Ukraine’s Future Is Growing Up During War

Published: June 17, 2026

“Ukrainian kids are creative and talented.
They’re camping out down in the metro, drawing, playing
and believing in a happy, peaceful life. So we have to provide them with that life.”
— Serhiy Zhadan

“Freedom is generational work. For children to grow up free,
the necessary institutions and policies must already be in place.”
— Timothy Snyder

Ukraine’s future is not waiting for the war to end.

It is growing up right now – in classrooms interrupted by air raid sirens, in frontline towns where schools are closed, in summer camps where children can laugh with friends again, in STEM labs where students are building robots, and in youth programs where young people are learning how to lead, work, create, and stay connected to their communities.

For children and young people in Ukraine, the war has taken too much: safety, routine, school years, friendships, homes, and plans for the future.

But it has not taken away their curiosity. Their talent. Their courage. Their need for joy. Or their right to imagine a life in Ukraine.

This summer, when you support Razom, you support work that helps Ukrainian children and young people keep learning, building skills, finding community, and experiencing moments of childhood even during war.

Make a gift today to help Ukraine’s next generation grow, lead, and thrive.

A Summer That Gives More Than a Break

For a child in Ukraine, summer camp can mean more than games, songs, and time outside.

It can mean sleeping in a safe place for a few days. It can mean laughing without feeling guilty.

It can mean meeting other kids who understand. It can mean remembering that they are more than what war has taken from them.

For teenagers, summer can be a chance to try something new, build confidence, discover a career path, join a team, or take part in a project that helps their own community.

These moments matter. Because Ukraine does not only need its young people to survive the war. Ukraine needs them to see a future worth staying for.

Why This Matters

Across Ukraine, young people are growing up under extraordinary pressure. Schools have been damaged or forced online. Families have been displaced. Parents are serving, working, grieving, or rebuilding. Many young Ukrainians are asking themselves whether they can build a life at home at all.

That question matters for Ukraine’s future.

Razom’s youth work is built around a simple belief: young Ukrainians need real opportunities now — not someday after victory, not someday after recovery, but now.

They need safe places to gather. They need hands-on learning. They need mentors. They need practical skills. They need joy, friendship, and a break. They need to know that their country still has room for their dreams.

Your gift helps make that possible.

What Your Gift Makes Possible

1. Help young Ukrainians keep learning

War has disrupted education across Ukraine, especially in frontline and underserved communities. Many students have limited access to hands-on learning, equipment, or safe spaces where they can gather with peers.

Razom supports STEM labs, mobile learning hubs, teacher training, advanced academic camps, robotics programs, and opportunities for Ukrainian students to compete and excel at olympiads internationally.

In 2025, Razom-supported STEM initiatives reached approximately 9,500 students across over 25 local learning centers, helping young people explore robotics, engineering, physics, astronomy, and applied science.

Your gift helps students keep learning in a country where education itself has become an act of resilience.

War should not determine a child’s potential.

Razom supports programs that help students continue learning, developing new skills, and pursuing their interests despite disruptions caused by war.

In 2025 alone:

9,500 students participated in STEM education programs
760 students attended advanced mathematics and physics camps
25+ STEM clubs and learning spaces received support
250+ teachers received training

Today, students supported through these programs are competing in international Olympiads, participating in robotics competitions, and preparing for careers that will help shape Ukraine’s future.

2. Help children experience joy, safety, and belonging

For children living through war, joy is not extra. It is part of recovery.

A summer camp, a youth center, a sports field, a creative workshop, or a weekend with peers can give children something they badly need: a chance to breathe.

Razom supports programs that create spaces where children and teenagers can gather safely, build friendships, discover new interests, explore who they are, and feel connected to others.

These programs do not erase the war. But they give young people moments of normalcy, confidence, and care.

Your gift helps Ukrainian children experience childhood, even when war is trying to steal it.

3. Help young people lead in their own communities

Young Ukrainians are not only recipients of help. They are already rebuilding.

Razom supports youth leadership programs that help young people organize local projects, volunteer, restore community spaces, participate in school governance, and take active roles in civic life.

Through one Razom-supported partnership with Building Ukraine Together (BUR), young leaders helped mobilize hundreds of volunteers and restore community spaces in frontline and high-need regions, including youth centers and rehabilitation spaces.

Your gift helps young Ukrainians become the people their communities can count on.

This work helps young Ukrainians build confidence, direction, and a reason to stay connected to their country’s future.

Your gift helps young people turn possibility into a plan.

This is the future Ukraine is fighting for. Help protect it.

4. Help young Ukrainians build a future at home

One of the biggest threats to Ukraine’s future is that young people may feel they have no future there.

That is why Razom supports programs that connect young people to mentorship, career exploration, entrepreneurship, internships, and practical skills they can use in real life.

Through Razom-supported programs, thousands of young people have accessed career training, mentorship, business development, and professional networks. In one program, young people from small towns and frontline areas developed career and business ideas, received mentorship, and presented youth-led startups for seed funding.

We Also Fight for the Children Russia Tried to Erase

As Razom helps young Ukrainians learn, lead, and grow, we also continue to advocate for the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

More than 20,000 cases have been officially documented, with many more children still at risk. Razom has worked to keep this issue visible in U.S. policy conversations, public advocacy, media, and community action — including through the Bring Kids Back campaign and the teddy bear installation on the National Mall.

Because every Ukrainian child deserves to come home.
And every Ukrainian child deserves a future.

Russia’s war has also targeted Ukraine’s children directly. While the world often hears the figure of 20,000 documented deported children, the reality is much broader. Millions of Ukrainian children remain under Russian occupation, where they face forced assimilation, militarization, and efforts to erase their Ukrainian identity.

Razom continues to advocate for Ukraine’s children, support efforts to bring them home, and keep this issue at the center of public and policy conversations.

Every Ukrainian child deserves the right to grow up with their family, in their community, and in a free Ukraine.

Here is How You Can Help

50 USD

enables a child from the frontline community to take part in a national science competition

125 USD

covers the cost of one volunteer’s participation in a BUR camp, where they help rebuild communities in Ukraine

250 USD

provides training in entrepreneurship in a 5 month program for one teenager from a small Ukrainian community

Stand with Ukraine’s next generation.

Together, we can help ensure that Ukraine’s future has every opportunity to succeed.

Investing in Ukraine’s Future: How Math Olympiads Help Children Learn, Dream, and Stay Connected

Published: June 17, 2026

Despite the war, air raid sirens, and constant challenges, Ukrainian children continue to learn, explore the world, and achieve remarkable success. That is why Razom has long supported educational initiatives that help students develop their talents and discover new opportunities for growth and learning.

Over the past several months, Razom has supported several mathematics-focused projects for children across Ukraine, including the “Cyfryata” Olympiad, the Yulia Zdanovska All-Ukrainian Mathematics Olympiad for Grades 5–7, and the family competition “Mathematical Nest.” These events brought together hundreds of participants from different regions of the country, giving children the opportunity not only to demonstrate their knowledge but also to feel part of a larger community of like-minded peers.

First Steps into the World of Mathematics

For many students, the “Cyfryata” Olympiad is their first introduction to the world of mathematical competitions. It helps children discover that mathematics is not only about formulas learned in school, but also about creativity, logic, and finding innovative solutions.

Such initiatives are especially important during wartime, when many children study remotely and have fewer opportunities for in-person interaction and extracurricular activities.

An Olympiad That Continues Yulia Zdanovska’s Legacy

Among the projects supported by Razom, a special place belongs to the Yulia Zdanovska All-Ukrainian Mathematics Olympiad, named in honor of the talented Ukrainian mathematician and volunteer whose life was tragically taken by a Russian missile strike in 2022.

Today, her name inspires a new generation of Ukrainian children to learn, set ambitious goals, and believe in their own potential. This year, the Olympiad brought together 93 young mathematicians from across Ukraine.

Among them was Karolina Petrushova from Kramatorsk, the only participant representing Donetsk Oblast. For children from frontline regions, where education often takes place remotely, such a trip means much more than simply participating in a competition.

“Before traveling to Kyiv, I was very nervous, but at the same time excited about the opportunity to attend such an Olympiad. What I remember most was the atmosphere, because children from different cities across Ukraine gathered there, all sharing a love for mathematics. It was exciting to talk with them and solve problems together,” Karolina recalls.

Like many children in Kramatorsk, Karolina studies remotely. Her trip to Kyiv gave her not only the chance to participate in the Olympiad, but also to visit the capital, explore the Museum of Mathematics, and meet peers who share her passion.

“I enjoyed both the Olympiad and Kyiv. I came home with many new impressions and even more motivation to continue studying mathematics. I sincerely thank the organizers, partners, and everyone who supports talented children in Ukraine and creates opportunities like these for us,” Karolina wrote after returning home.

Another participant was Bohdan Zavhorodskyi from Kherson. For children living in a city that endures daily Russian attacks, even the journey to Kyiv can be challenging.

Yet Bohdan remembers the trip with the resilience and optimism that characterize so many Ukrainian children:

“We got there just fine. The Shahed drones didn’t stop us.”

For him, the most valuable part of the experience was meeting children from different parts of Ukraine and feeling connected to a broader mathematical community. He already plans to participate again next year.

His mother also emphasized that events like these are important not only for education but also for building connections among children from different regions of the country.

“We are deeply grateful to all the donors and supporters who contributed to this wonderful Olympiad and made it possible for children from across Ukraine to come together. We learned so much, gained valuable experience, and are returning home with a large circle of new friends.”

When Mathematics Becomes a Family Affair

Another project supported by Razom was the “Mathematical Nest” competition. For more than ten years, it has brought together children, parents, and entire families through a shared love of mathematics.

Unlike traditional Olympiads, “Mathematical Nest” is built around collaboration and collective problem-solving. This format helps foster a culture of learning not only among children but also within families and local communities.

Education as an Investment in Ukraine’s Recovery

Each of these initiatives serves a different audience and follows a unique format, but they all share a common goal: helping children realize their potential regardless of where they live or the challenges they face.

For participants, these experiences provide new friendships, inspiration, confidence, and the understanding that even during wartime, knowledge, talent, and perseverance remain powerful assets.

By investing in education today, we are investing in the future scientists, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and leaders who will rebuild Ukraine tomorrow.

Russia Is Not Only Attacking People. It Is Attacking Ukraine’s Memory, Culture, and Identity.

Published: June 16, 2026

On the night of June 15, Russia launched one of its largest attacks in recent months.

More than 70 missiles and 611 Russian-Iranian drones were fired across Ukraine, with over 60 missiles targeting Kyiv.

The attack once again claimed civilian lives and caused extensive damage to residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure. But its consequences extend far beyond physical destruction.

An Attack on the Heart of Ukraine’s Faith, Culture, and History

That same night, Russia struck something that cannot be quickly rebuilt or replaced.

Ukraine’s cultural heritage came under attack.

One of the most painful symbols of this assault was the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

Founded in 1051, the Lavra is one of Europe’s oldest monastic complexes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For nearly a thousand years, it has remained a spiritual, historical, and cultural center of Ukraine.

For millions of Ukrainians, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is far more than an architectural landmark. Generations have come here to pray, seek comfort, celebrate life’s milestones, and preserve a connection to their history. The site houses sacred relics, manuscripts, religious artworks, and centuries of cultural memory.

As a result of Russia’s attack, parts of the Lavra complex were damaged, and a fire broke out in the Dormition Cathedral.

“Once again, we see these barbaric acts committed by Russians, for whom nothing is sacred. It is horrifying that while calling themselves Christians, they strike at the very heart of our people. Once again, this reveals exactly who we are dealing with,” said the Vicar of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra following the attack.

The damage to the Lavra serves as another reminder that this war is not only directed against Ukrainian cities and communities.

It is directed against Ukrainian identity itself.

Culture Under Fire

During the same attack, Russia damaged Mystetskyi Arsenal, one of Ukraine’s most important cultural institutions. The Arsenal hosts international exhibitions, educational programs, major artistic initiatives, and the country’s largest annual book festival.

Reflecting on the attack, Mystetskyi Arsenal Director General Olesia Ostrovska-Liuta drew a striking historical parallel:

“It is remarkable that the Russian drone struck the exact same location that was hit by a Nazi bomb during World War II. It is some kind of mystical coincidence — perhaps the souls of aggressors united?”

Russian strikes also damaged the Oleksandr Dovzhenko National Film Studio, the birthplace of Ukrainian cinema.

According to the studio’s officials, its primary costume archive was destroyed. Approximately 100,000 costumes and priceless archival materials documenting decades of Ukrainian film history were lost.

“Costumes from such iconic films as Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors, The Lost Letter, and Bohdan Khmelnytsky were stored here. Now this building has been completely destroyed — there is practically nothing left,” said studio director Andriy Donchyk.

Other cultural institutions damaged during the attack include the Kharkiv Art Museum and the House of Organ and Chamber Music in Dnipro.

And all of this happened in a single night.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has systematically targeted Ukraine’s cultural heritage. According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture, as of May 2026, 1,783 cultural heritage sites and 2,540 cultural infrastructure facilities have been damaged or destroyed across the country.

UNESCO has independently verified damage to at least 534 cultural sites, including museums, libraries, historic landmarks, archaeological sites, and more than 150 religious buildings.

These figures reveal a disturbing reality: Russia is waging war not only against Ukraine’s cities and communities, but also against its historical memory, culture, and identity.

They Came to the Rescue

That same night, Russia once again demonstrated its complete disregard for human life.

In Kharkiv, five emergency responders from Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (DSNS) were killed.

After an initial strike on a civilian industrial facility, emergency crews arrived to assist victims and assess the damage.

They were doing what they have done every day since the start of the full-scale invasion: searching for survivors, helping the wounded, extinguishing fires, and protecting communities.

After receiving warnings of a possible second strike, the rescuers left the facility and moved to another location, following safety protocols.

Moments later, a second missile struck near where they had gathered.

Five emergency responders were killed instantly.

Several others were injured.

“One of the missiles struck approximately 30 meters from the rescuers, who had managed to leave the facility and were standing in a wooded area near the fence. Unfortunately, the missile struck directly at those who save lives,” said Bohdan Hladkykh, Director of Kharkiv’s Department of Emergency Situations.

These men were not soldiers. They were not engaged in combat. They had come to save civilian lives.

Russia’s double-tap strikes have become one of the most dangerous and deliberate tactics of this war. After an initial attack, emergency responders, medics, and rescue crews arrive at the scene. A second strike then follows.

The targets are the people helping others.

Since the first day of the full-scale invasion, Razom has supported emergency responders, firefighters, medics, and rescue teams across Ukraine. They are often the first to arrive after an attack and the last to leave once the rescue operation is complete.

Their service is a service to life itself.

That is why the deaths of these five rescuers in Kharkiv represent a tragedy not only for their families and colleagues, but for all of Ukraine.

The Goal Is Not Only Destruction

When emergency responders are killed while trying to save others, it is an attack on humaneness.

When the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is damaged, it is an attack on spiritual heritage.

When film archives are destroyed and museums are struck, it is an attack on cultural memory.

All of these acts are part of a larger pattern.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has damaged or destroyed hundreds of religious and cultural sites across Ukraine. Churches, museums, theaters, libraries, archives, and historic landmarks have all come under attack.

These are not accidental losses.

They are not unavoidable consequences of war.

They are systematic attacks on the foundations of Ukrainian identity and resilience.

When humaneness, culture and faith are targeted, the goal is not simply destruction.

The goal is erasure.

Why This Matters to All of Us

Cultural heritage does not belong to one nation alone.

When a UNESCO World Heritage Site is damaged, when museum collections are destroyed, or when irreplaceable archives are lost, humanity loses a part of its shared history.

That is why protecting Ukrainian culture is not solely a Ukrainian issue.

It is a matter of preserving memory, history, and values that transcend borders.

At Razom, we work every day to ensure that Ukrainian stories continue to be seen, heard, and understood around the world. We document attacks on Ukrainian culture, amplify the voices of those defending their communities, and ensure that the world does not look away from efforts to erase an entire nation’s heritage.

Today, we honor the memory of the five DSNS rescuers who lost their lives while serving others.

We also remind the world of the churches, museums, archives, and cultural institutions that Russia continues to attack.

Ukraine continues to resist.
And as long as there are people saving lives, preserving culture, and telling the truth, Ukraine can never be erased.

Razom for Ukraine Joined Ukraine’s Premier Annual Emergency Medicine Championship

Published: June 11, 2026

The Razom Health team participated in the 12th Ukrainian Emergency Medical Care Championship, Vinnytsia Medical Rally 2026 — the largest competition for emergency medical professionals.

This year, 29 teams from across Ukraine, along with international participants from Poland and Lithuania, took part in the championship. Over the course of two days, medics worked through more than 50 simulation scenarios in highly realistic conditions, ranging from mass casualty incidents to cardiopulmonary resuscitation in smoke-filled environments.

For the Razom Health team, the championship provided an opportunity to engage directly with emergency medical leaders and practitioners from seven frontline regions of Ukraine. A key focus of these conversations was the urgent need for alternative communication systems for emergency medical teams operating under the constant threat of losing connectivity. The next step will be the signing of cooperation memorandums to support these efforts.

The team also had the opportunity to assess the impact of Razom’s POCUS initiative, which trains healthcare providers to use portable ultrasound devices in pre-hospital settings. Razom representatives spoke with medics, instructors, and service leadership about how the program is being implemented in practice.

“We sincerely thank Razom for providing equipment that enables ultrasound examinations in ambulances. Our teams use it regularly, and it greatly helps us determine the most effective treatment strategy for patients. These tools save lives. The training organized by Razom has been incredibly valuable, and we continue to pass this knowledge on to our colleagues,” said Eduard Kika, Medical Director of the Odesa Regional Center for Emergency Medical Care and Disaster Medicine.

During the opening ceremony, representatives of Razom for Ukraine welcomed participants and recognized the critical role of emergency medical professionals across the country.

“It is incredibly important for Razom for Ukraine to stand alongside you — the people who make life-saving decisions every day. We are here not only as partners, but also to better understand the realities you face and the support you need. We wish every team success, but above all, we hope this championship strengthens collaboration, creates opportunities for learning, and reinforces the pride we all share in Ukraine’s emergency medical service,” said Olena Teryaieva, Program Manager at Razom Health.

Event participation helped us better understand how emergency medical service teams operate in wartime conditions. We had our first conversation with the medical director of the relocated Emergency Medical Care Center of Luhansk region and learned from his experience in evacuating injured civilians. We also discussed the issue of retaining medical staff with the head of the HR department at the Zaporizhzhia Emergency Medical Care Center.

The championship winners were the Emergency Medical Care Centers of Odesa Oblast, Kirovohrad Oblast, and Vinnytsia Oblast. The national team of the Republic of Poland was recognized as the best international team. The total prize fund exceeded €350,000, and the winners received certificates granting them participation in the international Rallye Rejviz championship in the Czech Republic in 2027.

Colonel (Ret.) Warren C. Dorlac: Why One of America’s Leading Trauma Surgeons Keeps Coming Back to Ukraine

Published: May 28, 2026

Colonel (Ret.) Warren C. Dorlac first came to Ukraine in 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion.

A retired U.S. Air Force trauma surgeon, Warren spent more than two decades helping shape trauma systems that changed how lives are saved on and off the battlefield. Over the course of his career, he served as Chief of Trauma at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, led Critical Care Air Transport teams, advised the U.S. Air Force Surgeon General, and became one of the leading voices in combat casualty care and military trauma systems in the United States.

When the war in Ukraine escalated, Warren saw an opportunity to help share lessons learned from previous wars and support Ukrainian medical professionals facing challenges few healthcare systems in the world have experienced in recent history.

“Freedom is not free,” Warren said during our conversation in Kyiv. “I really do feel like this is an international effort, and we all need to be in and doing something.”

Over the last several years, that commitment has brought him back to Ukraine multiple times through partnerships and medical education initiatives supported by Razom.

From SOMA to Kyiv

Earlier this year, Warren was recognized at SOMA 2026 for his contributions to military medicine and combat casualty care. During his remarks, he spoke about Ukraine and Ukrainian defenders — something that felt natural for those who know how closely he has worked with Ukrainian teams over the last several years.

Through Razom partnerships and medical education initiatives, Warren worked alongside Ukrainian surgeons, combat medics, defenders, and trainers both in the United States and in Ukraine. He joined Ukrainian teams at SOMA, spent time with defenders connected to Razom, and continued building relationships with medical professionals working under extraordinary circumstances.

“The Ukrainians keep getting hit, and they keep bouncing back,” Warren said. “They’ve shown the ability to adapt, and I think the ability to adapt under any situation is greatly impressive.”

This summer marked Warren’s second ASSET training in Kyiv with Razom and Ukrainian medical professionals. ASSET+ is an advanced surgical trauma training program required for U.S. Army military surgeons before deployment to forward surgical teams. Through Razom Health’s Co-Pilot Project and partnerships with Ukrainian medical professionals, Ukraine became the 33rd country to implement the program.

But what stood out during our conversation was that Warren never spoke about the work as a one-way exchange.

“We learn from just about everybody that is in the course with us,” he said. “We learn things they’re doing that we may not have thought of. Hopefully it’s a two-way exchange.”

What Ukraine Is Teaching the World

Throughout his career, Warren helped build trauma systems based on lessons learned from previous wars. Today, he believes many of the experiences Ukrainian medical professionals and combat medics are facing will shape the future of battlefield medicine far beyond Ukraine itself.

“The battlefield is changing every four months,” he said. “What worked four months ago will not work today.”

According to Warren, Ukrainian experiences with prolonged evacuations, prolonged field care, medical logistics, underground medicine, and battlefield drone threats are already changing how many medical professionals think about trauma care and survival in modern war.

“I think this war is going to be one of those wars that shapes future care for years to come,” he said.

Those lessons are already influencing conversations around Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and military trauma systems internationally. Warren described how experiences from Ukraine are helping shape updated recommendations and discussions inside the American military medical community.

“I think the people, number one,” he said when asked what stands out most about Ukraine. “Everybody that we’ve worked with over the last four years has just been so kind.”

More Than a Project

For Warren, some of the most meaningful moments happen after trainings end.

After courses, Ukrainian surgeons often stay in contact, sharing updates, case reports, and stories from the field. Sometimes they describe using techniques from the training for the first time during real surgical situations.

“For the surgeon, it’s kind of the ultimate thing,” Warren said. “You worked with somebody on learning a new skill and then they’re able to go out and do it and be successful.”

Many of the younger Ukrainian surgeons he works with entered wartime medicine very early in their careers, often without the years of experience surgeons would normally have before facing such complex trauma cases.

“These young surgeons have gone right to the battlefield and now they’re doing some of the hardest work that’s out there,” he said.

That reality makes long-term partnerships especially important — not only for sharing knowledge, but for supporting Ukrainian medical professionals as they continue building and adapting systems during war.

“One of the motivations for us being here is just the camaraderie that we all feel working with everyone,” Warren said. “The Razom team has been wonderful… everybody feels like family.”

“Everybody Can Do Something”

Warren understands that not everybody can travel to Ukraine or work directly in medicine. But during our conversation, he repeatedly returned to the idea that support still matters.

“You don’t have to do a lot,” he said. “You don’t have to get on a plane and fly over to the country, but you can help with donations, supplies, equipment… every little bit helps.”

He also acknowledged how difficult it can be for people outside Ukraine to fully understand the reality of this war.

“I think it’s hard for most Americans to really comprehend what it’s like to have your own country invaded,” he said. “The total war that is currently going on — medical personnel, hospitals being targeted — it’s just not something that we can really comprehend.”

Still, he believes people can choose to stay engaged and continue supporting Ukraine in different ways.

“Education is a great way to help,” Warren said. “There’s a lot of places helping… but I think we could always do more.”

Watch the full interview with Warren Dorlac below.

Razom, Esper Bionics, and Ukrainian clinical partners launch a new initiative to expand access to advanced prosthetic care in Ukraine

Published: May 27, 2026

Razom, Esper Bionics, and Ukrainian clinical partners
launch a new initiative to expand access to advanced prosthetic care in Ukraine

Razom for Ukraine, Esper Bionics, and Ukrainian clinical partners are launching a new initiative to expand access to advanced prosthetic care for people living with limb loss in Ukraine.

This project is about helping people regain independence, dignity, confidence, and a path back to daily life — while also strengthening Ukraine’s prosthetics ecosystem for the future.

At the center of the initiative are the patients themselves: Ukrainians whose lives have been changed by injury and who are rebuilding their futures as they return to work, family life, and community participation. “The program is designed to support people through a full pathway of care, from assessment and fitting to adaptation and follow-up, so that the prosthesis becomes part of long-term recovery rather than a one-time intervention.” said Dmytro Gazda, CEO of Esper Bionics.

The initiative also reflects the strength and ingenuity already present in Ukraine. Esper Bionics, a Ukrainian company developing advanced bionic prosthetics, brings technical innovation to the project. Ukrainian clinical partners bring the medical expertise and rehabilitation support needed to help patients integrate these devices into everyday life.

Razom’s role, as public health implementation expert, is to connect donor resources, clinical providers, and patients into coherent projects that work inside Ukraine’s public health system. We standardize how partners coordinate, stay compliant with national health regulations, and report results, ensuring each project strengthens the system rather than running parallel to it.

“This project is about helping people get back to their lives, while also showing that Ukraine is building modern recovery pathways under extraordinary conditions,” said Dora Chomiak, CEO of Razom. “It is a bridge between the US and Ukraine, connecting resources, expertise, and legitimacy with Ukrainian innovation, talent, and resilience.”

The project is also being built with sustainability in mind. Razom is working to ensure that the initiative complements, not replaces, Ukraine’s existing government support system, with careful attention to patient eligibility, continuity of care, and long-term access to state assistance.

Through this partnership, the initiative aims to show what is possible when patient needs, public health implementation expertise, and Ukrainian innovation come together. It is a story of recovery, systems-building, and partnership — and a reminder that what is being created in Ukraine today can help shape recovery and rehabilitation far beyond Ukraine’s borders.

About Razom

Razom is a leading U.S.-based nonprofit organization working to build a secure, democratic, and prosperous Ukraine. Founded in 2014, Razom (“together” in Ukrainian) supports urgent needs in Ukraine while investing in long-term solutions across health, civil society, advocacy, and culture. As Ukraine’s future has global implications, Razom strengthens trauma care systems, supports local leaders and communities, and connects Ukraine to the world.

About Esper Bionics

Esper Bionics is a Ukrainian company developing advanced bionic prosthetic solutions designed to restore function, independence, and quality of life for people living with limb loss.

About the clinical partners

Ukrainian clinical partners are helping make this initiative possible by providing the medical expertise, rehabilitation support, and patient care needed for successful prosthetic fitting and adaptation.

Press Contact:Iryna Gudyma
iryna.gudyma@razom.org

Khartiia x Razom Workshop: How Synchronization Saves Lives

Published: May 26, 2026

At Razom we firsthandedly know that lifesaving systems require more than equipment. That’s why, joined by partners, we support medical training, leadership development, supply initiatives, and spaces where professionals can exchange frontline experience and strengthen systems of care under wartime conditions.

Together with the 2nd Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine “Khartiia” and partners, Razom organized a workshop designed around direct field experience and honest conversation. More than 50 medical leaders and combat medics examined a difficult question: how does the medical system actually function when decisions must be made in seconds, and mistakes can cost lives? Participants focused on what works practically in the field, what does not, and what must change to save more lives.

Throughout the discussion the groups quickly saw the pattern – the systems struggle to keep pace with the realities of modern warfare and often rely heavily on individual initiative.The issue becomes especially visible during evacuation. Participants repeatedly described prolonged transport times as one of the greatest barriers to survival. Six hours or more is not unusual. During that time, risks multiply. Information gets lost, resources become limited, and a patient’s condition can deteriorate.

Communication during handoffs remains another major concern. Even where protocols exist, documentation and information transfer often vary from team to team. As a result, receiving teams may work with incomplete information while making critical decisions under pressure.

Participants also discussed the challenges of infusion therapy in combat conditions. Protocols may look straightforward on paper, but battlefield conditions introduce obstacles that cannot be ignored: limited supplies, weather conditions, delayed evacuation, and shortages of blood products. Several medics noted that approaches designed for ideal conditions often become difficult to apply in practice.

Tourniquet conversion surfaced as another area where knowledge alone is not enough. Participants described situations where medics hesitated even when clinical conditions supported action. The challenge was not only technical skill. It was confidence. Delays can cost not only limbs, but lives.

One conclusion surfaced repeatedly throughout the workshop: improvement begins with training. Tourniquet conversion cannot remain a complex or rarely practiced procedure. It must become a practical skill reinforced through repetition and integrated into care during the earliest and most critical moments after injury.

Participants returned to a common theme throughout the day: the issue is rarely a lack of knowledge. More often, barriers include limited training time, equipment shortages, outdated regulations, and staffing gaps that make applying knowledge consistently more difficult.

“This is not just another conference. It is about forming a new approach to medical support in modern war and building a system that reflects the real challenges of the frontline. The main result is not only the exchange of experience, but the creation of a permanent platform for cooperation and solutions that directly affect survival and operational effectiveness.”

Bohdan Korylchuk, Chief of Medical Service, 2nd Corps “Khartiia”

There was also a clear positive takeaway. Participants emphasized that conversations with colleagues from other units created new understanding and practical solutions. Teams working in different environments recognized shared challenges and identified opportunities to align their approaches.

This workshop is one of many steps we take to support medics in Ukraine, an example of how we can achieve better coordination and strengthen systems from within by creating spaces where professionals can speak openly, share experiences, and work on common solutions.

Razom Brings Ukraine’s Top Frontline Medics to SOMA 2026, Leading Tactical Medicine Conference

Published: May 26, 2026

Razom for Ukraine brought 10 leading frontline medics from Ukraine, including military medics from 3rd Army Corps and Khartia, to SOMA 2026. The event took place in Raleigh, North Carolina, from April 27 to May 1. SOMA is one of the world’s largest conferences in tactical and operational medicine.

The programme featured more than 20 Ukraine-related presentations and research sessions highlighting Ukrainian experience in modern tactical medicine. Among them was Mykola Khudolii, a senior sergeant and head of the tactical medicine group of the 3rd Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who presented the research “Extremity Combat Trauma in Modern Drone Warfare” — awarded Best Medic Research Presentation at SOMA 2026.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to represent Ukraine at SOMA and present our experience from the field. It is important for us to share lessons learned from modern drone warfare, including the impact of training at Combat Lifesaver (CLS) level on survival and limb preservation, but also to learn from others and bring that knowledge back to Ukraine,” said Mykola.

During the conference, Razom also hosted a post-event networking session on April 30, which focused on connecting Ukrainian frontline medics and surgeons with international peers and organisations supporting Ukraine.

“We are creating a space where medics and partners from different countries and organisations can openly share experience and learn from each other. In the end, this is about one thing — improving care in the field and saving lives,” said Dan Solchanyk, Razom Health Program Director

“It is a great honor to be at a conference of this scale — not only to gain new knowledge from American colleagues, but to present unique Ukrainian expertise built through collaboration between the 3rd Army Corps, Khartia, and Razom for Ukraine,” said Matvii Suslov, Razom Heroes Program Manager.

For the second year, Razom for Ukraine brought Ukrainian speakers to SOMA. For the second year, Razom for Ukraine brought Ukrainian speakers to SOMA — an initiative first launched by Yuliia Shama, Project Manager at Razom Health, who continues to lead it. Alex Domaradsky, Project Manager at Razom Health, coordinated the trip. This year included more than 20 Ukrainian presentations.

Ukrainian Tactical Med Research Named Best at SOMA 2026 Conference

Published: May 15, 2026

Razom for Ukraine brought 10 frontline medics from the 3rd Army Corps and Khartia to SOMA 2026, one of the world’s largest conferences in tactical and operational medicine. Among the delegation was Mykola Khudolii, Master Sergeant and Head of the Tactical Medicine Group of the 3rd Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The research of the 3rd Corps Tactical Medicine Group, led by Mykola Khudolii, received the Best Medic Research Presentation award at SOMA 2026. The study examines extremity injuries in modern drone warfare, tourniquet effectiveness, and the challenges of casualty evacuation in prolonged field conditions.

“We showed that training every service member to the Combat Lifesaver (CLS) level significantly improves survival and limb preservation. After implementing this training, successful tourniquet conversion rates increased to nearly 99%,” said Mykola Khudolii.

The research also highlights that in modern warfare, casualty evacuation can take anywhere from several hours to several weeks, while around 90% of evacuations within the unit are conducted using ground robotic systems.

“What surprises our American colleagues most is the duration of evacuation. In their system, it is usually within an hour, while in our reality, it can take days or even weeks,” he added.

Ukrainian medics emphasize that the key priority is stabilizing the wounded before evacuation, adapted to the realities of drone warfare.

Last year, Razom organized the TQ Forum with the 3rd Corps, bringing together medical professionals of different levels to analyze the scope of care across the system, identify gaps, and develop ways to improve care with the goal of reducing the amputation rate within the corps. The forum resulted in a new training standard for personnel, which became the foundation for the positive changes presented during the 3rd Corps presentation at SOMA, explained Yuliia Shama

“We are proud to see Ukrainian work recognized at a conference of this scale. Through Razom, we are able to bring Ukraine’s unique frontline medical experience to SOMA, and engage in a true two-way exchange with some of the strongest training systems in the world,” said Dan Solchanyk, Razom Health Program Director

First initiated by Yuliia Shama, Head of the Razom Health Co-Pilot Project, and logistically supported by Alex Domaradsky, Razom Health Co-Pilot Project Manager, this project united the efforts of two Razom programs: Health and Heroes. Both teams are dedicated to strengthening Ukraine’s healthcare system for civilians and defenders, while also presenting leading Ukrainian practices in pre-hospital and hospital care to the global professional community.

Crimea Is Memory, Culture, and Resistance: Explore Crimean Tatar Voices This Remembrance Day

Published: May 5, 2026

Every year on May 18, Ukraine commemorates the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Crimean Tatar Genocide — a day that honors the lives lost and the resilience of an indigenous people whose history continues to shape Ukraine today.

In 1944, the Soviet regime forcibly deported the entire Crimean Tatar population from their homeland. Families were given minutes to gather their belongings before being loaded onto trains and sent to remote regions. Tens of thousands perished due to starvation, disease, and inhumane conditions. These events are now recognized as genocide.

Since Russia’s occupation of Crimea in 2014 — and especially after the full-scale invasion in 2022 — Crimean Tatars have once again faced repression, arrests, and persecution. Today, remembrance is not only about the past. It is about an ongoing struggle for rights, identity, and the right to live freely on their land. This day invites us not only to remember, but to learn — to engage with Crimean Tatar culture, language, and history in ways that deepen understanding and solidarity. Below is a curated selection of resources to help you begin.

Crimea: History and People (Online Course)

Explore HERE.

A comprehensive course exploring Crimea through the perspective of its indigenous people. Led by scholars and experts, it covers history, identity, and the political realities shaping the region today — offering a deeper understanding of both past and present.

Crimea: History and People (Ukrainian Institute)

Explore HERE.

A free, English-language course featuring 12 video lectures on Crimean Tatar history, culture, and their long struggle to return home. Ideal for anyone looking for a structured, accessible introduction to Crimea beyond headlines.

Qırım: Crimea Is Us (Prometheus Course)

Explore HERE.

This Ukrainian-language course challenges stereotypes and reframes Crimea as a story of people, identity, and resistance. It explores the place of Crimea and Crimean Tatars in Ukraine’s past, present, and future through a thoughtful, reflective lens.

“Ukrayinanıñ İçinden” by Ukraїner

Explore HERE.

A cultural exploration of Ukraine that includes perspectives and stories reflecting the diversity of its regions and peoples, including Crimea. A visually rich and narrative-driven entry point into Ukrainian identity.

“The Crimean Tatar Nation in Great Works of Art”

Explore HERE.

This academic work examines global art as historical evidence of Crimean Tatar presence and identity. By analyzing paintings as primary sources, authors Zera K. Mustafaieva and Zarema K. Mustafaieva offer a unique and rigorous approach to understanding indigenous history through visual culture.

“There Is Land Beyond the Perekop”

Explore HERE.

A novel weaving personal and historical narratives, tracing generations shaped by deportation, repression, and resilience. Through storytelling, it explores identity, belonging, and the enduring impact of Crimean Tatar culture.

Bulbul (Crimean Tatar Learning Platform)

Explore HERE.

A multimedia platform designed for young children — but equally valuable for beginners of any age. Featuring songs, stories, cartoons, and a dictionary with audio pronunciation, it’s a gentle and engaging introduction to the language.

Qırım Ailesi (YouTube Playlist)

Explore HERE.

A collection of Crimean Tatar fairy tales and legends told in the original language. Listening to these stories offers a powerful way to connect with cultural traditions and hear the rhythm of the language firsthand.

Engaging with Crimean Tatar culture is not just about learning history — it is about recognizing a living, resilient people whose identity has survived displacement, repression, and attempted erasure. Culture carries memory. Language carries belonging. Stories carry truth. When we read, listen, and learn, we help ensure that these voices are not silenced — that Crimea is understood not as an abstract territory, but as a homeland with a deep and complex human story.

This May 18, remembrance can include curiosity and a step toward deeper solidarity. Because to truly stand with Ukraine, we must also know Crimea — and the people who have always called it home.