Razom Calls for U.S. to Restore Critical Air Defense Aid to Ukraine

Published: July 2, 2025   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2025

Washington, D.C. — Reports suggesting that the Pentagon may cut life-saving support for Ukraine
are extremely alarming. In taking such measures, Pentagon officials would directly undermine
President Trump’s efforts to achieve peace and subvert the President’s readiness to provide more air
defense to Ukraine.

Let’s be clear about the cost of this choice by Pentagon officials—more Russian missiles will get
through and more civilians will be murdered in their homes. This decision would further embolden
Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling that the United States isn’t strong enough to force
Russia to make peace and that Washington doesn’t keep its word. Beijing is watching. We call on
President Trump to reverse this mistake, send more air defense systems to Ukraine as he promised,
and help Kyiv stop the killing.

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For media inquiries or other questions, please contact Ostap Yarysh at ostap.yarysh@razomforukraine.org. Razom (“together” in Ukrainian) is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to helping build a more secure, democratic and prosperous Ukraine. Razom has provided over $188 million worth of medical and humanitarian aid since February 24, 2022. More information is available at RazomForUkraine.org. 

Razom Endorses Senate Resolution Demanding Return of Abducted Ukrainian Children

Published: May 20, 2025   

Razom for Ukraine fully endorses the Senate resolution introduced today by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) calling for the unconditional return of abducted Ukrainian children to their families before any peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is finalized. Razom urges all Senators to cosponsor this critical resolution and calls for its swift adoption.

 

This bipartisan resolution is an important step in fulfilling President Donald Trump’s March 19 promise to ensure Ukrainian children abducted by Russia are returned to their families. By kidnapping over 19,546 children from Ukraine, Russia is simultaneously erasing these children’s identities as Ukrainians while holding them hostage. The United States must say clearly that children are not bargaining chips.

 

Americans overwhelmingly agree that President Trump should prioritize freeing Ukrainian children from Russian captivity. This resolution builds on the momentum generated by an April 3 joint letter from faith leaders such as the Family Research Council and National Association of Evangelicals calling  on President Trump to ensure these children are reunited with their families in Ukraine before a peace deal is finalized. Many of the signatories to that letter have endorsed this resolution.

 

Russia’s program of mass child abduction is one of the gravest horrors of this war, and the United States can save these children. Earlier this month, Razom brought Mykola Kuleba, the founder of Save Ukraine—a Ukrainian NGO responsible for freeing over 800 children from Russia—as well as a young Ukrainian boy who they helped escape from Russia, to Washington so members of Congress could hear firsthand about the horrors of Russian abduction. After meeting with them, Senator Rick Scott and Senator John Fetterman immediately agreed to co-sponsor this resolution.

 

We are confident that more Senators will soon join their colleagues as cosponsors of this resolution, and that a companion resolution will be introduced in the House of Representatives. This is a significant effort to urge the White House to hold Russia accountable for its war crimes against Ukrainian children and ensure they are not abandoned.

 

Razom for Ukraine urges Congress to swiftly pass this resolution and send a clear signal not only that Vladimir Putin will be held accountable for his abduction of Ukrainian children, but that the families broken up by Russia’s invaders will one day be reunited.

 

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For media inquiries or other questions, please contact Ostap Yarysh at ostap.yarysh@razomforukraine.org. Razom (“together” in Ukrainian) is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to helping build a more secure, democratic and prosperous Ukraine. Razom has provided over $188 million worth of medical and humanitarian aid since February 24, 2022. More information is available at RazomForUkraine.org. 

Statement from Razom for Ukraine on Minerals Deal

Published: April 30, 2025   

Statement from Razom for Ukraine on Minerals Deal

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.

 

Earth Day in a War Zone: Together We Support Ukraine’s Fight for a Livable Future

Published: April 22, 2025   

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.

The Conflict and Environment Observatory continues to document these impacts — from toxic fires and military waste to the long-term effects of unexploded ordnance on agriculture and biodiversity. And as the study Environmental Health Impacts of Russia’s War on Ukraine outlines, these threats to nature are also direct threats to human health.

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.

Support Razom

Statement from Razom for Ukraine on Ksenia Karelina’s Release

Published: April 10, 2025   

Cultural Diplomacy Through Food: Olia Hercules and Razom’s Culinary Journey in Louisiana

Published: March 27, 2025   

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:

 

A Special Thanks

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.

Support Razom

Ukrainian Voices That Cannot Be Erased

Published: March 25, 2025   

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.


Buy The Torture Camp on Paradise Street HERE

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.


Buy Mondegreen HERE
Buy The Length of Days HERE

Serhiy Zhadan – The Orphanage

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.

Learn more about Ukrainian books at  razomforukraine.org/razom-literature

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Razom Welcomes Resumption of U.S. Aid to Ukraine

Published: March 11, 2025   

Now More Than Ever: Tell Congress Americans Support Ukraine

Published: March 4, 2025   

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

• Join a rally – Show up, speak out, and demonstrate that Americans stand with Ukraine: EMERGENCY RALLY IN NYC 📢 Stand for American Values — Stand for Ukraine

The time is now. Tell Congress: Americans stand with Ukraine.

Learn more about Razom Advocacy

Ukraine Advocates Urge Elected Leaders to Disavow Trump’s Comments

Published: February 19, 2025