Razom leads joint letter to Congressional leadership urging bipartisan deal on Ukraine aid

Published: January 16, 2024   

Razom leads joint letter to Congressional leadership urging bipartisan deal on Ukraine aid

 

Razom for Ukraine brought together nearly one hundred key community leaders to urge Congressional leadership to support a bipartisan deal to get Ukraine the critical aid it needs to prevail over Russia’s invasion. The United States has delayed aid to Ukraine for far too long, and the Ukrainian defenders having to ration ammunition as they fend off Russian forces are paying the price.

 

This letter was sent on January 9 to leaders in the House of Representatives and Senate and was signed by key voices such as Razom CEO Dora Chomiak, former House Majority Whip David Bonior, co-founder of Bluecheck Ukraine and actor Liev Schreiber, CEO of the National Coalition for Supporting Eurasian Jewry Mark B. Levin, and more.

Research Project Championing Freedom: Increasing Popular Support for Pro-Democracy Causes

Published: January 16, 2024   

Research Project Championing Freedom: Increasing Popular Support for Pro-Democracy Causes

 

 

Razom’s Advocacy program is working to enhance engagement with American audiences in order to establish popular, long-term support for Ukraine in the United States. 

 

 

As part of its advocacy work, Razom received a grant supporting  a project titled Championing Freedom. Its purpose was to understand what motivates  Americans to support pro-democracy causes and  be in favor of government support for a fight for freedom outside the U.S., as in the example of Ukraine. 

 

The Championing Freedom project lasted six-months and examined how Americans, as well as pro-democracy activists around the world, identify with democratic causes. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was the case study used to better understand just how Americans think about supporting and defending democracy. The project was conducted in cooperation with Ukrainian civil society groups, global pro-democracy campaigners, friends of Ukraine, and other communicators already working in this space.

 

The results of the research can be applied by pro-democracy movements to activate popular support for foreign nations under invasion that is committed to preserving their democracy.

 

Key findings

 

 

The key question this research sought to answer is how Americans feel, perceive, and understand Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

  • Poll results consistently indicated that the majority of Americans, despite multiple media manipulations, want to continue to support Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion. 
  •  

The poll conducted in August, 2023 showed that 63% of Americans support continuing military support for Ukraine in next year’s federal budget. The poll, conducted in October, confirmed that 60% of U.S. voters believe that America’s allies and enemies would view a U.S. withdrawal of military support for Ukraine as a sign of weakness. 

 

 

However, the resumption of the Israel-Palestine conflict introduced a split among the respondents, with some demonstrating less support for military aid to Ukraine if aid  is linked to Israel, while others indicated more support. 

 

  • Americans strongly believe that Putin is a major threat to the US. Putin received the lowest approval rating among all the world political leaders across all the audiences – 85% total unfavorable; 74% very unfavorable. Americans do not like bullies and see Putin as a bully. 

Messages that place Putin as the main villain and mastermind of the war against Ukraine and other conflicts around the world performed best in persuading Americans to support Ukraine. 

 

  • Americans root for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, but they do not see either side winning. 
  •  

70% of Americans believe that Ukraine should win the war imposed by Russia — this number holds throughout time — however, they do not see any side currently winning.

This response is important; winning is crucial for Americans to become invested in any conflict. Currently, Americans do not have a vision of a Ukrainian victory, and shaping that vision would be integral to obtaining popular support in the U.S.  

 

When describing a timeline for the commitment to a struggle, many Americans hear “as long as it takes” as code for “forever”. Proclaiming “victory” as the end goal of aiding Ukraine is crucial to obtaining and sustaining popular support in the U.S. 

 

Survey results indicated that the goal of “defending democracy” lacks broad appeal in the U.S. because different segments of Americans understand the word “democracy” differently. “Defending freedom” unites and motivates Americans more.

 

Comprehensive interviews with members of the general public indicate that Americans feel that their nation is weak and ineffectual, and are cynical about America’s goodness as a nation. Respondents once again want to feel strong, effective and good. They want their country to lead, but also want that the burden of leadership be shared with the allies. Most think that European allies are not doing their fair share in the war, and should be doing more.  Whether it is true or not, this is how Americans perceive their role in the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine.

  • Finer segmentation of polling indicated that an anti-Ukrainian mood prevails in a small segment of the conservative minority. However, that small segment more positively views support for Ukraine after learning that the U.S. spent less than 3% of its defense budget to destroy 50% of Russian armed forces, and that Ukraine has regained over 50% of previously occupied territories. The information that most boosted support was the persecution of Evangelical Christians by Russian occupational forces in Ukraine.

Key arguments

 

From our research, there are key points Americans need to know to sustain popular support for

Ukraine. Americans need to know the main facts about events in Ukraine,and most do not have accurate information, therefore sharing key arguments is crucial. 

 

  • Ukraine is not involved in a regional “squabble” with Russia. It is fighting for its freedom and for the right to govern itself.

  • Although the situation is complex, given the U.S.’ vast experience and capabilities, America is up for the task, and has a clear path to victory.

  • Getting involved is critical both for U.S. national security and because morally, when innocent lives are at stake, supporting Ukraine is the right thing to do.
  • Ukraine is not in a “forever war” and the U.S. is not going in blind. America has the resources for assisting Ukraine and will do everything possible to preserve the lives of not only Americans but of those who are defenseless and oppressed.

  • The stakes couldn’t be clearer—either we live in a world where bullies roll over defenseless innocents or we stand up for freedom, we stand up for innocent lives, and we work with other nations to win a better future for us all.

  • Ukrainians are making good use of American aid and making progress against Russia. But that doesn’t mean the fight is over. Civilians, churches, and schools are still being targeted and hurt by Russian forces. Americans can’t let that stand.
  •  

Key stories


Beyond polling, another element of this project was a series of deep-dive interviews with a representative group of American voters. When combined with the polling data, a pattern of narratives emerged around how Americans identify with and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

 

Heroic Moments from Shared History


For many Americans, helping Ukraine is a chance for the U.S. to be a hero to the world, just as in World War II. The American Revolution of 1776 is sacred to both Americans and Ukrainians.  Describing Ukraine’s fight as a revolt against Russia’s colonial domination—or Ukraine’s own “1776 moment”—  can inspire Americans and make them more closely identify with Ukraine.

 

Respecting Order, Protecting Innocents


Many Americans are deeply offended and moved by Russia’s abuse of innocent lives: the bombing of civilians, abduction of children, rape of women, and other war crimes. They need to hear the stories that bring to life Russia’s rule-breaking, use of torture, and targeting of civilians beyond more abstract claims that Russia is “violating international law.” Narrating the suffering and bravery of Ukrainian civilians living in Russian-occupied areas gives Americans a better understanding of Ukraine’s stake and motivation in this war.

Doing What’s Right *

 

Narratives about America’s fundamental desire to oppose evil and fight for good; America’s role as the world’s most powerful nation should be provided. Stories should narrate fundamental values—the right to safety, security, freedom, and self-determination. When a major power attacks a small nation, most Americans want the U.S. to side with David and beat Goliath.

* America’s stance in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, however, detracted from this argument as many Americans see a double standard in how the U.S. has responded to the protection of innocents in the Middle East conflict and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

 

 

Winning a Safe, Freer Future

 

The fundamental purpose of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is for Russia to define the future of humanity: oppression vs. freedom; liberty vs. censorship; impunity vs. the rule of law. Offering a vision of a future where Ukraine’s victory makes the world safer and deters future authoritarian aggression motivates Americans to be more invested in Ukraine’s cause.

Summary

 

The research demonstrated that content featuring Putin as an enemy of the free world and the U.S. as a force for good, works for different audiences, especially conservative and independent ones, to amplify support for Ukraine. Since Putin enjoys an extremely low approval rating even among anti-Ukrainian audiences in the U.S., the most universally persuasive messages would focus on him personally. 

 

Based on research insights, Razom, in partnership with Spirit of America, produced an ad that features Col. Matt Dimmick, who went to Ukraine and is an avid advocate in the U.S. of  Ukrainian victory.

Overall, Americans’ hearts are in the right place: the majority of people are motivated to support causes to help civilians and vulnerable populations and to safeguard justice and freedom for all. What Americans lack are awareness and reliable facts. Due in part to a competitive information environment, people repeat a set of statements they hear from public figures and in the media (e.g. that the war is a “territorial dispute”,  Ukraine is “too corrupt”, the U.S. has given Ukraine a “blank check”, etc.). These types of statements disperse public attention from Ukraine and refocus it on Americans’ deepest anxieties and concerns. 

 

Educational and informative campaigns aimed at boosting awareness about Ukraine and providing Americans with reliable information from resources they trust, are key to securing popular support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom. 

 

This research was conducted in real time and the results were influenced by a fast-moving news cycle. Future research would be beneficial to ensure these findings stay relevant. 



Project team

Katya Pavlevych, Project Manager, Razom for Ukraine

Gretchen Barton, Team Lead, Worthy Strategy Group

Kirk Cheyfitz and Rose Hackman, Narrative Development & Strategy, Kirk Cheyfitz/ Political Narrative, 

Stephen Clermont, Polling Lead, Change Research

Ellen Kirk, Creative Project Manager

Milan De Vries, Content Testing and Analysis



This research was supported by the Temerty Foundation and Open Society Foundation. 

Razom Congratulates Ukrainian Films in the Running for the 2024 Oscars

Published: December 22, 2023   

Razom Congratulates Ukrainian Films in the Running for the 2024 Oscars

 

December 21st brought us the long awaited news of shortlisted films for the 2024 Oscars (Academy Awards). Razom is celebrating the incredible accomplishments of every Ukrainian story that became a contender for an Oscar, and those that went on to fill up the slots on the shortlist for the award. Over the years, Razom Cinema has supported films that amplify Ukrainian voices and center stories from Ukraine, and this year we congratulate all of our filmmakers not only on this accomplishment, but also for the impactful work that led to this point. 

SHORTLISTED FILMS

20 DAYS IN MARIUPOL

Trailer: 20 Days In Mariupol (trailer) | FRONTLINE

Synopsis: An AP team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggle to continue their work documenting atrocities of the Russian invasion. As the only international reporters who remain in the city, they capture what later become defining images of the war: dying children, mass graves, the bombing of a maternity hospital, and more. (20daysinmariupol.com)

 

“20 Days in Mariupol” is shortlisted for the Documentary Feature category as well as the International Feature category, where it represents Ukraine. Razom, along with other partners, has supported the film during its U.S. theatrical release, as well as helping bring the documentary to various communities around the U.S. This film is currently available to watch online (U.S. territory) on YouTube as well as PBS Frontline. 

IN THE REARVIEW

Trailer: IN THE REARVIEW Trailer | TIFF 2023

Synopsis: In the Rearview is an authentic, intimate observation of war as it unfolds, following multiple generations of Ukrainian civilians as they abruptly abandon their homes and rely on the help of director Maciek Hamela’s volunteer aid van to escape the life-threatening conflict. As he steers through minefields to leave Ukraine and tries to get through numerous military checkpoints, Hamela offers us a seat in his car, guiding the documentary from behind the wheel and behind the camera, crisscrossing the roads of Ukraine to transport uprooted refugees safely to Poland. The van traverses tens of thousands of kilometers and serves as a waiting room, hospital, shelter, and zone for confidences and confessions among compatriots thrown together by chance. (intherearview.eu)

 

“In the Rearview” is shortlisted for the Documentary Feature category. Razom provided a grant to the film team in order to support their screenings in key cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, which were part of the Oscar campaign. Keep an eye out for more screenings in the new year!

OSCAR 2024 QUALIFIERS FROM RAZOM CINEMA

A RISING FURY

Trailer: “A Rising Fury” | Trailer | Stockholm International Film Festival 2022

Synopsis: “A RISING FURY” follows two hopeful Ukrainian idealists from the peaceful protest in Kyiv in 2013 to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Pavlo and Svitlana met and fell in love at the Maidan Revolution and were filmed nearly 10 years with several expeditions to the frontlines of the war. When Russia invaded Crimea and Donbas in 2014, Pavlo lost his family home and joined the Ukrainian military effort. To defend his nation, he engages in deadly firefights against former friends and a close military instructor who join Russian forces. As Svitlana transports food and medical supplies, both find themselves on the battle lines, protecting their land, democracy, and their relationship. This film reveals the true untold story of how the Russo-Ukrainian war began nearly 10 years ago. (arisingfury.com)

 

“A Rising Fury” recently had an incredible US theatrical release in NYC (watch a conversation between director Lesya Kalynska and Professor Timothy Snyder). This came after their successful festival run that started from Tribeca Film Festival in 2022. Razom is proud to have supported the making of this vital film that shines light and provides insight into the beginning of this nearly ten-year war while following the heroic journey of Pavlo.

SUNFLOWER FIELD

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/882754612

Synopsis: Under the shadowy threat of war, a young Ukrainian girl awaits a call from her father. As she waits, the day turns into night and she sinks into various dreamscapes from which she must find her way home. 

 

“Sunflower Field” just recently wrapped its festival journey – taking home the award for Best Short Animation from Oscar-qualifying Woodstock Film Festival. Razom provided support with community engagement where the filmmaker was also able to connect with several Ukrainian schools in different states to not only screen the animation, but also engage with Ukrainian children by inviting them to become part of the animation.

Make sure to follow our newsletter and social media for more announcements on how to catch these films and more! In the meantime, we urge you to connect with your local theaters, art institutions, and other locations where you could potentially host a screening of one of these films (or reach out if you’re looking for more). Together, we can prove to cultural programmers that Ukrainian stories are necessary and that there is a large audience ready for them.


Дивимось Українське Разом!

Razom Culture 

Generous Healthcare Donations Illuminate the Spirit of Giving

Published: December 20, 2023   

The holiday season brings a spirit of compassion and giving. Two major donations recently accepted by Razom Health illuminate this spirit and the positive impact created by our partnerships. The contributions from Dr. Rocco Armonda, and Partners for World Health brought much-anticipated medical supplies to assist healthcare efforts in Ukraine. The commitment and generosity demonstrated by these donors is commendable, and their contributions will undoubtedly help alleviate the stress on Ukraine’s health system.

Razom Health expresses heartfelt gratitude for the impactful gift from Dr. Rocco Armonda, which arrived at Dnipro Mechnikov Hospital:  four pallets of neurosurgical supplies. This valuable donation is crucial to the dedicated doctors, who heroically save lives every day. The delivery is Dr. Armonda’s twelfth shipment since the full-scale invasion began, bringing the total to 29 pallets, weighing over 5,000 kilograms, with a value exceeding 4 million USD. Razom Health is grateful for Dr. Armonda’s continued support over the past two years, contributing significantly to our cause.

A long-awaited container of medical supplies from Partners for World Health (PWH) has arrived in Ukraine, marking the first time Razom Health has navigated a new tracking system required by the Ukrainian government. This donation from PWH is the fourth in the past two years, a testament to the organization’s stalwart commitment to support healthcare efforts in Ukraine. With a total weight of 22,000 pounds, the 40-foot container boasts an entire emergency hospital’s worth of supplies, a treasure trove of high-quality medical equipment and supplies including hospital beds, stretchers, defibrillators, ultrasound machines, and various essential medical consumables. We are truly grateful for the tireless efforts of PWH donors and volunteers to ensure that these vital resources reach those in need.

Once again, Razom Health would like to express our appreciation for all of these partnerships and substantial contributions. As we celebrate the season of giving, these transformative healthcare donations serve as inspiring reminders of the impact that partnerships like these have on communities in need. The stalwart support from  Dr. Rocco Armonda and Partners for World Health embodies the true spirit of the holidays, offering hope, healing, and a brighter future for Ukraine. 

Razom says Dyakuyu!

Thank you to our esteemed partners and individuals for their invaluable support: Institutional Support – Duke University Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University Neurosurgery, MedStar Georgetown University Neurosurgery, Miami University Hospital Neurosurgery, Balt Corporation, Doro, NeuroOptics (Pupillometry), Longevity (Cranial Implants), Neurovascular Divisions for Medtronic, Stryker, and Microventions, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Jackson Foundation, Mizuho Microsurgical Sugita Aneurysm Clips, Raumedic Neuromonitoring, Baxter Hemostatics. 

Special Recognition to – Ivan Bezkoravanny, Heidi Armonda, Michelle Armonda, Dr. Mario Golokovsky, Dr. Catherine Reilly and Family, Jeremy Kaczaniuk, Steve Brown, Dr. Gerry Grant (Chairman of Duke Neurosurgery), Dr. Rober H. Rossenwasser (Chairman of Neurosurgery Thomas Jefferson University), Dr. Maxim Shapiro (NYU NeuroIR), Alex Razmovsky (PhD), Ken Green (DDS).

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Health Program!

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Empowering Tomorrow’s (and Today’s) Leaders: A Recap of Our Ukraine on Campus Stipend Program at ASEEES 2023

Published: December 15, 2023   

Against the backdrop of academia,  in particular, Slavic and Eastern European Studies reckoning with the need to decolonize and decenter Russian narratives in higher education, Razom’s Ukraine on Campus stipend program helped bring  five students  to the 55th annual convention of the Association for Slavic, East European, & Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) in Philadelphia, from November 30 – December 3. The selected students came from different backgrounds, academic concentrations, and connections to Ukraine, but each leveraged their attendance at the Convention to bring new energy and ideas to efforts around progressing the study of Ukraine and creating sustainable opportunities for engaging with Ukraine across U.S. university campuses. 

 

In addition to stipends, Ukraine on Campus created spaces where attendees could build community, find overlap in their work, and coordinate ways in which they can collaborate in their studies and academic careers. On top of the extensive ASEEES schedule, the project hosted a number of Ukraine on Campus engagements and promoted specific segments of the ASEEES program to help give stipend recipients, local students, and interested academics the opportunity to connect as they take on decolonizing their fields and championing the study of Ukraine.

Decolonizing the Academic Landscape: Ukraine at ASEEES

 

The ASEEES Convention provided a platform for 37 academics, researchers, and professors from Ukrainian institutions to present their work. Many other academics from around the United States and the world also attended to discuss their research on Ukraine. With a staggering 220 panels, roundtables, and other events featuring or including Ukraine, attendees were immersed in a rich tapestry of Ukrainian academia, literature, and film. Programming about Ukraine and by Ukrainians saw incredible turnout, with attendees sitting on floors and standing in hallways outside of the conference rooms to hear and engage with Ukrainian voices.

Who They Are: Ukraine on Campus Stipend Recipients

 

Five students, across all degree levels, were selected as stipend recipients:

  • William Ronald Debnam, Columbia University, pursuing a PhD in Ukrainian Studies and instructor of Elementary Ukrainian
  • Anastasiia Pereverten, University of Wyoming, pursuing a B.A. in International Studies
  • Viktoriia Savchuk, University of Maryland, pursuing a PhD in Communications
  • Oleksii Shebanov, Brown University, pursuing an A.B. in Intellectual History & Slavic Studies
  • Iryna Tofan, New York University, pursuing an MA  in Museum Studies

 

Razom also supported local students in engaging with the ASEEES 2023 program and attending academics, researchers, and voices on Ukraine. Through our programming, students were able to connect one-on-one with experts and community leaders such as Emily Channell-Justice, Serhii Plokhy, Olena Lennon, Bishop Borys Gudziak, Volodymyr Sheiko, Halyna Hryn, Vitaly Chernetsky, Sophia Wilson, and many other academics from Ukraine and beyond. Viktoriia also presented during 3 panels and stipend recipients were often the first to ask questions and engage in discourse in and around the panel discussions.

Victory Reads: Olena Stiazhkina

 

Another highlight of the convention was the collaboration between Razom and the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute (HURI). Razom, in partnership with HURI, organized a compelling book talk featuring Olena Stiazhkina, attracting  a full auditorium and showcasing the appetite for engaging discussions around Ukrainian contemporary literature. Stiazhkina, whose recent book tour in NYC Razom proudly amplified, discussed her two forthcoming books to be published in English in 2024:Ukraine, War, Love and Cecil the Lion Had to Die, which was translated with the support of Razom Translates. 

Local Spotlight: University of Pennsylvania

 

The Ukraine on Campus team, advisors, and stipend recipients had the opportunity to visit the University of Pennsylvania and join the Ukrainian Student Association at Penn for Ukrainian Tea Time on campus. Ukrainian Tea Time, hosted by professor of Ukrainian language, Kseniia Power, was an opportunity for cross-campus engagement between Ukrainian language instructors, student leaders on their respective campuses, and young academics studying Ukraine and interested in engaging with ASEEES to decolonize the field. 

Ukraine on Campus: Stipends & Beyond

 

Razom’s Ukraine on Campus project was pleased to offer travel stipends to students who were interested in attending this year’s ASEEES Convention. Travel grants were available to partially offset the costs of Convention attendance. The project, which features a directory of 60+ Ukrainian student groups across U.S. university campuses, is a developing initiative focused on connecting students interested in championing Ukraine and mobilizing the resources they need to activate their campuses in support of a Ukrainian victory. Its goal is to engage student activism both on campus and beyond through conferences, event tours, and more.

 

To support initiatives such as Ukraine on Campus as well as all the work that Razom is doing to support a secure, prosperous and democratic Ukraine, please donate HERE.

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Razom For Ukraine Announces New Advocacy Advisory Board Members

Published: December 8, 2023   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2023

Contact:
Nana Gongadze, Head of Advocacy Communications
nana.gongadze@razomforukraine.org

 

 

Razom For Ukraine Welcomes New Advocacy Advisory Board Members

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Razom Advocacy, a program of Razom for Ukraine committed to advancing Ukrainian victory, announces the addition of three new members of its Advocacy Advisory Board. Composed of experienced leaders, the advisory board will guide the Razom Advocacy team as it seeks to ensure that Ukraine receives the tools it needs for a swift victory.

 

The three new members are:

  • Gen. Philip Breedlove (ret.), Former Supreme Allied Commander, Europe

  • Mark Levin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO,  National Coalition for Supporting Eurasian Jewry

  • Steven Moore, President, Ukraine Freedom Project

 

“We are thankful to these influential experts and executives for joining our Razom Advocacy Advisory Board. They bring decades of experience in the military, international politics, and the government, and have already done so much to help Ukraine at this critical time. Together, we will continue to work relentlessly to make sure Ukraine gets the resources it needs for victory,” said Mykola Murskyj, Director of Advocacy for Razom for Ukraine

 

Established in the United States in 2014, Razom strives to create a more democratic and prosperous Ukraine. Razom Advocacy was created in March 2022 as part of Razom’s response to Russia’s full-scale invasion. Since then, Razom has raised more than $100 million for emergency relief and psychological assistance to Ukrainian civilians, supplies and generators for medical facilities, tactical medicine and communications gear for the armed forces, and support for Ukrainian cultural projects. 

 

New members join the existing Razom Advocacy Advisory Board, which includes:

 

Dr. Anders Åslund, Senior Fellow at the Stockholm Free World Forum for Global Affairs 

Ambassador Paula Dobriansky, Former U.S. Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs 

Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Metropolitan-Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia

Victor J. Herlinsky, Jr., Attorney, Sills, Cummis & Gross

Yevhen Hlibovytsky, Partner, Pro.Mova Consulting

Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges (ret.), Former Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe

The Honorable Tom Malinowski, Former Representative for New Jersey’s 7th District, U.S. House of Representatives 

Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head, Center for Civil Liberties & 2022 Nobel Laureate

Nate Mook, Former CEO, World Central Kitchen

Nataliya Popovych, Founder & President, One Philosophy & WeAreUkraine 

Christina Walsh, Senior Director of Activism and Coalitions, Institute for Justice 

Diane Zeleny, Head of External Affairs, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 

 

###

For media inquiries or other questions, Nana Gongadze at nana.gongadze@razomforukraine.org. Razom (“together” in Ukrainian) is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to helping build a more democratic and prosperous Ukraine. More information is available at RazomForUkraine.org. 

 
 

“Waiting for Victory” – Children’s Art from Ukraine

Published: December 4, 2023   

 

This year, we received the most wonderful holiday gifts: seasonal art created for us by children whom Razom grantees serve in liberated and war torn areas of Ukraine, and those from all over the country who participated in the art contest “St. Nicholas Carries Victory to Ukrainian Children”. Over 800 drawings were submitted!

 

We are so pleased to share these samples and the winning entries with you in honor of their spirit and resilience. In spite

of a terrible invasion, children continue to be children:

imaginative and creative, inspiring us all.

 

On behalf of the entire global Razom team,

we wish you and your family a very joyous holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

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Diana,

6 years old,
Kramatorsk

 

Anaastasiya,

9 years old,
Bucha

Sophia,

13 years old,
Zaporizhiya

Arina,

6 years old,
Kyiv

Maria,

9 years old,
Zaporizhya

Zlata,

11 years old,
Tarasivka

Oleksandra,

5 years old,
Zaporizhya

Veronika,

9 years old,
Kosiv

Sophia,

12 years old,
Drabiv

Yehor,

9 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

Ihor,

8 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

Makar,

7 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

Xenia,

13 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

Yevheniiy,

13 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

Alisa,

6 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

Matviy,

9 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

Hlib,

9 years old,
Kharkiv Oblast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On behalf of the entire global Razom team,

we wish you and your family a very joyous holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

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Restoring Hope: Razom’s Co-Pilot Project Brings VNS Therapy to Ukraine

Published: November 30, 2023   

In the fight against epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, the Co-Pilot Project, an initiative under the auspices of Razom Health, has emerged as a beacon of hope for children in Ukraine. Through a generous grant from LivaNova, the leading producer of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) systems, Co-Pilot has brought this life-changing therapy to Ukraine, offering a lifeline to children whose seizures have proven resistant to conventional treatment methods.

 

The Power of VNS Therapy

VNS therapy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, involves implanting a small device called a neurostimulator under the skin, connected to the vagus nerve. This nerve, which runs from the brain to the abdomen, plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including seizure activity. The neurostimulator sends mild electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, helping to reduce seizure frequency and severity.

VNS is currently most commonly used for children who have partial seizures that do not respond to traditional interventions.

 

In Lviv, Ukraine, Mykhailo Lovga, Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery  at the First Medical Union, has successfully implemented the VNS system, bringing relief to six epileptic children. The first two surgeries, for Oleksandra from Mykolaiv and Denys from Dnipro, have been resounding successes.

Denys, a 9-year-old boy, has battled epilepsy since the age of three. Despite numerous medications and brain surgery, his seizures persisted. VNS therapy has offered him a renewed chance to live a normal life. Within three weeks of the operation, Denys has experienced a significant reduction in seizure activity.

In Kyiv, Konstantin Kostiuk, MD, PHD, Chief of Neurosurgery at the Romodanov Neurosurgery Institute, has introduced VNS therapy to a 10-year-old boy named Roman. Roman’s epilepsy, characterized by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, has proven resistant to conventional treatments, including over ten anti-seizure medications and a ketogenic diet. VNS therapy represents another ray of hope for Roman, and the team is anticipating positive outcomes in the coming months.

The Co-Pilot Project’s success in implementing VNS therapy in Ukraine is a testament to the power of partnership and innovation. Working closely with local medical experts, Co-Pilot has ensured that these life-changing treatments reach the children who need them most.

Your support is crucial in enabling Co-Pilot to continue its work of providing life-changing medical care to children in Ukraine. Please consider donating to Razom and help us bring hope to those who need it most.

Together, we can make a difference.

Learn more about and support the Co-Pilot Project and Razom Health.

Investing in Ukraine’s Future: Razom’s Commitment to Education and Innovation

Published: November 29, 2023   

Razom is proud to support  education in Ukraine. We are passionate about investing in the country’s talented youth, the future generation of professionals set to lead with innovation, drive positive change, and contribute to global advancements.

Recently, Razom sponsored the first, in-person school of mathematics for students in grades 1-6 and 10th grade, held in the Kyiv region at the end of October. This one-week event brought together 80 participants and featured not only intensive math sessions but also master classes, talent shows, chess tournaments and sports activities.

In the words of one participant, the atmosphere created by the teachers made math irresistible.. Onsite math schools are vital, providing face-to-face learning that fosters stronger connections and faster progress compared to remote alternatives.

 

The event was organized by Tsyfra, one of Kyiv’s finest math clubs dedicated to providing supplementary mathematical education and nurturing scientific thinking among primary and secondary students. With  disciplines like math, mathematical logic, physics/natural science and chess, Tsyfra  educates  through study groups, emphasizing problem-solving via lectures, seminars, games, and theoretical analyses.

 

The center’s commitment to academic excellence is evident through consistently high results in various Olympiads and competitions, as students continue to excel, even amidst the challenges of war.

At Razom, our mission is to continue fostering democracy and prosperity in Ukraine, and we believe supporting education is a key, long term strategy to manifest this purpose. We proudly recognize the dedicated teachers shaping the minds of Ukrainian children, and the students who persevere in their studies. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our amazing sponsors, whose generosity makes these programs possible. Together, we’re paving the way for a brighter future in Ukraine.

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Relief Program, of which Razom Ticket is a part. 

NEW YORK JETS ANNOUNCE RAZOM FOR UKRAINE AS RECIPIENT OF AN ADDITIONAL $100,000 FOR UKRAINIAN RELIEF EFFORTS

Published: November 27, 2023   

Part of $1,000,000 commitment from the Jets

The New York Jets have donated an additional $100,000 to benefit Razom for Ukraine. The donation is part of the organization’s $1 million commitment, to be split between various organizations, to help aid the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Previous donations of $100,000 were given to Razom for Ukraine, Plast Scouting, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, UNITED24, CityServe, Slow Beskid & Children’s Paths, Nova Ukraine and Revived Soldiers Ukraine.

In 2022 and 2023, Razom distributed more than $80 million in donated funds to over 150 organizations in Ukraine that provide aid and services to frontline and liberated areas that supply basic needs such as food, power, medicine, first aid kits and water filtration systems. Additional and ongoing support includes providing winterization materials to individuals along with the scaling up tactical medicines and supplies for field medics, evacuation vehicles, tourniquets, portable medical scanners, and mobile shower units for frontline defenders.

The events in Ukraine are personal to the Johnson family and the New York Jets.  Suzanne Johnson, wife of Mr. Johnson, grew up in a Ukrainian neighborhood in New York and is from a family of immigrants.  Her mother, Marie, was born to Ukrainian immigrant parents while her father, Stefan Ircha, is from Ternopil, a town outside of Kyiv, and immigrated to the United States after WWII.  

For more information about the charitable organizations that have received the donations, please visit https://www.newyorkjets.com/community/ukraine-relief.

About Jets Foundation

We create impactful programming that leaves lasting legacies for our community. Initiatives funded by the New York Jets Foundation positively influence the lives of young people in the tri-state area and provide opportunity for disadvantaged communities.

About Razom for Ukraine

Razom for Ukraine (Razom) was founded in 2014 and is one of the leading US-based nonprofits dedicated to the mission of supporting a democratic and prosperous Ukraine. With a robust international network of volunteers and partners, Razom, which means “together” in Ukrainian, provides humanitarian aid, and administers programs and services focused on health, advocacy, civil society and culture. Razom advances its mission by creating spaces where people meet, partner and do, while maintaining a relentless focus on the needs on the ground in Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Razom for Ukraine has grown to include over 200,000 donors and volunteers. Website: www.razomforukraine.org.

 

Contact: Meghan Gilmore (973) 549-4684

Photo: Greg Kupchynsky