Poleva sits down for a conversation with Leah Batstone of the Ukrainian Cultural Music Festival. Several of Victoria’s piano pieces will be performed by New York-based Irena Portenko and Anna Shelest.
On October 30th, Victoria Poleva’s work will be performed by the American Composers Orchestra in Carnegie Hall as a part of their New Virtuoso: Borders concert.
Conversation between Victoria Poleva and Leah Batstone
Faust Harrison Pianos 207 West 58th Street, New York, NY 10019 7:00 PM
Weathering the Storm. Ukrainian Short Films with KISFF
HELLO, I’M ON THE HILL | АЛЛО, Я НА ГОРІ In the destroyed city of Izium, Kharkiv region, the Kremyanets hill has become an “island of communication”, where people can find mobile connection to get in touch with their families after months of Russian occupation.
TOO CLOSE | НАДТО БЛИЗЬКО Two friends return from a party and stay at the home of one of them. It would seem like an ordinary cozy evening but suddenly the heroes are caught in an air raid. BEWARE OF A GOOD DOG! | УВАГА, ДОБРИЙ ПЕС! Stepan regularly adopts old dogs from the shelter, who spend their last days beside him and die peacefully. It’s his own way of coming to terms with the end of his life. He dreams die peacefully in old age during the war in Ukraine. But peace is a privilege stolen by the young boy Gogo. What happens when two enemies of different ages but equally lonely meet at the cemetery at night? They’ll smoke, eat a basket of ice cream, and dance. WALK | ГУЛЯЮ This is an autobiographical story by Daria Zhuravel, dedicated to childhood and to those who are no longer with us, but whose presence accompanies us wherever we go. VOICE MESSAGES FROM BAKHMUT | ВОЙСИ З БАХМУТА A story about an attempt to restore intimacy at a distance of the war, told via the voice messages of a foreign correspondent in a front-line city. CHORNOBYL 22 | ЧОРНОБИЛЬ 22 During the Russian occupation of the Chornobyl Zone in early 2022, a local informant is clandestinely filming the Russian troops. The workers of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Station discuss their experiences during the Russian military takeover of their facility.
Olena Stiazhkina in conversation with Irena Chalupa
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 neo imperial 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.
Join the author in conversation with Razom Book Club’s Irena Chalupa for a deeper dive into the book and the process of writing it.
Olena Stiazhkina is from Donetsk, Ukraine. A historian by training with dozens of scholarly articles to her name, she taught Slavic history at Donetsk National University for over twenty years until Russia began another bloody chapter of that history with its 2014 invasion of Ukraine. Stiazhkina is also a writer who has published eleven books of fiction, from novels and short story collections to detective novels (the latter under the pen name Olena Iurska). Her historian’s background and writer’s acumen combine in a body of creative work that is gripping, sharply observed, and tender—yet hilarious, and furious, too. Stiazhkina has received numerous awards for her fiction over the years, most recently the 2023 Lviv UNESCO City of Literature Award for her novel Cecil the Lion Had to Die, a bilingual novel in Russian and Ukrainian. Cecil the Lion Had to Die (translated by Dominique Hoffman) and Ukraine, War, Love: A Donetsk Diary (translated by Anne O. Fisher) are now available in English from the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute.
Razom for Ukraine Office, 54 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010
Razom for Ukraine is proud to announce that this year we are supporting the book tours of five prominent Ukrainian writers in collaboration with over 15 American universities and institutions, with events scheduled in cities across the United States. This literary tour offers audiences a unique opportunity to engage with Ukrainian voices through readings, discussions, and book signings.
Below, you’ll find the scheduled appearances and biographies of the featured writers and poets.
Featured Writers and Poets:
Marianna Kyianovska
Ostap Slyvynsky
Olena Stiazhkina
Andriy Lyubka
Yulia Iliyukha
Marianna Kiyanovska
Award-winning Ukrainian writer, translator, literary scholar, and public figure, Marianna Kiyanovska has had her works translated into eighteen languages. She is the author of more than a dozen books, including poetry, prose, and literary translations. A winner of the Vilenica International Literary Festival and the CEI Fellowship (2007), she was also honored with the Gloria Artis Medal for Merit to Culture in Poland (2013). In 2020, she received the prestigious Taras Shevchenko National Prize in Literature for The Voices of Babyn Yar. Kiyanovska is the Laureate of the Zbigniew Herbert International Literary Prize and was named European Poet of Freedom, both in 2022. The English-language translation of The Voices of Babyn Yar won the 2022 Aldo and Jeanne Scaglione Prize for a Translation of a Literary Work from the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the 2021–22 Translation Prize from the American Association for Ukrainian Studies (AAUS). The book was also shortlisted for the 2023 Best Literary Translation into English Prize from the American Association of Teachers of Slavic and Eastern European Languages (AATSEEL).
Photo by Valentyn Kuzan
Marianna Kyianovska’s U.S. Tour Dates:
09/18/2024 – Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Event Link
10/09/2024 – UC San Diego, San Diego, CA Event Link
10/14/2024 – University of Chicago, Chicago, IL Event Link
10/18/2024 – Indiana University, Bloomington, IN Event Link
10/21/2024 – Ukrainian Cultural Festival, Razom, New York, NY
10/22/2024 – New York University, Jordan Center, New York, NY Event Link
10/23/2024 – University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Event Link
10/23/2024 – Ann Arbor District Library, Ann Arbor, MI Event Link
Ostap Slyvynsky
Ostap Slyvynsky is a celebrated Ukrainian poet, translator, essayist, and scholar. He has authored five books of poetry, including The Winter King (2018), and The Dictionary of War (2023), a documentary book based on testimonies of witnesses of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. His poetry has been published internationally, and The Winter King was recently shortlisted for the American Translation Prize and the Derek Walcott Prize. Slyvynsky is also a professor at the Ukrainian Catholic University (Lviv) and Vice President of PEN Ukraine since 2022.
Ostap Slyvynsky’s U.S. Tour Dates:
10/17/2024 – Columbia University, New York, NY Event Link
10/18/2024 – Ukrainian Cultural Festival, New York, NY Event Link
10/21/2024 – Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
10/23/2024 – Cornell University, Ithaca, NY Event Link
10/24/2024 – Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Event Link
10/26/2024 – Ukrainian League of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
10/28/2024 – University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
10/30/2024 – University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
11/01/2024 – University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
11/04/2024 – University of California, San Diego, CA
11/05/2024 – University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Olena Stiazhkina
Olena Stiazhkina is a historian and fiction writer from Donetsk, Ukraine, who combines her historical expertise with sharp, tender, and furious storytelling. She is the author of 11 books of fiction, including the award-winning Cecil the Lion Had to Die and Ukraine, War, Love: A Donetsk Diary, which are now available in English. She is the recipient of the 2023 Lviv UNESCO City of Literature Award.
Olena Stiazhkina’s U.S. Tour Dates:
10/23/2024 – Miami University, Oxford, OH Event Link
10/24/2024 – Tomorrow Bookstore, Indianapolis, IN Event Link
10/25/2024 – Second Flight Books, West Lafayette, IN Event Link
10/28/2024 – American Literary Translators Association, Milwaukee, WI “How War Changes Language Choices” Event
10/31/2024 – Ukrainian Cultural Festival, New York, NY Event Link
Stay tuned for updates on the tour schedules of Andriy Lyubka and Yulia Iliyukha. Join us this fall as we celebrate the vibrant voices of Ukraine’s literary community and their stories of resilience, creativity, and culture.
Razom for Ukraine has provided 11 mobile medical stabilization units to Ukrainian first responders. These units provide immediate medical care right on the front lines, saving up to 100 lives per month. The project, called “Stabnet,” was made possible in collaboration with French partners.
This particular project addresses the critical need for rapid, on-the-ground medical care in hot zones. With these units, military medics can stabilize the injured and save lives in active war areas. Our partnership with French partner organizations provided not only co-funding but also key expertise in building mobile medical systems.
Taras Hatalyak, Razom Heroes Program Director, emphasizes: “In these challenging times, mobile medical units are a lifeline for soldiers on the front lines. Each unit represents a chance for survival for those who are injured while defending our future. But we need more of these units. Your support is vital — every donation can help save a life.”
These mobile units are compact but powerful. Equipped with everything from infusion systems to respiratory equipment and medications, they can be deployed in minutes, allowing medics to provide critical care when every second counts.
“Each unit saves up to 100 lives per month in combat conditions, proving how essential they are. Unlike larger hospitals that can’t operate near the front lines, these mobile units can be positioned right where the need is most urgent,” said Gennadiy Zabolotnyi, who heads Razom’s mobile medical project.
Working with international partners, including France, not only provides technical and financial support but also demonstrates global solidarity with Ukraine. This coalitionis a powerful example of how collective efforts can save lives.
Razom has already delivered 11 mobile units to the frontlines, but the need is still critical. At least 50 more are required to meet the ongoing demands. With the war continuing, every additional unit represents another opportunity to save lives and help Ukraine persevere.
Thanks to cutting-edge technology and charitable contributions, Ukrainian soldiers have a better chance at survival. But these units are more than just medical stations — they are a symbol of the strength and commitment of everyone working toward Ukraine’s victory.
Together, we can make a difference and help Ukraine emerge stronger.
As the school year begins and autumn approaches, we reflect on the impact of Razom Relief’s initiatives that have provided needed support, healthcare, and educational opportunities to children and communities across Ukraine. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, many have had the chance to rest, rejuvenate, and engage in activities that foster growth and resilience. We’re excited to share inspiring stories from those who have benefited from Razom’s grants and how these initiatives have helped prepare them for the new season and school year.
Center for Psychological and Humanitarian Support in the Chernivtsi Region
The Center for Psychological and Humanitarian Support (CPHS) for internally displaced people in Vyzhnytsia, Chernivtsi region, has been running several successful projects, including a social enterprise:a bakery. Razom is proud to partner with CPHS on a second joint project that has once again exceeded all expectations.
With a grant from Razom, the center sponsored a summer camp where children immersed themselves in adventures and learning, acquiring essential skills like orienteering, fire-starting, pitching tents, and cooking over open flames. The camp taught them teamwork, mutual support, and responsibility. The unforgettable experiences—new friendships, night hikes with flashlights, and laughter around campfires—served as a test of resilience and a perfect preparation for the new school year.
Creating Opportunities in Poltava
The NGO Sustainable Development Platform Perspective in the Poltava region, with Razom’s support, established a community center that has become a hub for children and youth. This space aims to empower young people by providing new knowledge, building connections, and fostering youth activism. Guided by mentors, the youth developed operational regulations and a strategic plan for the center’s growth in 2024-2025.
In just two months, the project reached over 2,500 people and hosted more than 60 events, including training sessions, workshops, physical activities, and community-building excursions, offering much-needed emotional relief and skill development.
Ukraine South Liberty: A Lifeline in Chornomorsk
In the southern regions, the Ukraine South Liberty organization in Chornomorsk, Odesa region, worked tirelessly to support children’s health and well-being. With a grant from Razom, they launched two critical projects: an IDP (Internally Displaced People) center and a children’s center. The IDP center offers services like career counseling, psychological support, IT training, and cultural events, while the children’s center focuses on holistic development through activities promoting inclusivity, gender equality, and psychological well-being.
Building Ukraine Together Youth Camp in the North
Supported by a Razom grant, Building Ukraine Together (BUR) gathered young participants from across Ukraine to aid in infrastructure restoration, create spaces for learning and connection, and support internally displaced persons. At the BUR camp in Ladanska, Chernihiv region, young people worked to build a youth center, helping the community recover from occupation and fostering a sense of hope and renewal.
As we embrace the fall season, these stories of readiness for the new school year and the positive impact of Razom’s grants remind us of the power of community and the difference we can make together. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors—your continued support sustains these efforts, bringing hope and renewal to countless lives.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Razom Relief!
On the morning of September 13, Razom’s volunteers came under heavy airstrikes while delivering humanitarian aid to Yampil Hospital in the Sumy region. As they were unloading supplies, two air-dropped bombs (KABs) exploded just 100 meters from the hospital. Thankfully, the volunteers and hospital staff escaped serious injury. However, the hospital’s windows were shattered, and vehicles, along with the much-needed aid, were damaged by shrapnel.
Immediately after the attack, the hospital began receiving injured civilians, mainly women, children, and the elderly. Under extremely difficult conditions, the medical staff provided urgent care, even relocating to the hospital’s basement for safety.
Yampil, located just 7 miles from the Russian border, has been enduring nearly daily airstrikes, according to local residents.
In response to the worsening situation in Sumy and nearby regions, Razom for Ukraine launched an emergency program to supply hospitals in Sumy with essential medications, orthopedic equipment, and other critical materials. With today’s delivery to Yampil and previous deliveries to Sumy, Khotin, Shostka, and Hlukhiv, Razom has now provided nearly 10 tons of humanitarian aid, valued at $200,000.
Razom needs your help!
Innocent Ukrainians and volunteers are being targeted while delivering humanitarian aid. Let’s also remember the recent Red Cross tragedy on September 12, where three workers lost their lives in a similar attack.
Support Razom for Ukraine to replace the damaged vehicle and continue delivering life-saving aid across Ukraine. Every contribution saves lives!
With each missile strike in Ukraine, time is critical. The State Emergency Service (SES) of Ukraine is usually the first to arrive on the scene, even before ambulances. These rescue workers push through the wreckage, to deal with the chaos and devastation, to provide critical aid. Their quick actions mean the difference between life and death for those injured in these horrific attacks.
In a recent tragedy in Poltava, a missile strike leveled building and claimed 58 lives. Over 300 people were injured, many critically. DSNS (SES) responders were the first on-site, acting with precision and urgency — applying tourniquets, stabilizing the wounded, and saving countless lives.
Russian missile strike on the city of Poltava
Yet, their courage alone isn’t enough. Without the proper medical supplies, even the most heroic efforts can fall short of intent. This is where international support becomes a lifeline.
Thanks to the partnership between The Howard G. Buffett Foundation and Razom for Ukraine, 4,300 lifesaving medical kits are being delivered to Ukrainian rescue teams. These kits aren’t just supplies, they are essential tools that enable SES responders to perform life-saving interventions in the most dangerous conditions.
Distributed to SES units across the country, these medical kits will be on the frontlines where they are needed most — Russian missile strikes can happen anywhere, at any time. Each kit represents hope and a second chance for those caught in the crossfire of war.
These first responders risk everything, day in and day out, to protect others. The support from The Howard G. Buffett Foundation ensures they have the tools to continue their vital work. It’s a partnership that saves lives.
And this is just one element in a larger effort. For Ukraine’s first responders, who risk their lives in the aftermath of every attack to continue their life-saving work, our ongoing support is crucial.
Ukraine is not alone in this battle. The global response has shown that together, we are stronger. International grants, humanitarian aid, and critical medical donations like these are making a real difference. Thanks to initiatives like those from The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, the path to victory becomes clearer every day.
