How Veteran Taras Buhaienko Finds Purpose in Adaptive Archery

Published: September 24, 2025

Taras Buhaienko, 46, from Ivano-Frankivsk, is not a man who sugarcoats things. Even though his legs hurt constantly, his spirit remains unshaken. A seasoned soldier, a proud father, and now a certified archery instructor, Buhaienko has transformed unimaginable hardship into purpose — thanks, in part, to an adaptive sports program.

Buhaienko’s path to rehabilitation began long before he picked up a bow. He first joined the fight against the Russian invasion in 2014, driven by a deep sense of duty. “I couldn’t just sit back. I went to defend my homeland,” he said.

His first deployment resulted in an injury that earned him a third-degree disability. Still, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, he volunteered again, and this time, the toll was even greater.

In March 2023, near the village of Lyman, Buhaienko sustained a life-threatening injury. “A [kamikaze] drone flew right toward my chest. Somehow, I managed to knock it down with my right hand — which turned black for months — and it exploded under my feet instead of hitting my head,” he recalls.

The blast damaged both legs, affecting the pancreas and his kidneys. “I thought they’d amputate,” he admitted. “I lost toes, including a big one, which I never knew was so essential for balance.”

Buhaienko spent seven agonizing hours on the battlefield before evacuation. Hypothermia likely saved his life, slowing his body functions just enough. From the war zone, he was transferred to hospitals in Sloviansk, Kyiv, Lviv, and eventually, Ivano-Frankivsk. There, in a local hospital, his long rehabilitation began.

“Pool therapy changed everything,” he said. “I couldn’t squat before. Now I can, thanks to the right exercises and excellent trainers.”

But it wasn’t just physical recovery he needed. Like many veterans, Buhaienko struggled with the emotional aftermath of war. That is when he discovered the Petros program.

The Petros, organized by the Re:Textile Group in Ivano-Frankivsk and supported by Razom, assists wounded veterans through two core areas: therapeutic and educational workshops during recovery and adaptive sports, including Olympic-style archery. The program helps participants regain confidence, find community, and explore new opportunities during and after their rehabilitation.

Buhaienko stumbled upon an announcement for archery instructor training and decided to apply. “I just needed something to do. Sitting at home was driving me mad,” he said.

The training was led by Kateryna Dubrovina, a silver medalist in archery at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. “She taught us both the theory and the practice,” Buhaienko said. “We trained a lot, and thanks to her guidance, we really learned to shoot properly.”

At the final event, the Petros Cup, Buhaienko unexpectedly won first place in his category.

“Archery is deeply personal,” he said. “The bow is adjusted for me. It’s a sport where you can’t hide. It gets a grip on you.”

Buhaienko is now working to open his own archery club for veterans and wounded soldiers near Ivano-Frankivsk. “We’re planning to base it close to a rehabilitation center or hospital,” he said. He already has support from local officials and hopes to secure funding and equipment soon. “If I get one bow, one stand, and a few arrows, I’ll be thrilled,” he said. “That’s enough to start.”

“We, veterans, need to feel needed,” Buhaienko said. “Programs like these give us a sense that we’re not forgotten, that we’re not defeated. Archery gives us confidence, community, and a new role. When you’re an instructor, there’s added responsibility. You’re helping someone just like you.”

Looking to the future, Buhaienko dreams of a strong and independent Ukraine. “We have everything we need,” he said. “I want our country to be a pillar of security in Europe, and our veterans to be respected as the foundation of that strength.”

With your support, Razom is able to support the heroes as they adapt to civilian life after they gave it all, protecting their families and standing for democratic values.

The ImpactUA Internship Program: Transforming Student Potential into Lasting Change for Ukraine

Published: September 15, 2025

The future of Ukraine is being built today – thanks to the energy of young people, their ideas, activity, and readiness to act. Young leaders are able to combine global experience with local needs, turning the initiative of a generation into a driving force for change. It is precisely this belief in youth proactivity that became the foundation of the ImpactUA program – a joint initiative of Razom for Ukraine and Brave Generation. Its goal is to engage students from leading U.S. universities, as well as Ukrainian students studying abroad, in actively contributing to real change in Ukraine – not as observers, but as creators.

For three weeks, program participants immersed themselves in the work of civil society organizations supporting communities affected by the war. They witnessed the daily resilience, ingenuity, and persistence of people keeping the country moving. The program gave students not only practical experience working with Ukrainian NGOs, but also a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, and social context. Combining academic knowledge with lived experience created a solid foundation for international support of Ukrainian partners.

Participants in the program were carefully selected. Active, goal-driven students from top universities worldwide came to Ukraine, representing a range of academic disciplines. This added multidimensionality to the program and strengthened the synergy between international perspectives and local expertise. Impact UA became not only a platform for intercultural exchange, but also a hub for shaping a new generation of young leaders capable of working shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainian communities and creating lasting impact.

Preparation for the internship began even before the students arrived and became the first step of their experience. Online sessions provided opportunities for introductions, psychological support, and discussions of future challenges with leading experts. Marci Shore, a professor of history at Yale University, helped them dive into the cultural and historical context, while Phil Kaplan with Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs shared practical knowledge of international politics and the humanitarian field. Special attention was given to safety: protocols for air raid alarms, rules of conduct, and principles of personal security that allowed participants to feel confident and focus on learning and work.

After arriving in Lviv, students entered their first immersion environment – where the multifaceted reality of Ukraine began to reveal itself in all its complexity. The trip, organized by the program team, provided a safe and smooth entry into the new context.

The first days of the internship became an intensive educational experience, where Ukraine’s history, politics, and culture intertwined with personal stories and present realities. An unforgettable moment was meeting Dora Chomiak, co-founder and CEO of Razom for Ukraine. Her story inspired students to recognize their own ability to be creators of change. Subsequent lectures and excursions deepened this understanding: Yaroslav Hrytsak, a professor of Ukrainian history, illuminated complex historical processes; Myroslav Marynovych, Ukrainian educator, human rights activist, and former Soviet dissident, shared his experience in the dissident movement; Yurii Pidlisnyi, a professor of political science, explained the mechanisms of civil society. A later visit to the museum-memorial of victims of occupation regimes offered greater understanding of the struggle for freedom.

A particularly powerful impression was left by the Superhumans Center – a modern rehabilitation center for those injured by the war. There, students learned about approaches to prosthetics and witnessed the scale of social power in action.

The cultural program of integration days added an emotional dimension: an icon-painting workshop, a barbecue with folk music, conversations about traditions, cooking varenyky and making chocolate – all of this offered a chance to touch living Ukrainian culture and see its relevance today.

The knowledge and skills acquired in the first days became a strong foundation for individual internships in NGOs, matched to each student’s interests. It was an opportunity to try themselves in different roles – from journalism and working with veterans to IT, fundraising, or managing social media.

For many, this became a defining moment in their professional lives. “My internship confirmed: I want to become a psychologist,” shared Anastasiia Shulhan, who worked with the NGO Ridni. She attended a workshop for psychologists on complex topics related to children and foster families – and, for the first time, felt she was exactly where she belonged.

Many others had similar revelations. Evelina Benderska, who had previously studied trauma in an academic context, noted: “This experience deepened my academic and professional interests. Now I want to study even more deeply how trauma affects Ukrainian society.”

After the program ended, some participants stayed in Ukraine to immerse themselves further in the country’s life, while others continue supporting Ukraine from abroad. One student, Aiden Stretch, decided to spend the next year in Ukraine, working as a journalist and reporting on the war for the American audience.

Impact UA became more than an internship – it was a transformative experience. The program showed that rebuilding a country begins not only with global projects or government decisions, but with simple human connections. These ties allowed students to experience Ukraine not at a distance, but up close – and to become its voice in the world. As one participant, Kristofers Krumins, said:

“This experience reminded me of something very simple but incredibly important: politics, international relations, even war – it’s all about people. When you have personal contacts in Ukraine, when you hear their stories – your perception inevitably changes. Reading the morning news about drones and missiles feels very different when you know people who have to fall asleep under shelling every night.”

This project proved a simple but powerful truth: Ukraine is not only a country demonstrating resilience in war. It is a country actively creating its future. Here, a new generation of leaders from around the world is emerging – those who do not just observe, but act alongside Ukrainians, learning and changing the world together with us.

Building a new career thread by thread: Svitlana Rohozyan’s path from oil to needle

Published: September 4, 2025

“I was about to become an engineer,” says Svitlana Rohozyan, 51, a woman from Lysychansk, Luhansk Oblast. She used to work at the local oil refinery and was getting ready for a promotion. She was raising the child she had long prayed for. “Life began to get back on track,” she said. However, the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine changed it all. Part of the Luhansk Oblast was occupied back in 2014, so Rohozyan’s hometown authorities and volunteers immediately began evacuating people, knowing that Russian attacks would escalate.

The Rohozyan family relocated to their farmhouse, not too far from Lysychansk, thinking it would be safer there. “Still holding on to hope that everything will be okay—I planted parsley, carrots, beets, and dill. My child loves those very much,” the woman said. However, severe explosions were getting closer, and she decided to flee.

In mid-April 2022, Rohozyan took her 6-year-old son, Yaroslav, and boarded the cramped evacuation train to Lviv, after getting to the station by bus—all while Russians were shelling the area. The family escaped before the missile damaged their apartment in Lysychansk, and the city was completely occupied in July 2022.

“The only thing I regret is that the icon [holy image] we used for our child’s baptism—I didn’t take it with me. That’s what I regret the most. That little icon stayed behind. You know, I looked at it and left it there, thinking it would protect the house,” Rohozyan said.

Starting from scratch in Lviv was tough. They settled in a dormitory and had to fit in a tiny room with only two beds, together with another family, surviving on internally displaced persons (IDPs) financial aid. Her chemical engineering background became useless, as there were no such businesses nearby. There were some customer service job openings in the area, but Rohozyan could not leave Yaroslav alone.

One day, Rohozyan saw an announcement on Facebook about the School of Sewing Arts, hosted by the West Ukrainian Fashion Industry Cluster (WUFIC) and sponsored by Razom.

“Sewing was my hobby. I used to hem costumes for my son. I also made a lot of clothing for myself. But I understood that I had little knowledge,” she said. She was excited to join the course, but evening sessions didn’t work well with her son’s schedule. Later, she received a call saying a daytime group had been formed and asking if she wanted to join. “I joined with such joy! I was waiting for this,” she recalls.

The School of Sewing Arts’ goal is to teach IDPs tailoring skills, provide graduates with job placement support, and promote growth within the field. It is being implemented in two cities—Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk. 84 women have already graduated from sewing courses.

Every cohort of future seamstresses is trained for three months. “We sewed skirts, pants, and tops. I sewed myself the skorts I wanted so much,” Rohozyan said. She shared that her favorite part was learning the technology of measuring and cutting out fabric.

“The most interesting is the technique of making those patterns. It’s really fascinating. At first, you don’t understand where the line goes or what it leads to, and then suddenly, you already have a pair of pants,” Rohozyan said.

Rohozyan described her experience during the course as “fun and amazing,” saying she felt like part of a family with the other students and teachers. The group had two instructors—a garment technician and a tailor. “One teaches us how to make patterns, and the other teaches us how to sew on the machine. First, we learn to make the pattern, then we transfer it from paper to fabric [and sew],” Rohozyan explained. “I’m grateful that they [WUFIC, supported by Razom] provided us with fabric, and we didn’t have to run around looking for any.”

The project inspired Rohozyan to seek opportunities to expand her knowledge in the craft. Together with the women she met at the sewing school, she started spending her Saturdays at her former instructor, garment technician Viktoria Karpova’s place, striving to learn more advanced techniques.

After the project, “a job found me on its own,” Rohozyan said. Karpova was looking for women to work at her sewing business, which she relocated from the currently besieged city of Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, to Lviv. Rohozyan accepted the offer and now works part-time for KVK Pokrovchanka.

“I gained knowledge. I now have a job that I enjoy. I like the products we sew, and if you like the products, you like the work that goes into making them. It [apparel] is beautiful, high-quality, and well-made, and you realize that your hands helped create it,” Rohozyan said.

Rohozyan dreams of starting her own business. When she joined the sewing courses, she had a clear goal in mind—to learn the craft and eventually open a clothing repair shop. For now, she hopes to begin with something small. “I want my own home sewing machine—not a professional one, but a modern one,” she said. Rohozyan added that even a basic machine at home would allow her to get started and earn some income. At the moment, she works on an old treadle machine, which can’t compete with electric models, but as she laughed, “it’s great when there’s no electricity.”

“I truly want peace, so that my child is no longer afraid of the sounds of explosions,” Rohozyan said. She recalls her son imitating missile and drone sounds, which he should never have heard. “I don’t want children to know that kind of fear—the fear of losing everything,” she continued. “Yes, you’ve saved your life and your child’s life, but everything you’ve worked for your whole life—it’s all gone.”

8-year-old Yaroslav now studies at a local school, plays fortepiano, and attends drone construction courses. Rohozyan’s husband is fighting for Ukraine.

Rohozyan believes that Ukraine’s prosperity is deeply tied to the well-being of its people. With so many IDPs having lost their jobs, reskilling initiatives like Razom Jobs are key to driving change. “If Ukraine prospers, so will its people. If everyone gets a job, the country will become wealthy. If everyone is willing to work and to earn money, then the country will have money, too,” she said.

Thanks to your support, Razom is able to provide avid learners like Rohozyan with opportunities to gain skills and thrive in a new, exciting field on a professional level.

A Teen’s Innovation Making Sapper Work Safer with Recycled Plastic: The Story of Iryna Vynar

Published: July 31, 2025

Ukrainian teenagers are built differently. War makes them grow up quickly and take on responsibilities they were not supposed to handle. But tough realities create a strong nation and responsible young leaders who know the importance of being proactive citizens. Like the rest of the world, Ukrainians have to deal with ecological issues, but in addition, they face military pollution, which contributes to the degradation of the environment. Almost 20% of Ukraine’s territory is mined and might take a dozen years to clear, experts say.

Iryna Vynar, 17, from Boryslav, Lviv Oblast, has always been interested in ecology and biology. She was 14 when the full-scale invasion started, and her father joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. She has changed a lot since then.

“Each of us has grown up,” Iryna said. “I realized that now I have to take responsibility. Right after the start of the full-scale invasion, I knew I wanted to contribute somehow to bring our victory closer.”

This nudged Iryna to create a plastic shield—a tool that would both help reuse plastic and make the mines safer.

She developed her idea during the uBoost’s “Create HERE!” program, supported by Razom. Iryna’s grandma saw an announcement and encouraged Iryna to apply.

uBoost is a free educational platform empowering teenagers aged 13–23 from frontline communities and small towns in Ukraine to develop soft skills, launch their own projects, and connect with industry mentors to support their professional and entrepreneurial journeys.

During the program, Iryna learned the basics of entrepreneurship and marketing. The most impactful part, she said, was working with a mentor, who helped her feel more confident about her idea.

“At first, I was a bit worried—maybe something wouldn’t work out, maybe I was doing something wrong. But the support played a huge role for me. It helped me a lot.

By the time I was pitching my project, I wasn’t scared anymore—everything felt great,” she said.

Iryna created the plastic shield for mines that would protect people clearing and operating landmines and give new life to plastic waste. The shield is made of three strong layers that absorb shocks, provide insulation, and guard against mechanical damage. Iryna’s invention can be used for controlled detonation, post-war demining, and safe transportation of mines.

Iryna believes that her idea can make a significant impact, not just for people, but for animals, plants, and the entire ecosystem. “It can really help not only us,” she said, “but the ecosystem that affects us all so deeply.”

Iryna is currently looking for companies that can manufacture the plastic shield to help her dad be safer and the environment cleaner. She plans to continue her journey in the field of environmental protection in the future. This year, she finished her first year at the Ukrainian National Forestry University.

uBoost is supporting teenagers who develop their ventures in various areas, whether it’s creating psychological cards, personalized decorative boxes, or a modest clothing brand. Iryna said it was “incredibly great to talk to people who are developing completely different kinds of projects.”

“Our country will need to be rebuilt, and that responsibility will fall on the shoulders of this generation. And when you see young people developing and trying to do something, it brings a lot of joy,” she said.

With your support, Ukrainian youth have the opportunity to implement impactful projects and gain empowerment through mission-driven organizations like uBoost, supported by Razom.

From Seeds to Sunflowers: Nurturing Ukrainian NGOs for Greater Capacity, Sustainability, and Resilience

Published: July 14, 2025

In the fourth year of Russia’s full-scale invasion into Ukraine, the damage from targeted missile and drone strikes, frontline hostilities, and deliberate damages in the temporarily occupied territories is already shocking – and continues to rise every day. Kyiv School of Economics assessed the damage at $170 billion as of November 2024, while UNDP calculations offer a staggering $524 billion needed for recovery in Ukraine over the next decade. This scale of reconstruction and restoration of people’s livelihoods is far beyond the scope of what government authorities alone can address – underscoring the critical role of civil society in Ukraine’s resilience and recovery. Indeed, the German Marshall Fund suggests that “A resilient and dynamic civil society is a fundamental requirement for the sustenance of pluralistic liberal democracies.”

The robust civil society movement in Ukraine can be traced back to the civil activism of the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity in 2014 (the latter having served as an impetus for creating Razom). Ukrainian NGOs, civic groups, and volunteer associations have been, consistent with research, the driving force behind democratic societal change. And, since 2022, these organizations have found themselves at the forefront of Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukrainian scholars confirm that, “Ukraine’s massive civic engagement and collective action, most recently in defense against Russian aggression, offers a startling picture of grassroots activism.” Ukrainian NGOs have taken on everything from human and animal evacuations, to tactical medicine and food deliveries to the front lines, to community restoration and assistance to internally displaced people.

Unfortunately, 2025 delivered another blow to the Ukrainian NGOs’ ability to sustain their operations and contribute to the emergency relief and recovery development efforts. The abrupt shuttering of USAID led to the cancellation of over 80% of its programs, forcing many Ukrainian NGOs to close offices, furlough personnel, and suspend critical services like mobile clinics, rehabilitation programs, and civic education initiatives. Stripped of primary U.S. funding, these organizations scrambled to secure alternative donors, resulting in delayed projects, reduced capacity, and heightened vulnerability among displaced populations and frontline communities. This is where Razom has stepped in, leveraging its Razom Relief program to offer innovative solutions to bolster Ukrainian civil society organizations (CSOs).

Launched in 2022, Razom’s Relief Program has been initially focused on helping civilians in Ukraine who are directly affected by the invasion by providing food and shelter, clean water, winter supplies, and psychological and behavioral support for adults and children. It has been immensely effective in service delivery and creating immediate impact specifically because the program partners with more than 200 local grassroots organizations that know the needs of their communities better than anyone else. The program’s unique approach has allowed for an intimate understanding of the needs and gaps in the resource base experienced by local Ukrainian CSOs in small – and often frontline – communities. While local organizations do the majority of the work (delivering up to 80% of humanitarian aid on the ground), they get less than 1% international humanitarian funding directly, which means they lack the means to build a sustainable operation.

Having worked closely with numerous Ukrainian CSOs for the past three years, the team of Razom Relief has come to realize that providing training and capacity building is the difference between a sustained continuation of impact and the dissolution of many smaller organizations. This understanding led to the creation of the Razom Sylnishi (Stronger Together) Project, aimed at providing the resources and organizational knowledge necessary for the survival and success of the smaller CSOs. Among various capacity building efforts, Razom Sylnishi developed the NGO Growth Lab – a unique education and mentoring initiative that allows the CSOs to become more sustainable and equipped to resolve the issues on the local level.

In 2024 Razom Relief launched a pilot version of this initiative As a result, 15 organizations received grants, and eight organizations received mentorship support. A post-implementation survey revealed that 93% of the participants achieved their goals: 78.6% were able to start new projects and 64% were able to attract new donors. In addition, the number of organizations that had a working fundraising plan and strategy increased from 31% to 81% and the number of organizations that had a clear overall strategy increased from 75% to 94%. With the success of the initiative so high, Razom is continuing the program in 2025 with a new cohort of NGOs.

Based on the feedback from this initiative, Razom extended the mentoring program and added the offline educational component. One of the additions to the initiative was a short-term school for 28 leaders of CSOs that took place on 11-17 August, 2024, at the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU). The aim of the school was to develop leadership knowledge and skills among civil society actors to ensure more sustainable and long-term activities of organizations. The school provided several training blocks, including Strategic planning for Managers, Fundraising Tools for CSOs, and Communication Strategy. The mentoring program was extended for 6 months, pairing the smaller and newer CSOs with experienced nonprofit leaders who would help them integrate the learning of the UCU school. With the success of the initiative so high, Razom is continuing the program in 2025 with a new cohort of NGOs.

Today the NGO Growth Lab follows best practices of international grassroots NGO capacity building and offers a multifaceted approach that includes a week-long nonprofit management school at the Ukrainian Catholic University; assessment of organizational capacity and creation of the capacity development plan; a 6-month mentoring program with a mentor from experienced NGO leaders; as well as additional training and funding to address areas identified in the capacity assessment. At the end of the program, the organizational assessment is repeated again – to document the progress of organizations and outline the most effective next steps.

One of the NGO Growth Lab beneficiaries stands out the most for having shown a remarkable ability to take full advantage of the resources and knowledge offered by the initiative and having implemented the most notable and lasting changes. The Kyiv-based NGO “OOPS. Life in My City” which before the invasion worked to improve the management, safety, and oversight of residential buildings and areas in the capital.

However, once the invasion started, this small organisation dedicated most of its resources to providing humanitarian aid to most affected areas, such as the Chernihiv and Kyiv regions. As the need for humanitarian aid decreased, the organization needed a new strategy to revitalize its work. As a result of their NGO Growth Lab participation, the “OOPS. Life in My City” NGO was able to significantly streamline internal structures and processes, improve grant writing skills (and succeed in securing additional grant funds!), and created transparent and responsive communication processes. These capacity enhancements allowed “OOPS. Life in My City” to launch new projects that used their existing expertise, including playground safety inspections, installations of solar panels for multi-apartment buildings, setup of recycling programs, and construction of bomb shelters. The latter is an especially timely undertaking considering the ongoing brutal attacks on Kyiv and the lack of shelter spaces for residents of densely populated neighborhoods.

Some of the process improvements achieved by “OOPS. Life in My City” NGO during the Growth Lab include clarifications in procurement policy – including the establishment of transparency and accountability during procurement and developing relationships with Ukrainian manufacturers in order to support the internal market. Internal communications and HR processes improved as well, which allowed the organization to hire new staff and allocate time to the budding initiatives – helping 66 individuals claim payments for destroyed property and conducting 1,204 legal consultations for the IDPs residing in Kyiv and its environs. But probably the most impressive outcome of the Growth Lab was the NGO’s ability to launch a separate charitable fund to address issues and projects that fell outside the organization’s newly clarified mission -creating a focused and sustainable path forward for the NGO.

Implementing a successful program at this scale requires significant time and resources, with participation cost for each CSO standing at about $6,000. We hope that you will consider supporting the work of Razom in ensuring a bright future for Ukraine’s civil society and the country’s recovery from a brutal invasion.

Living and Dreaming Amid Constant Danger: How Razom Supports Kherson Oblast Communities

Published: June 6, 2025

Following the liberation of Kherson Oblast west of the Dnipro River in November 2022, the world has learned that the Russian grip is breakable. Local communities were saved from the cruel hands of the occupiers—but not from the relentless shelling launched by the Russian forces based on the temporarily occupied east bank. Due to the proximity of Russian positions just across the river, locals have as little as 40 seconds to hide, but often the missile arrives in the blink of an eye. Civilians are also not safe from drone attacks, the so-called “human safari,” recognized by the UN Commission as a crime against humanity. In addition to aerial attacks, people still have to deal with the aftermath of the Kakhovka Dam destruction caused by Russian forces in June 2023. While towns downstream were flooded—resulting in death toll and landscape devastation—those upstream faced serious water supply issues.

Mylove is located upstream of the drained Kakhovka reservoir. Submitted by Mylove Hromada.

Living with limited critical infrastructure is tough and demotivating, but despite all odds, Ukrainians do not give up. With support from Razom, Kherson region’s Hromadas keep the spirit of unity and continue to resist. While Russia aims to destroy Ukrainian cities, grassroots organizations in Dariivka and Bilozerka Hromadas create new opportunities for all community members, rebuild, and find ways to stay connected.

Volunteers who rebuild and strengthen unity

NGO Moya Khersonshchyna, in collaboration with local authorities, created Dobrobat, two volunteer groups formed in the Dariivka Hromada with a mission to mitigate the consequences of the invasion without external help. While retreating, the Russians took all the equipment with them — even the buckets, leaving the community without any means to take care of the Hromada. Over the course of six months, this initiative has helped 613 households across nine frontline towns and improved the quality of life for 2,021 residents and internally displaced people (IDPs). Razom provided a grant to equip the brigades with tractors, trailers, lawnmowers, and tools for providing rapid assistance to the community. They stabilize and repair homes after shelling, help households prepare for winter, fix roads, clean public spaces, and create places for community leisure.

Dobrobat volunteers building a public gazebo, restoring a damaged roof, and fixing water pumps. Submitted by NGO Moya Khersonshchyna.

“Thank you for your support, for not leaving me alone during a difficult time in Dariivka,” said Tetiana Chernetska, IDP, whose home was damaged as a result of an airstrike. “Thanks to the Dobrobat team for fixing our roof, boarding up the windows, and clearing the debris. It was a very hard time for us—my husband was in the hospital, and I couldn’t do anything on my own. I am truly grateful!”

Dobrobat brigades bring more than just tools—their arrival helps residents hold on to hope for the future and reminds them they are not left alone with their challenges. Moya Khersonshchyna plans to continue helping the residents as demand keeps rising. The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam posed a threat of severe water shortage in the Dariivka Hromada. Two-thirds of the impacted households requested reparation of the water supply network. Moya Hersonshchyna is looking to scale the project to reconstruct 10 wells and install water towers to benefit the community in the long run.

Light in the darkest hour

Power outages are a common occurrence across the country, as Russia is trying to disconnect Ukrainians from each other and provoke fear. Communities close to the front line spend days, sometimes weeks, without electricity. The NGO Kosmos Tabir found an innovative way to overcome challenging circumstances and provide locals with a means to not only keep their phones charged at all times, but also access public services whenever needed.

With the support of Razom, Kosmos Tabir initiated the installation of solar hybrid power systems at 18 administrative and public buildings across Tiahynka, Bilozerka, and Dariivka Hromadas, benefiting more than 10,000 civilians. This solution allows local city councils, resilience centers, schools, post offices, and hospitals to operate up to 8 hours during outages. The results of the project were immediately visible in Dariivka. Thanks to alternative energy, the city council was able to resume its work, and residents and IDPs finally received their pensions, financial support, and salaries.

NGO Kosmos Tabir representatives delivering solar panels and inverters to Dariivka, Bilozeka, and Tyahynka Hromadas. Photo by Kosmos Tabir.

Kosmos Tabir is training electricians to install and upkeep the systems, enabling villages to manage them independently. Since volunteers’ cargo vans are often targets of Russian drones, in many instances, having locals take care of panels is a safer and smarter strategy. Kosmos Tabir is in regular contact with electricians to assist with any questions and is planning to hold a workshop for technicians, emergency service workers, and volunteers to teach solar system maintenance skills.

A get-together place for all

NGO Lymanetska Diia has created a Center for Civil Activities in Lymanets, Dariivka Hromada, which offers a variety of services for residents, IDPs, and youth. Some come here to use the computers and printers, others to get assistance with documents, and the rest—to participate in the workshops and spend time with friends. The center was created thanks to a grant provided by Razom.

Zinaida Ivanenko, 72, was forced to leave her home because of Russian aggression and moved to Lymanets. She arrived with nothing but bare essentials. Her daughter is far away and her son serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“It was hard to get in touch and communicate with them [my children]. I was left completely alone,” Ivanenko said. “I want to sincerely thank those who opened the community center. There, they taught me how to call my children via messengers—now I can at least see them on the screen. They also explained what kind of support IDPs can receive and helped me apply for it. They photocopied and scanned all the documents I needed. It’s also very nice that I now have a place to spend my free time and talk to others my age. I especially appreciated when medical professionals came and explained what services are available at our clinic. The staff at the center always treated me warmly and kindly.”

Center for Civil Activities hosts workshops and assists senior residents. Photo by NGO Lymanetska Diia.

Nataliia Olefir, a 69-year-old retired primary school teacher, Lymanets local, could not afford to install internet at home or purchase a computer. When the digital literacy center opened in the Lymanets Starostat, she became a regular visitor.

“The sessions are interesting and meaningful: training, expert talks, computer skills lessons, and free internet access. But, most importantly, it’s a place for connection—with people and like-minded individuals,” Olefir said.

The biggest hurdle for the project is air raids. Luckily, the center has the necessary equipment to continue sessions in the underground shelter.

Bringing warmth to those who need it most

Bilozerka Center for Regional Development ensures that the community’s vulnerable population stays warm and comfortable during the cold months, as many are unable to leave their homes for various reasons. Due to constant shelling, residents live without electricity, gas, or water for weeks. With the support of Razom, the Bilozerka Center for Regional Development provided winter kits to 150 people, who were unable to afford basic items themselves—individuals with disabilities and limited mobility, and elderly citizens living alone.

Residents received winter kits consisting of a set of linens, an electric blanket, a pillow, incontinence products, a lamp, and wet wipes. Photo by Bilozerka Center for Regional Development.

Stefaniia Bonchkovska is a person with limited mobility, originally from the village of Pravdyne, where she had lived for over seventy years. Her home was partially burned as a result of the invasion, so her family was forced to move into another house. Due to intensified shelling and destruction, they eventually relocated to Bilozerka, where friends offered them a place to stay, and she now lives there with her daughter and grandson.

“I want to thank the Bilozerka Center for Regional Development for calling us, asking about our needs, and providing both food and non-food assistance,” Bonchkovska said. “I am also deeply grateful to the charitable organization Razom for the winter kit, which has been a great support for me. The most valuable item for me is the electric blanket—it keeps me warm during this cold season. Thank you so much! May God protect you.”

Thanks to you, Razom Relief continues to support grassroots organizations in Kherson Oblast, helping war-affected towns regain the ability to function independently and nurture unity within their communities. Your support enables us to keep working toward restoring dignity and comfort to Ukrainians who have been deprived of it.

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.

Nurturing our Network: Ukrainian NGOs and Razom

Published: February 16, 2025

Like so many organizations serving Ukraine before February 2022, Razom could not have predicted Ukraine would be operating under sustained military assault for so long, fighting for its survival and doing so under the most extraordinary circumstances. But if asked to make any prediction at that time, it would have been that one should never underestimate the determination and courage of Ukrainian civil society.

After all, it was by the power of its example that Razom was founded in 2014 after the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine. That’s why strengthening and expanding our partnerships with grassroots organizations, who know the needs of their communities better than anyone, has been one of Razom’s key strategies in addressing humanitarian and recovery efforts since the full-scale invasion.

In three years, we’ve worked with over 200 local NGOs and granted $11.4M to support projects in humanitarian aid, renewal and renovation, provision of clean water and energy, household farming, children’s STEM education, reskilling and upskilling programs, and much more. But by 2023, Razom understood that for these hyperlocal and innovative solutions to challenges faced by war-affected communities to persist, Ukraine’s civil society organizations would need greater resources for their own sustainable development. That’s how the Razom Sylnishi project (“Stronger Together” in Ukrainian) was born.

This initiative aims to support the organizational capacity-building of Ukrainian NGOs. Less than 5% of financing goes directly to projects run by these types of organizations. The community of grantees we built through Razom Relief, revealed that 75% of our grantees named a lack of financing as their main problem, while 39% pointed to a lack of qualified personnel, and 30% the lack of long-term strategy. Through Razom Syl’nishi we are:

• Providing organizational grants and mentorship to raise the standards of professionalism, transparency, and cooperation between NGOs

• Organizing training and education in topics most important for organizational development

• Hosting an annual conference (since 2023) to inspire and connect a powerful coalition of civil society and community organizations

• Convening regular online meetings for grantees

All of this activity ensures that Ukrainian NGOs are on an accelerated path towards sustainable development, able to serve their communities now and in the long-term.

In 2024, Razom Sylnishi supported 16 organizations from our network with organizational grants. Thanks to these grants, they were able to strengthen their organizations, attract new donors, and launch new projects.

This year, as part of Razom Relief’s overall investments, another $1.8M has been earmarked to ensure that local NGOs have the support they need – both in getting effective projects funded and in strengthening their organizational development.

Indeed, a second wave of organizational grants and mentoring support will open to NGOs across Ukraine that work in the areas corresponding to our mission. These grants are targeted towards improving fundraising capacity. Applications are due March 8, 2025 with grant awards announced on April 8, 2025.

As Ukrainians continue to deal with the consequences of Russia’s unlawful, brutal invasion, and the U.S. shifts its policy toward foreign aid precipitated by USAID disruptions, we have a unique opportunity to address the need. Razom has been able to contribute to building a network of more robust CSOs over the course of its history only because of the generosity of our donors. Your gift to Razom today can have an immediate impact in ensuring this work continues.

Thank you!

Powering Ukraine Through a Complicated Winter

Published: December 17, 2024

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure has been a primary target. This past year has brought a deliberate intensification of attacks on energy facilities, with Russia launching daily strikes against power grids and substations across the country. By now, more than 50% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been severely damaged or destroyed, leaving millions of Ukrainians without reliable electricity or heat during the coldest months.

Against this backdrop, Razom has stepped up with solutions tailored to meet urgent needs. Through the Razom Relief program, we delivered 30 charging stations and 13 high-capacity generators to civil society organizations and Razom grantees, ensuring they can continue their life-saving and community-building work.

Charging stations and generators provide the power to sustain education, healthcare, and shelter for displaced families. They enable public spaces and shelters to operate, even in areas heavily affected by Russian violence.

For example, the Korsakiv Center for Contemporary Ukrainian Art in Lutsk, which houses up to 100 internally displaced persons, uses the charging station we provided to power their educational center during the day, and their shelter at night.

Meanwhile, NGO “Platform Ednannia” in Zmiiv, Kharkiv region, now supports approximately 171 people with a fully functioning public space, thanks to the charging station it received.

As temperatures drop, the stakes become higher. The charging stations and generators Razom has delivered are used to not only power lights and phones but also to heat water, cook meals, and provide medical support. In Pershotravensk, Dnipropetrovsk region, a temporary shelter equipped with Razom’s charging station now serves as a sanctuary for older adults and children, offering warmth and a chance to recharge both their devices and their spirits.

Despite these hardships, the Ukrainian people persist. Every charging station, every generator is a reminder that even in the face of relentless attacks, Ukrainians find ways to carry on with life.

Your continued support makes this possible. Together, we’ve invested nearly $75,000 into equipment that directly supports communities in need—assisting everyday people l and enabling hope to thrive, even during the darkest days of winter.

Thank you for standing with Ukraine and Razom. Your generosity ensures that light, warmth, and resilience do not flag in the face of adversity.

Sources:
Kyiv Independent
Politico
Razom for Ukraine Grantee Reports

Razom for Ukraine: A Season of Giving

Published: December 2, 2024

This holiday season, join us in supporting families in Ukraine who are healing from the impacts of war and working to build a brighter future. Ukrainians have shown remarkable strength, and with your help, they can continue contributing their talents and energy to a better tomorrow.

Your support is giving new life to families experiencing trauma and loss. The immense resilience and determination of Ukrainians inspire us, and we at Razom remain fully committed to supporting Ukraine’s victory.

At the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Svitlana Rosadkina lived in Severodonetsk, a city in the Luhansk region in Eastern Ukraine, with her husband, young son, and parents. She and her family were forced to move into basements crowded with other people and animals, often going without gas, electricity, or water for days, making it impossible to wash or cook food. When her parents became ill with COVID-19, the city’s hospitals and ambulances were no longer functioning, and only four pharmacies in the entire city remained open—and sporadically, at that. Svitlana waited in the cold for hours to get her parents’ medicine, sometimes under heavy shelling.

“I shouted to people to lie down on the floor and cover their heads with their hands … you didn’t know if you’d make it home alive. Every time you went to the pharmacy or the store, you couldn’t tell your relatives what time you’d return.”

With the help of friends, Svitlana and her family evacuated to Dnipro, enduring nine hours of driving under constant fire. The bombed-out cities they passed remain etched forever in her memory.

After months of surviving extreme conditions and helping her son cope with unimaginable stress, Svitlana found herself emotionally depleted and numb. She participated in the “Recovery During the War” program organized by the NGO VAAD and supported by Razom. This intensive psychological rehabilitation program supports women and their children who have endured occupation, heavy shelling, or devastating personal losses due to the war.

Since May 2022, “Recovery During the War” has held 114 program sessions, helping 1,620 families—or 3,575 individuals, including 1,882 children. In 2024, Razom Relief provided $90,000 in grants, funding nine sessions of this life-changing initiative.

“I joined the program hoping to recover to the person I was before the war. I not only recovered but … my family was amazed by the changes in me. After the program, I felt life again.”

For millions of Ukrainians suffering from deprivation, trauma, and loss, programs like these offer hope and essential coping skills. Thousands remain on the “Recovery During the War” waitlist.

Your generous support can help us continue programs that save and transform lives like Svitlana’s. Together, we can help Ukrainians heal and rebuild.

Donate today and be part of Ukraine’s recovery and growth!