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.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Razom for Ukraine, a U.S. nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and a leading advocate for continued U.S. assistance to Ukraine, released the following statement. This statement can be attributed to Mykola Murskyj, director of advocacy for Razom.
We welcome news that the United States and Ukraine have reached an agreement outlining the future of their economic partnership. The innovation and determination of the Ukrainian people are a key reason Ukraine so far prevailed in defending against Russia’s invasion and why investing in Ukraine’s future is a good deal for Americans. At the same time, we can’t lose sight of the fact that Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine will not be ended by an economic deal—true lasting peace can only come when Ukraine’s security is guaranteed and Putin is forced to understand that Ukraine will defend itself with the support of its allies in the rest of Europe and America.
Now, the real work of pressuring Putin must begin. We encourage the Trump administration to build on the momentum of this economic agreement by forcing Putin to the table through sanctions, seizing Russia’s state assets to aid Ukraine, and giving Ukraine the tools it needs to defend itself.
Now more than ever, it’s essential not only to equip Ukraine for self-defense, but to bolster its role as a frontline shield for Europe. Every missile intercepted over a Ukrainian city is one that never reaches deeper into the continent.
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Razom, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations and gifts are deductible to the full extent allowable under IRS regulations.
On April 22, 1970, the United States marked the first Earth Day — a bold, collective call to protect the environment and demand a better future. In the 55 years since, Earth Day has grown into a global movement. Today, that call feels more urgent than ever — especially in Ukraine, where Russia’s full-scale invasion has brought not only war, but also widespread ecological devastation.
Last year, we published“Earth Day in a War Zone: Ukraine’s Silent Environmental Crisis”, drawing attention to the environmental consequences of the war: scorched forests, poisoned rivers, and farmland littered with landmines — the slow, invisible toll of destruction.
One year later, the devastation continues.
According to academic researchers, environmental damage from the war has now surpassed $56 billion. Explosions, oil spills, and targeted attacks on water and energy infrastructure have contaminated hundreds of square kilometers of land and water.
Ukraine is now the most mined country on Earth. Over 139,000 square kilometers — an area the size of Greece — are potentially contaminated with explosive remnants of war. Nearly two-thirds of that land is agricultural, once part of Ukraine’s role in feeding over 400 million people worldwide. But amid all this destruction, Ukrainian communities are planting seeds of resilience. And Razom is helping them grow.
Rebuilding, Sustainably
Through our Relief program, Razom supports local organizations working at the intersection of humanitarian aid and ecological recovery — bringing power, water, and food security to those affected by the war:
In Opishnya, Poltava region, the Center of Initiatives installed a 6kW hybrid solar power plant on the “Svitanok” kindergarten, home to dozens of internally displaced families. Even during blackouts or shelling, children now have access to reliable electricity — a lifeline during wartime.
With Power In Ua, Razom helps fund portable water purification systems in frontline and remote communities. These systems not only provide safe drinking water where infrastructure has been destroyed — they also prevent contaminated runoff from polluting the land and groundwater.
Rescue NOW, another Razom partner, through the Reroot Now project, distributed seeds and agricultural support to regions where war has displaced farmers and devastated food systems. The damage is complex: in some areas, displaced mouse populations — with no natural predators left — have invaded seed storage facilities, destroying crops. It’s a powerful reminder that war disrupts every level of the ecosystem.
In the Kherson region, Kosmos Tabir (Camp), with support from Razom, installed solar mini-electric systems in frontline communities, powering village councils, schools, and first aid stations (FAPs). These systems help keep essential services running, even during blackouts or Russian attacks.
This Earth Day, Stand With Ukraine Ukraine’s future must be both free and livable — and that means making wartime ecological damage part of the global conversation. As long-term recovery plans take shape, all of us — individuals, institutions, and governments — have a role to play in ensuring that sustainability, environmental justice, and safe land access are at the heart of what comes next.
In Ukraine, the fight for freedom is also a fight for clean water, for fertile soil, for air that’s safe to breathe, and land where children can play again. But none of this is possible unless Russia’s war — and the destruction it brings — is stopped.
Environmental recovery isn’t a distant goal — it’s a daily necessity. From solar panels keeping kindergartens running during blackouts, to water systems protecting families from contamination, to demining efforts making farmland usable again — Razom’s partners are building resilience every day.
This work reflects Razom’s mission: to build a more prosperous, democratic Ukraine — one where dignity, freedom, and self-determination extend not only to people, but to the land they call home. But we can’t do it alone.
What You Can Do
👉 Donate to Razom Relief — your contribution helps fund real, local solutions. 👉 Read and share this article with you friends. 👉 Raise your voice — talk about Ukraine’s environmental crisis and contact your representatives. Urge them to support S.1241 and H.R.2548—to impose serious sanctions on Russia when it violates peace or escalates aggression.
🌍 This Earth Day, stand with Ukraine — for peace, for people, and for the planet.
Medical personnel from the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Hospital gather with Face the Future Foundation team members and Razom Co-Pilot Coordinator in Ukraine, Lilea Dzhaliuk, in front of the hospital during the April 2024 medical mission.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s healthcare system has faced immense pressure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there have been more than 2,100 attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of medical workers and patients. Nurses—who make up the backbone of the healthcare system—have carried a disproportionate burden.
As women and families are forced to flee, the nursing profession—largely made up of women—is stretched thin. Those who remain often care for overwhelming numbers of displaced patients, while adapting to the complex realities of war injuries and under-resourced facilities. The shortage of qualified nursing staff has become critical. Younger, less experienced nurses—and at times even patients’ family members—are taking on care responsibilities.
Despite the challenges, Ukraine remains determined to improve patient care. But progress is impossible without support. That’s why Razom’s Co-Pilot Project partners with organizations like Face the Future Foundation, Still Strong, and Patients of Ukraine to support Ukrainian nurses through training, equipment, and knowledge exchange. In April 2024, this partnership brought together international and Ukrainian nurses, surgeons, and medical coordinators for a mission at Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Hospital—and an academic nursing symposium that reached more than 300 healthcare workers from across the country.
Behind the Scenes: Coordinating Surgical Care During Wartime
To understand what it takes to coordinate a mission like this, we turn to Debbie Fritz, RN. A retired nurse with more than 40 years of experience in labor & delivery, the operating room, and pediatric care, Debbie has participated in 35 humanitarian surgical missions since 2006. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, she joined the Face the Future Foundation team on a mission to Ivano-Frankivsk in September 2022—and has since returned twice more as Operating Room team lead.
“One of the challenges early on was trying to recruit qualified people who are willing to travel to an active war zone,” she explains. “Some people are totally on-board, but their family members say ‘absolutely not!'”
In her leadership role, Debbie coordinates daily OR operations and surgical supply procurement, while ensuring her team feels confident and supported. Her collaborative approach helps build trust quickly in high-stakes settings. “After just a few cases together, the team develops a smooth and fluid rhythm,” she says.
Each mission requires careful planning, especially around supplies. Debbie starts sourcing essentials—surgical packs, sterile gowns, gloves, sutures, medications—months in advance. Backorders, shipping delays, and last-minute surgical needs are constant hurdles. But thanks to her preparation, Ukrainian hospitals are able to deliver high-quality surgical care amid wartime constraints.
Symposium for Strength: Learning, Sharing, and Supporting Nurses
During the April mission, Patients of Ukraine and partners organized an academic nursing symposium in Ivano-Frankivsk that brought together more than 300 nurses from across Ukraine. The event focused on sharing knowledge, building resilience, and creating community among nurses facing unprecedented challenges.
Laurie Thomas, RN from Toronto, Canada, led the academic day. She provided hands-on training in catheterization and cardiac assessment and brought donated stethoscopes and other urgently needed equipment.
Amy Bradley, RN from Houston, Texas, participated alongside her husband, an anesthesiologist. Amy specializes in PTSD, anxiety, and trauma care—and her contribution to the symposium focused on the mental health of nurses and patients alike. “Self-care is not a luxury,” she explained. “It’s a necessity for nurses working through war.”
Challenges in Ukraine’s Healthcare System
Both Laurie and Amy identified systemic challenges in Ukraine’s healthcare landscape. Amy noted the hierarchical structure that limits collaboration: “Doctors are seen as above nurses, instead of equally important parts of the healthcare team. This can interfere with patient wellness.”
Laurie highlighted the lack of continuing education: “Unlike in North America, Ukrainian nurses rarely receive dedicated teaching time. Now, they’re being asked to care for complex cases like facial trauma without the training support they need.”
The Emotional Toll of War
Ukrainian nurses carry not just medical but emotional burdens. “It’s hard to focus on your work when you’re listening for the next air raid siren,” says Laurie. “Many nurses have to go home and care for children while worrying about husbands at the front.”
Amy adds: “They are exhausted. Many have lost loved ones, their homes, their income. Women are holding the country together. And when this war is over, they will be the ones to rebuild.”
Resource Gaps and Solutions
The mission team addressed critical equipment shortages. The hospital lacked a bladder scanner, and catheter supplies were minimal. Through Razom, the team purchased a scanner and distributed donated catheters and 60 brand-new stethoscopes.
Beyond equipment, systemic change is underway. Ivano-Frankivsk Hospital leadership is expanding the scope of nursing practice. “Dr. Komashko and Head Nurse Nataliia Ryzhulo are making real progress,” Laurie explains. “More hospitals need this kind of leadership and support.”
Elevating Patient Care: Practical Training
During post-op care, Amy observed dangerous gaps. “There was no recovery room protocol. Patients weren’t monitored for pain or complications. It wasn’t that the nurses didn’t care—they had just never been taught.”
One case stood out: a patient waking up in severe pain was dismissed as “fine.” Amy intervened with proper post-op care and pain relief, resulting in immediate improvement. “Infection is the second enemy of Ukrainians after war injuries,” she said. “Simple things like hygiene and pain management can save lives.”
Knowledge Sharing at the Symposium
The symposium featured nurses from every specialty—emergency, OR, critical care, rehab. Debbie Fritz delivered a session on electrocautery use and safety, drawing on her OR experience.
“It was incredibly rewarding when nurses came up during breaks to ask questions and share stories,” she said. “We emphasized that nurses are not just assistants—they are essential to successful outcomes.”
Mental Health as Essential Care
Amy’s session on trauma care used brain imaging to show how trauma affects the body. “There’s a cultural narrative in Ukraine of being tough. But we need to acknowledge trauma. Assume every patient you see has been affected.”
She used simple metaphors to convey the importance of gentleness and empathy in care. “By the end of the talk, many nurses were in tears. They finally felt seen.”
Laurie reinforced the message: “The psychological wounds of this war will outlast the physical ones. If we don’t address them now, they will linger for generations.”
Face the Future Foundation & Razom Co-Pilot Team at the Nursing Symposium
Nurse Thomas presenting her topic at the Nursing Symposium
Face the Future Foundation Crossing the Ukrainian Border from Poland
Building Bridges Through Healthcare
These missions are about more than surgical care. They are about solidarity, community, and long-term capacity building. International and Ukrainian nurses are learning from each other, improving outcomes, and forging lasting partnerships.
As the Face the Future Foundation team left Ukraine, they passed a line of Ukrainian soldiers heading to Poland for training. From the bus window, the team held up a Ukrainian flag. The soldiers responded with heartfelt hand gestures of thanks.
Moments like this remind us: We are stronger together. And together, we will help rebuild a resilient, compassionate, and skilled healthcare system in Ukraine.
Support Razom’s Co-Pilot Project
Help us train and equip Ukrainian healthcare workers. Support missions like this one and be part of the effort to strengthen Ukraine’s healthcare system from the ground up.
Thank you to Yana Leshchynska and Yuliia Shama, for working on the article.
For the past 24 years, MoMA’s annual Doc Fortnight film festival has showcased bold new nonfiction and hybrid fiction films from around the world. Razom Cinema supported the North American premiere of Lesia Diak’s documentary Dad’s Lullaby, an intimate documentary following a Ukrainian veteran’s return home. Additionally, the film team hosted a special screening at Columbia University, bringing the film to a broader audience of students, scholars, and members of the Ukrainian community.
MoMA’s Doc Fortnight Festival
The selection of Dad’s Lullaby at Doc Fortnight, MoMA’s prestigious nonfiction film festival, provided an invaluable platform for sharing its deeply personal and urgent story. The diverse audience engaged with the film in a profound way.
Key points from conversations with the audience:
Many attendees, including those unfamiliar with the realities of war, expressed how the film deepened their understanding of the silent battles faced at home by veterans and their families.
Filmmakers encountered several U.S. viewers who voiced frustration and concern over their government’s stance, particularly its perceived alignment with Putin’s regime.
The presence of Nadiia Zinchuk, featured in the documentary, at the North American premiere of Dad’s Lullaby on March 3, 2025, was significant for multiple reasons. As the wife of Serhiy Zinchuk, a Ukrainian war veteran struggling to reconnect with his family after years of trauma, Nadiia brought a personal and emotional layer to the event. Her participation allowed the audience to understand the Zinchuk family’s current struggles, providing a deeper connection to the film’s themes.
The film explores universal themes of love, loss, and healing—drawing from both the Zinchuk family’s experiences and Diak’s own. Nadiia’s willingness to share her perspective likely deepened the audience’s understanding of how war fractures familial bonds and how individuals like her navigate these challenges. Her participation in the festival marked a powerful testament to the relevance of the film in a world grappling with the human cost of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Razom Cinema sat down with the director Lesia Diak and Nadiia Zinchuk to talk more about their collaboration and the mission of this film.
Columbia University Screening
The screening at Columbia University provided a more intimate space for discussion, particularly with students and academics focused on human rights, trauma, and war studies.
Key takeaways from conversations with the audience:
Students drew parallels between the film and post-war reintegration challenges in Ukraine and other societies, including the U.S., fostering a meaningful conversation about global solidarity.
Academics in attendance discussed the importance of archiving such stories to ensure the human cost of war is not lost in political discourse.
The audience was deeply moved by Nadiia Zinchuk’s presence and appreciated her willingness to answer questions about the collaboration with the director. Her reflections on her name, which means “hope,” and her hope for a reunion with Serhiy, resonated strongly. Equally powerful were her insights into how her children are overcoming the burdens of war, finding strength and belonging through education.
From Lesia Diak: “The support from Razom for Ukraine allowed us to reach new audiences, spark critical conversations, and reinforce the necessity of storytelling in shaping historical memory. The premiere and screening not only raised awareness about the realities of war but also strengthened connections between us as Ukrainian filmmakers and the artistic and academic community in New York. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity and look forward to bringing Dad’s Lullaby to even more audiences worldwide. Thank you for believing in this story.”
Food transcends language—it brings people together, bridges cultures, and tells stories words cannot. In early March, the Razom Advocacy team, alongside renowned Ukrainian chef Olia Hercules, embarked on a journey through Louisiana—visiting Shreveport and New Orleans—to foster connections, celebrate Ukrainian culture, express gratitude to local first responders, and advocate for Ukraine.
Who is Olia Hercules?
Olia Hercules is not just a celebrated chef—she is a storyteller, a bridge-builder, and a passionate advocate for Ukrainian culture. Originally from Ukraine (born and raised in Kakhovka) and now living in the UK, Olia’s culinary career spans continents. She is known for her innovative approach to traditional Ukrainian dishes, bringing flavors and stories from her homeland to global kitchens. Her work is a testament to the resilience of Ukraine and its rich culinary heritage. By using food as a medium of advocacy, she helps bring Ukraine’s story to the world, making this journey with Razom a natural fit.
Why Louisiana and Shreveport?
Our trip to Louisiana, specifically Shreveport, was significant because it is the hometown of Mike Johnson, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. By bringing this mission to his community, we aimed to strengthen the connection between Shreveport and Ukraine, fostering solidarity and raising awareness in his home region.
A Journey of Unity and Flavor
Our journey began in Shreveport, where we partnered with Louisiana’s own celebrated chef Hardette Harris to host a cookout for first responders. The smell of sizzling food filled the air as we served Ukrainian and Louisiana-inspired dishes to local firefighters and emergency personnel, thanking them for their service while sharing the tastes of Ukraine. We also delivered food to ten Shreveport fire stations, ensuring that over 100 first responders had a warm meal and a moment of solidarity. A special thank you to chef Anthony Felan at Fat Calf Brasserie in Shreveport for donating the space for our special dinner and first responders event.
From the heart of Shreveport to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, our journey continued, uniting communities through food. As the week unfolded, we engaged with diverse audiences—from Louisiana’s top chefs to students, community leaders, and international groups. At every stop, we brought people together around the table, proving that food is a universal language of connection and resilience.
Louisiana Meets Ukraine
In New Orleans, we held a special Ukrainian-Louisiana dinner, where community leaders and advocates gathered to experience a fusion of cultures. As guests savored dishes that blended Ukrainian traditions with Louisiana flavors—including three unforgettable po’ boys infused with Ukrainian ingredients—conversations flowed about Ukraine’s rich history, its ongoing fight for freedom, and the importance of cultural diplomacy.
Between meals, Olia and the Razom team participated in impactful discussions, presentations, and media engagements. At the Uptown Jewish Community Center, we shared the deep ties between Jewish and Ukrainian culinary traditions. At the NOCCA Culinary Institute, students learned about Ukraine’s food heritage and the resilience it represents. And at Saba, a vibrant New Orleans restaurant known for its commitment to community and culture, we hosted a dinner where dialogue and understanding flourished over shared plates.
Advocating for Ukraine Through Food
Beyond the flavors, our journey carried a message. Each gathering became a platform to share Ukraine’s story with new audiences—through food, conversations, and media. We were honored to receive a proclamation from New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell, recognizing our cultural diplomacy efforts and reaffirming the city’s solidarity with Ukraine.
Throughout the trip, Olia also shared her insights on the power of food to connect people and preserve identity. In an exclusive interview with Razom in New York City, she reflected on her experiences in Louisiana and the importance of using culinary traditions as a form of advocacy.
Watch the full interview here:
Media Coverage
Our journey made headlines, amplifying Ukraine’s voice far beyond Louisiana. Major media outlets covered our efforts, including:
We are deeply grateful to all who joined us on this journey, from the chefs and community leaders to the media professionals and first responders who welcomed us so warmly. Special thanks to Agis Counter in NYC, where Olia hosted a special dinner, and all proceeds from the event went to support Razom’s mission.
This trip was a testament to the power of food—not just as sustenance, but as a tool for connection, understanding, and advocacy. Every plate served was a reminder that Ukraine’s story must be told, and every shared meal was a step toward stronger solidarity.
Join us in amplifying Ukraine’s voice. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are Razom.
This week, a Trump-appointed special envoy and a real estate developer Steven Witkoff claimed that Ukrainian regions currently occupied by Russia are “Russian-speaking, and there have been referendums where the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under Russian rule.”
This statement erases the realities of millions of Ukrainians who have been displaced, imprisoned, and killed as a result of Russia’s invasions and occupations. It ignores the brutal repression of Ukrainian identity, language, and culture in these regions. To counter such narratives, it is crucial to amplify the voices of those who have lived through these events.
Razom Literature is dedicated to bringing Ukrainian stories to readers worldwide—stories that document resilience, survival, and the truth of what Russia’s war has meant for Ukrainians. Below, we highlight books by authors from Luhansk and Donetsk who offer first hand perspectives on life before and after Russian occupation.
Olena Stiazhkina - Ukraine. War. Love. and Cecile the Lion Had to Die
Olena Stiazhkina, a historian and former Russian-speaking writer from Donetsk, explores the impact of Russia’s 2014 invasion on her hometown.
Ukraine. War. Love. chronicles daily life under occupation, while Cecile the Lion Had to Die traces the generational shift from Soviet to Ukrainian identities. The novel itself reflects this transformation, beginning in Russian and transitioning to Ukrainian—a powerful statement of resistance and self-determination in the face of war.
Buy Ukraine. War. Love. HERE Buy Cecile the Lion Had to Die HERE
Stanislav Aseyev – The Torture Camp on Paradise Street
Stanislav Aseyev, a Ukrainian journalist and writer, was imprisoned from 2015 to 2017 in a Russian-controlled concentration camp in Donetsk. His memoir documents the torture, psychological and physical abuse, and inhumane conditions endured by prisoners under the Russian occupation, offering an unfiltered account of Russia’s war crimes.
Volodymyr Rafeyenko – Mondegreen and The Length of Days
Rafeyenko, a writer originally from Donetsk, explores displacement and identity in Mondegreen, the story of a refugee who flees the war and chooses to adopt the Ukrainian language. In The Length of Days, he crafts a fictionalized portrait of occupied Donbas, filled with dark humor, irony, and the painful absurdity of war.
Zhadan, one of Ukraine’s most acclaimed authors, was born in the currently occupied Luhansk region. His novel The Orphanage follows a Ukrainian language teacher navigating an occupied city to rescue his nephew, a journey that forces him to confront his own identity and loyalties.
These books are more than literature; they are testimonies of survival and resistance. Buy The Orphanage HERE
Read. Share. Advocate.
Literature is a tool for amplifying Ukrainian voices and ensuring that stories like these are not forgotten. Read these books, share them, and use them in your advocacy.
On Friday, many Americans watched in horror as Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over Ukraine’s “attitude” toward the United States after three grueling years of war. Their hostility demonstrated a growing disconnect between American leaders and the popular will.
The fact is that most Americans know Ukraine’s cause is just. Ukrainians are defending themselves against a ruthless aggressor who rapes, plunders, and murders countless innocents. Most Americans know that Putin is evil. And most Americans will not remain neutral.
Amid these alarming signals of wavering U.S. support for Ukraine and growing diplomatic overtures toward Putin’s Russia, Americans are coming together to demand principled foreign policy and continued support for Ukraine and other key U.S. allies. Please contact your Senators and Representatives today to emphasize that Ukraine is our ally.
The Truth About Republican Voter Support for Ukraine
Not only are the White House’s views on Ukraine out of step with the country as a whole, but with Republican voters as well. In a recent Wall Street Journal Op-Ed, Razom revealed the result of our recent poll that backs this up:
✅ 69% of Trump supporters agree that Russia is the aggressor. ✅ 5 times more Trump supporters have a favorable opinion of President Zelenskyy than Vladimir Putin. ✅ 71% of Trump supporters are more likely to back Ukraine aid when they learn that Russia has kidnapped more than 19,000 Ukrainian children.
This poll is significant because it reveals that Republican voters hold more nuanced and supportive views on Ukraine than the White House’s stance suggests.
Why This Moment Matters
Bipartisan lawmakers have provided Ukraine with vital moral and material support over the years. But now, some leaders are reconsidering their positions and asking whether supporting Ukraine is a winning political issue. The answer is yes.
📢 Every Republican House member who voted for Ukraine aid won their primary election. The American people see supporting Ukraine as the right—and winning—choice.
That’s why it’s so important to act now.
“The failed negotiations on Friday were not a win for America or Ukraine. The only beneficiaries were Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea. Supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom is not just about European security—it’s about U.S. national security. Russia has collaborated with Iran to attack American infrastructure, paid the Taliban for killing American soldiers, and traded military technologies with North Korea. America must send a clear message to all dictators: This is not what we stand for. Seventy percent of Republican voters say Russia is the aggressor, and 83% disapprove of Putin. It’s time to remind Washington what Americans truly care about,” – Mykola Murskyj, Director of Advocacy at Razom.
Take Action: You Can Make a Difference
America stands for freedom. Our leaders should, too. Here’s how you can help:
• Call or write your Representatives – Demand that they continue supporting Ukraine and reject any effort to cave to Putin. Surrender is not an option. Take Action Now:www.votervoice.net/RAZOMFORUKRAINE
• Donate to support Razom’s work – Help fund the crucial efforts that keep Ukraine’s cause front and center in Washington: razomforukraine.org/donate
