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.

We Work Together. And It Saves Lives.

Published: May 1, 2026

Ukrainian medicine under full-scale war is not only adapting. It is advancing how complex trauma care is delivered in active combat conditions.

Dnipro is a major city in eastern Ukraine, located along the Dnipro River and serving as a key medical hub for patients evacuated from front-line regions. Its hospitals receive a continuous flow of severely wounded patients from active combat zones.

Razom supports Mechnikov Hospital and the development of Co-Pilot to ensure Ukrainian medical professionals have access to modern tools, knowledge, and technologies needed to work under wartime conditions. This is support for a healthcare system that continues to save lives while strengthening the future of Ukrainian medicine.

In this system, the line between battlefield and hospital no longer exists. It runs through emergency departments, operating rooms, and daily clinical decisions. At Mechnikov Hospital, one of Ukraine’s leading referral centers for complex trauma, doctors are not only treating patients. They are building a model of care shaped by constant pressure, limited time, and high-risk injuries.

“We are now in Dnipro. This is my fourth trip here,” says American neurosurgeon Rocco Armonda. “We operate alongside Ukrainian doctors, manage intensive care, consult on complex cases, and work on scientific publications.”

This is not a typical professional exchange. It is sustained collaboration built around real-time needs. Razom supports this work by connecting specialists, helping with the logistics, delivering critical equipment, and enabling continuous knowledge exchange between Ukrainian and international doctors.

“Rocco was the first neurosurgeon who came to Dnipro in 2023,” says Andrii Sirko, head of neurosurgery at Mechnikov Hospital. “Since then, we have worked together every year, including on the most complex cases.”

This partnership reflects a broader shift. Wartime medical practice in Ukraine is contributing to new clinical standards that are now being observed internationally.

The First Trip: Suitcases, a Train, and the Unknown

Rocco’s first trip to Ukraine was defined by logistics and uncertainty.
“We flew to Kraków with four large containers of medical equipment,” Armonda recalls. “The vehicle we received was too small. We had to repack everything by hand.”
From there, the route continued to Lviv, across the border, and onward by overnight train to Dnipro. In Dnipro, the arrival was direct and personal.
“I was surprised. Senior doctors were waiting for us at the platform. That does not happen in the United States,” he says. Sirko remembers the same moment differently. “We first saw the suitcases. Only then we saw Rocco.”
This reflects the nature of the work. Action comes first.

The Operation That Changes the Understanding of War

The first day in the hospital required immediate engagement.
“It was a penetrating brain injury after a drone strike,” says Armonda. The injury involved both brain tissue and major vessels. Cases like this require rapid, multi-stage intervention. At Mechnikov Hospital, the team completed diagnosis and surgery without delay.
“I have not seen this done in one stage so close to an active combat zone,” Armonda notes. “In Iraq and Afghanistan, we focused on stabilization only.”
Ukrainian teams operate differently. They manage full clinical complexity under pressure. In another case, a patient presented with a gunshot wound to the base of the skull and intracerebral hematoma.
“I asked if observation was the plan,” Armonda recalls. Sirko’s response was direct. “No. We intervene.”
This approach prioritizes outcome and responsibility for survival. During the same period, the team introduced a pupillometer, a device used to assess neurological response and intracranial pressure. The equipment was delivered through international support and immediately integrated into clinical practice. The patient survived. This outcome reflects a consistent system, not an isolated case.

Philosophy of Survival and Work

War compresses time and changes decision-making.
“In the United States, we may observe for several days,” says Armonda. “Here, decisions must be immediate. The patient flow does not stop.”
Evacuation delays also affect treatment.
“Patients often arrive later than expected. This changes surgical planning, especially in the presence of infection. ”Adaptability defines the system. Ukrainian doctors adjust protocols in real time based on conditions on the ground. What stands out is not only clinical capability, but professional mindset. “People focus on what needs to be done today,” Armonda says.
“They go to work, treat patients, take care of their families.” Recognition is secondary. “When you call them heroes, they say they are doing their job. They point to those at the front.”
This reflects a clear professional ethic grounded in responsibility.

Why Advocacy Is a Continuation of Medicine

The discussion then moves beyond clinical work.
“People often ask me how they can help,” says Armonda.
“They contribute equipment, research, and funding. This supports patient care in a direct way.”
Every contribution is applied in practice, whether through equipment, medical missions, or research. In operational terms, this acts as a force multiplier. Support increases the capacity to treat more patients and manage more complex cases.

This is not only financial support. It is presence. People understand that they are not working in isolation. Razom maintains active operations in Ukraine, ensuring that support reaches hospitals where it is needed. This support is visible. It directly contributes to patient survival.
“We provide a platform so that the world can see what is happening here,” Armonda says. “People want to help.”
“We do not just work together. We begin to think in the same way,” adds Sirko.
“This matters beyond medicine. We share principles and apply them in daily work.” This includes not only treatment, but also sharing experience and making it visible to others. Without this exchange, the connection between teams would not exist. This work includes doctors, partners, and supporters across countries. It is coordinated and sustained.

From Practice to Advocacy

In this context, advocacy is not based on statements. It is based on demonstrated capability. It does not begin in political offices. It is formed in hospitals, through clinical decisions and responsibility for patient outcomes. Doctors do not describe this work as advocacy. They operate, train, and share clinical experience. By doing so, they provide direct evidence of what is possible in wartime medicine. In modern war, outcomes matter. The ability to make decisions, manage complexity, and save lives under pressure builds trust and informs international understanding. Ukraine’s experience is not only about survival. It contributes to the development of medical practice. As this experience becomes visible through research, collaboration, and exchange, it becomes part of the global medical conversation. Advocacy ensures that this work is understood. Because their experience is not a position. It is evidence.

“Everyone can do something”: restoring faces — and lives — during war in Ukraine

Published: April 20, 2026

This spring, Lviv hosted the sixth Face to Face mission — a surgical program of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), implemented by Razom as part of the Co-Pilot project.

Over the course of seven days, a team of seven surgeons — Parag Gandhi, Grigoriy Mashkevich, Augustine Moscatello, John Frodel, Ryan Daniel Winters, Ivanna Nebor, Boris Chernobilsky — alongside ten nurses, including Susan Ketigian, Viktoriya Ygreen, Yurij Tsuvanyk, Jamie Harold Orange, Emmett Joseph Harty Jr, Maribel Caraballo, Andrew Kostyaniuk and Tashina Morgenstern, worked at the Military Medical Clinical Center of the Western Region together with their Ukrainian colleagues. They operated on patients with some of the most complex facial injuries caused by the war.

The work began with consultations: in just one day, doctors examined 55 patients and selected 40 for surgery. Starting the next morning, operating rooms ran at full capacity from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For four consecutive days, the team carried out reconstructive procedures across three specialties — ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and maxillofacial surgery. These injuries affect not only physical function but also how patients see themselves — their identity, confidence, and place in the world.

Among the patients were both military personnel and civilians affected by the war. For many, this was not the first stage of treatment, but part of a long recovery process that can last months or even years.

One of the defining features of this mission was the integration of surgical care with on-site prosthetics. Two anaplastologists — Eduardo Arias and Benjamin Rosenberg, specialists in ocular and facial prosthetics — joined the team. Together, they set up a temporary laboratory to create custom ocular prostheses for patients undergoing surgery.

This approach fundamentally changed the care pathway: patients were able to receive their prosthesis immediately after surgery, without waiting for a separate stage of treatment. In cases of eye loss, this has not only medical but also profound psychological significance — allowing individuals to return more quickly to a familiar appearance and to social life.

Alongside surgical care, the team also addressed other dimensions of recovery. Pain management specialist Timothy Canty, who works with PTSD, joined the mission. He delivered lectures at the Superhumans Center, Lviv Psychiatric Hospital, and St. Panteleimon Hospital, as well as practical trainings for anesthesiologists, psychologists, and pain management specialists at the Lviv Military Hospital. This work is aimed not only at supporting patients but also at strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian medical teams to address the long-term consequences of trauma.

Knowledge transfer was another key component of the mission. Ukrainian doctors who had previously participated in missions, surgical trainings, conferences, and observerships in U.S. hospitals organized by Razom — as well as specialists from other Lviv hospitals — joined the procedures. They worked side by side with the international team in operating rooms, observing, assisting, and gaining experience they will continue to apply in their practice.

Dr. Parag Gandhi, an oculofacial plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience and a third-time participant in the mission, emphasized the importance of this collaboration:

“It is a great honor for me to work alongside Ukrainian colleagues, helping injured soldiers and civilians who have sacrificed so much for their families and their country. I truly believe that while one person cannot do everything, everyone can do something. And it is through knowledge exchange and collaboration that we make that contribution.”

The mission was made possible through the partnership between Razom for Ukraine and the AAFPRS Face to Face program, as well as collaboration with the Military Medical Clinical Center of the Western Region, the INgenius platform, and Healing the Children North East.

These missions are gradually reshaping the approach to treating complex facial injuries in Ukraine. It is not only about individual surgeries, but about building a comprehensive model in which surgery, prosthetics, pain management, and physician training are integrated into a single, continuous process of recovery.

The mission was made possible by the support of Razom for Ukraine’s donors, whose contributions enable the deployment of international medical teams, procurement of critical equipment, and on-the-ground coordination. This support makes it possible not only to carry out complex surgeries, but also to facilitate the exchange of expertise between Ukrainian and international physicians and expand access to advanced approaches in treating war-related injuries.

Razom Volunteers Targeted in Airstrikes While Delivering Aid in Sumy Region

Published: September 13, 2024

On the morning of September 13, Razom’s volunteers came under heavy airstrikes while delivering humanitarian aid to Yampil Hospital in the Sumy region. As they were unloading supplies, two air-dropped bombs (KABs) exploded just 100 meters from the hospital. Thankfully, the volunteers and hospital staff escaped serious injury. However, the hospital’s windows were shattered, and vehicles, along with the much-needed aid, were damaged by shrapnel.

Immediately after the attack, the hospital began receiving injured civilians, mainly women, children, and the elderly. Under extremely difficult conditions, the medical staff provided urgent care, even relocating to the hospital’s basement for safety.

Yampil, located just 7 miles from the Russian border, has been enduring nearly daily airstrikes, according to local residents.

In response to the worsening situation in Sumy and nearby regions, Razom for Ukraine launched an emergency program to supply hospitals in Sumy with essential medications, orthopedic equipment, and other critical materials. With today’s delivery to Yampil and previous deliveries to Sumy, Khotin, Shostka, and Hlukhiv, Razom has now provided nearly 10 tons of humanitarian aid, valued at $200,000.

Razom needs your help!

Innocent Ukrainians and volunteers are being targeted while delivering humanitarian aid. Let’s also remember the recent Red Cross tragedy on September 12, where three workers lost their lives in a similar attack.

Support Razom for Ukraine to replace the damaged vehicle and continue delivering life-saving aid across Ukraine. Every contribution saves lives!

Razom Participated in the First International Congress on Military Medicine and Mental Health

Published: July 31, 2024

The First International Congress on Military Medicine and Mental Health, titled “Warrior: Life. Health. Combat Readiness,” was a pivotal moment for Ukraine. Held in Kyiv on July 27, 2024, the event brought together a distinguished assembly of Ukrainian and international experts in healthcare, rehabilitation, mental health, and military medicine.

Among the attendees were key government figures, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, First Lady Olena Zelenska, Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk, Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, Minister of Health Viktor Liashko, Ukrainian parliamentarians, diplomats, military personnel, representatives of specialized medical centers, public organizations, and charitable foundations.

Razom for Ukraine was honored to participate in this critical congress. Our team, led by CEO Dora Chomiak, CFO Oksana Falenchuk, and Executive Director Evelina Kurilets, actively participated in the event.

The congress delved deeply into the pressing issues facing Ukraine’s military and its personnel: physical and psychological health, rehabilitation, field medicine, and innovative solutions. Participants shared their experiences and expertise, fostering a collaborative environment to address these challenges.

Since the outset of the full-scale Russian invasion, Razom has been steadfast in its commitment to saving lives. “Razom has already purchased and delivered over 150,000 tactical first aid kits and over 3,500 medic backpacks to frontline areas. We have also created our own teams of instructors who conduct medical training for service-members and first responders. All of this is done with one goal in mind – to save lives, which is the most valuable thing,” shared Taras Hatalyak, Head of Razom Heroes program.

To further support first responders and civilians, Razom organized a hands-on workshop at the congress, teaching participants essential life-saving skills like applying tourniquets and packing wounds. Our experienced instructors shared their knowledge, empowering attendees with practical skills to make a difference.

Beyond addressing immediate medical needs, Razom is committed to supporting long-term recovery efforts. At the congress, during a meeting of the Interagency Working Group on the implementation of a pilot project aimed at reforming rehabilitation in the healthcare sector for military personnel, Oleksii Zakharchenko, Razom’s Communications Director in Ukraine, introduced the “Ukraine Rehabilitation Platform” project. This initiative is being carried out by Razom with support from SAP Ukraine. The online platform, accessible at rehabukraine.com, offers comprehensive information on over 415 rehabilitation centers throughout Ukraine. By mapping these centers, we strive to simplify the process of finding appropriate care and ensuring access to essential rehabilitation services.

The First International Congress on Military Medicine and Mental Health was a significant step forward in improving the lives of Ukrainian service-members and veterans. Razom for Ukraine remains committed to supporting their physical and mental well-being, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure they have the resources and support they need.

Okhmatdyt’s Medical Staff: Faces of Resilience in the Face of Tragedy

Published: July 10, 2024

On July 8, 2024, a day that will forever be etched in our hearts, the world witnessed the incomprehensible destruction caused by a massive Russian bombing campaign that targeted civilian areas in Ukraine, including a major cancer center, Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital. The stories of the brave medical professionals and the innocent children affected by this heinous attack, paint a vivid picture of the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people.

Mariyana Morozova: A Day of Unimaginable Horror

Dr. Mariyana Morozova, a pediatric anesthesiologist at Okhmatdyt and expert in Razom’s Breathe initiative, shared her harrowing experience. She splits her time between a private clinic and Okhmatdyt, located just across the street from each other. On that fateful day, Dr. Morozova was working at the private clinic when the air raid sirens blared and explosions shook the ground.

“I tried to contact my colleagues at Okhmatdyt, but there was no response. I ran over there, and it was just a disaster! There were so many wounded,” she recalled. The intensive care unit’s lab technician was severely injured, suffering from a concussion, a jaw fracture, and bleeding. With the help of the entire community, they evacuated the most critical patients, including those in the neonatal ICU (Intensive Care Unit), neuro ICU, and surgical ICU. Dr. Morozova’s department was among the most severely damaged, and she tragically lost a dear friend and colleague, Dr. Svitlana Luk’yachuk. Miraculously, all the children survived, but the emotional scars will remain forever.

Alyona Bezlehka: First Day Back Turns into a Nightmare

For rehabilitation specialist Alyona Bezlehka, it was her first day back at work after a vacation. She had been eagerly anticipating reuniting with her patients. As the explosions began, she quickly led her patients to the corridor and then to the bomb shelter. Returning to her department on the 5th floor, she encountered her colleague, covered in blood and holding a child they couldn’t evacuate in time.

“The floor was covered in blood and dust. I am not a surgeon, but I saw bandages and started applying them to stop the bleeding,” she recounted. Among the chaos, one boy’s cries for his grandmother haunted her. He was in shock, shivering, and vomiting, with his hand covered in blood. The sight of injured children, medical staff on stretchers, and parents with bandaged heads was overwhelming. Her department was almost completely destroyed, with windows blown out and the ceiling collapsed. Despite the devastation, the motivation to help and the outpouring of support from the community kept her going.

Valeriy Bovkun: Narrow Escape from Death

Valeriy Bovkun, head of the Department of Reconstructive-Plastic Microsurgery at Okhmatdyt, was organizing the evacuation of patients when the explosion occurred. “I was in my office when the sirens started, and then went out to check if the patients were moving to safe places. Moments later, the explosion occurred. My office was critically damaged: the blast wave tore out the window and threw it right onto my workspace,” he recounted. If he had stayed a moment longer, he would likely have been buried under the rubble. Thanks to the timely evacuation, most patients were unharmed, but five staff members were injured by glass shards.

Despite being in a state of shock, Valeriy and his colleagues immediately began providing first aid to the injured. “We applied bandages and sutures, examined the children, and did everything we could to help,” he said.

Roman Shevchenko: From Routine to Ruin

Roman Shevchenko, head of the Children’s Sleep Laboratory at Okhmatdyt, was in the laboratory next to the building hit by the missile. “By the time the explosion happened, we had not yet managed to get to the shelter, so after the impact, glass shards flew at us. I was slightly injured, but our nurse was severely cut by glass and bleeding. We started looking for something to bandage her with, but there was nothing nearby, so we went down to the floor, and there I provided her with first aid,” he explained. Despite the devastation, most of the laboratory’s equipment remained intact and continued to function. “We had a laptop on the windowsill, it was covered with glass but still working!” Roman recounted in astonishment.

He emphasized the unexpected timing of the attack: “Russia struck right after all the morning meetings were over and all the doctors had started working. We were already used to Russia striking at night, so this attack was completely unexpected.”

Photos courtesy of Okhmatdyt medical staff.

How You Can Help:

The attack on Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital has devastated the lives of many innocent victims and shaken the global community. Razom Health is actively on the ground, mobilizing crucial supplies and support for those affected.

You can make a difference today by supporting our dedicated teams as they work tirelessly to aid the victims of the Okhmatdyt tragedy and other healthcare facilities in Ukraine that remain under constant threat of attack.

Donate now to provide immediate relief and assistance to those in need.

International Day for the Protection of Children

Published: June 1, 2024

June 1st is the International Day for Protection of Children. Nowadays, Ukraine’s children fight for a stolen childhood. For ten years, Ukrainian kids have been losing loved ones to the war in the East and for over two years, Russia has been actively committing atrocities, killing children daily and forcibly taking them from their families. This is not just a tragedy, it is genocide.

At Razom, we are dedicated to supporting and protecting these children through various projects and initiatives.

🔹 #RazomRelief

Future Project:

By supporting camps and centers for kids and teenagers, we aim to provide more than just education, skills, and safety in high-risk areas. Our goal is also to prevent young people from losing their sense of direction. Supporting these kids today means creating a healthier future populace who will be able to contribute to a stable and renewed country.

Razom Toy Drive:

The children of fallen defenders in Ukraine are under constant stress and in dire need of help. The Razom Toy Drive team is committed to wrapping these children’s hearts with warmth and love, recognizing their immense courage and resilience in the face of war. Read more: here

Razom Ticket:

This initiative aims to increase engagement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines among Ukrainian children. We strive to provide a head start for kids in the world of professional science, IT, and entrepreneurship. Read more: here

🔹 #RazomHealth

The Co-Pilot Project: We have brought, and continue to bring doctors on mission trips to Ukraine to operate on children and save lives, ensuring they receive the medical care they desperately need. Read more: here

Razom z Toboyu (Razom with You): This network of centers is designed to provide mental health support to individuals, both children and adults, who have been affected by war. Read more: here

🔹 #RazomAdvocacy

We are actively speaking out against the forcible and illegal deportation of Ukrainian kids by Russia, bringing international attention to these heinous acts. Read more: here

Your support is crucial in helping us continue these vital projects. Together, we can make a difference and offer support to the youngest victims of this war.

Donate to Razom and help us support and empower Ukrainian children.