Empowering Civil Society: Highlights from Razom and UCU’s Summer School on Organizational Development

Published: November 5, 2024

In mid-August, Razom for Ukraine and the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) launched a transformative Summer School on organizational development, drawing civil society leaders from across Ukraine to Lviv for a week-long program aimed at bolstering their organizations during these critical times. Held from August 11 to 17, 2024, this initiative brought together a diverse array of dedicated leaders from all corners of Ukraine, each focused on creating positive, lasting impacts within their communities amid the challenges of war.

The participants came from organizations committed to:

Delivering humanitarian aid to frontline and recently de-occupied areas
Coordinating evacuations for civilians in conflict zones near the front line
Supporting families with children, organizing extracurricular and recreational activities
Assisting families of fallen soldiers
Advancing educational development efforts
Preserving cultural heritage and celebrating regional cultures
Assisting frontline healthcare institutions under wartime conditions
Offering psychological support for frontline communities, families in crisis, and internally displaced persons (IDPs)
Promoting women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and supporting women during the war
Shaping youth policy at the local level
Developing entrepreneurial opportunities for veterans and IDPs

A Unique Selection Process for a Diverse Group

Razom selected participants through an open call, carefully choosing five grantees with a focus on diversity. The selection criteria included gender balance, a range of activities and experiences, and varying team sizes. This diversity fostered a dynamic environment where participants could learn from one another, establish new networks, and explore partnerships that will extend well beyond the Summer School.

Learning, Networking, and Strategic Development

During the week, participants attended sessions on organizational policies, strategies, partnership building, communications, and fundraising. Special guest speakers—including historians, political scientists, and contemporary thought leaders—were also invited to offer broader perspectives, enriching the learning experience and reinforcing participants’ motivations to serve their communities and contribute to Ukraine’s future.

Feedback from participants reflects the program’s lasting impact:

“I’ve already started applying what I learned and sharing it with my team.”
“This training changed my approach—I now work more strategically and with greater clarity.”
“Since the Summer School, we’ve launched three new projects and drafted an operational plan.”
“It was inspiring to be among such experienced and passionate community leaders.”
“The atmosphere was welcoming, and we’ve stayed connected, sharing insights and ideas.”

One participant’s message captured the essence of the program’s transformative effect:

“I want to thank Razom for Ukraine for organizing this program. Since the Summer School, our team has undergone transformations in communications, fundraising, and strategy. You achieved your goal!”

Looking Forward: New Opportunities for Summer School Graduates

Since August, Razom has been working to create follow-up opportunities for Summer School graduates. Plans include mentorship programs and grants for institutional support, providing these leaders with additional resources to strengthen their organizations. By nurturing the growth of Ukraine’s civil society, Razom and UCU are helping build a future where local organizations are equipped to meet the needs of their communities, paving the way for a resilient Ukraine.

With these new programs in place, the legacy of the Summer School will continue to inspire and empower civil society leaders to forge ahead with confidence, resilience, and unity.

Together, we are building a brighter future for Ukrainians through education and support.

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Razom Relief.

Building Ukraine Together: Empowering Communities and Creating Safe Spaces

Published: October 22, 2024

As the war in Ukraine continues, grassroots initiatives are proving to be indispensable for community resilience and support. One such initiative is the NGO “Building Ukraine Together” (BUR), a longtime Razom partner, which is dedicated to empowering local communities through volunteer camps. Before launching these camps, BUR organizes a training school for teams who will lead local activities in collaboration with the organization. Recently, teams from three communities—Lypova Dolyna, Ladany, and Velyka Severynivka—gathered for several days of intensive lectures and workshops designed to prepare them for their roles.

Supported by Razom, BUR’s volunteer camps play a crucial role in restoring communities and empowering local volunteers. The training sessions emphasize essential skills such as volunteer management, effective communication, community engagement, team coordination, and resource identification.

A Community’s Vision: Yulia’s Story

Among the participants was Yulia, a representative from the Ladany community in the Chernihiv region. She successfully organized a team and applied to host a BUR camp with the aim of establishing a youth center in their community, which has become a haven for many displaced people fleeing Russian aggression.

Yulia expressed her motivation:

“I wanted to show our youth and our community that, with collective effort, we can achieve things we never dreamed of before.”

As the BUR camp unfolded, local residents actively engaged in the process, transforming their environment while also fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their community.

For Yulia’s team, this volunteer camp marked their first experience in organizing such an event. While they had previously participated in other projects, this challenge brought new learning opportunities.

Yulia reflected, “Everything was new to us—how to set up the camps, what their purpose is, and what the daily schedule looks like. The school helped us understand all of this. We also learned some team building games, like ‘Ladder,’ which helps teach us how to listen and ask the right questions. I work in the local government, so I’ve already started using these techniques at work.”

So far, two BUR camp sessions have successfully taken place in the Ladany community. The training school has significantly strengthened the team, streamlined the organizational process, and, most importantly, taught them how to engage people of all ages in community life.

Overcoming Fear: Bohdana’s Journey in Sumy

Another inspiring story comes from the recent BUR volunteer camp held in Lypova Dolyna, Sumy region, located just about 50 miles from the Russian border and is currently under regular attack. Here, volunteers worked together to create a bomb shelter, demonstrating their commitment to safety and community support. One volunteer, Bohdana, traveled over 500 miles from Zakarpattia to be part of this effort.

Bohdana shared her initial apprehensions:

“I was really stressed—it was a new city and my first camp—but I decided to join because I wanted to finally experience the BUR community vibe. The BUR team took the security aspects very seriously—checking air raid alerts, organizing shelter drills—and it almost felt like I wasn’t in Sumy, but somewhere much farther from the front line. I was scared I wouldn’t be helpful in construction. You know, when you first go to a camp, you feel like you don’t know anything about building and maybe you should just stay home. But with BUR, learning is fun and easy. Before you know it, you’re plastering walls like you’ve done it a hundred times.”

The first session of the BUR camp in Lypova Dolyna has already concluded, resulting in the creation of a shelter that will serve both as a refuge during air raids and a safe event space for the community. Bohdana not only contributed to a significant project but also formed lasting connections with fellow volunteers, making this experience a cherished memory.

This volunteer camp in Lypova Dolyna was made possible with the support of Razom for Ukraine.

Through initiatives like BUR, communities in Ukraine are finding strength and hope in each other, creating safe spaces and fostering resilience amid adversity. By empowering local leaders and volunteers, organizations like Razom and BUR are helping to build a brighter future for Ukraine. Thank you for your support!

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Razom Relief.

Razom Relief: From Summer to School

Published: September 18, 2024

As the school year begins and autumn approaches, we reflect on the impact of Razom Relief’s initiatives that have provided needed support, healthcare, and educational opportunities to children and communities across Ukraine. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, many have had the chance to rest, rejuvenate, and engage in activities that foster growth and resilience. We’re excited to share inspiring stories from those who have benefited from Razom’s grants and how these initiatives have helped prepare them for the new season and school year.

Center for Psychological and Humanitarian Support in the Chernivtsi Region

The Center for Psychological and Humanitarian Support (CPHS) for internally displaced people in Vyzhnytsia, Chernivtsi region, has been running several successful projects, including a social enterprise:a bakery. Razom is proud to partner with CPHS on a second joint project that has once again exceeded all expectations.

With a grant from Razom, the center sponsored a summer camp where children immersed themselves in adventures and learning, acquiring essential skills like orienteering, fire-starting, pitching tents, and cooking over open flames. The camp taught them teamwork, mutual support, and responsibility. The unforgettable experiences—new friendships, night hikes with flashlights, and laughter around campfires—served as a test of resilience and a perfect preparation for the new school year.

Creating Opportunities in Poltava

The NGO Sustainable Development Platform Perspective in the Poltava region, with Razom’s support, established a community center that has become a hub for children and youth. This space aims to empower young people by providing new knowledge, building connections, and fostering youth activism. Guided by mentors, the youth developed operational regulations and a strategic plan for the center’s growth in 2024-2025.

In just two months, the project reached over 2,500 people and hosted more than 60 events, including training sessions, workshops, physical activities, and community-building excursions, offering much-needed emotional relief and skill development.

Ukraine South Liberty: A Lifeline in Chornomorsk

In the southern regions, the Ukraine South Liberty organization in Chornomorsk, Odesa region, worked tirelessly to support children’s health and well-being. With a grant from Razom, they launched two critical projects: an IDP (Internally Displaced People) center and a children’s center. The IDP center offers services like career counseling, psychological support, IT training, and cultural events, while the children’s center focuses on holistic development through activities promoting inclusivity, gender equality, and psychological well-being.

Building Ukraine Together Youth Camp in the North

Supported by a Razom grant, Building Ukraine Together (BUR) gathered young participants from across Ukraine to aid in infrastructure restoration, create spaces for learning and connection, and support internally displaced persons. At the BUR camp in Ladanska, Chernihiv region, young people worked to build a youth center, helping the community recover from occupation and fostering a sense of hope and renewal.

As we embrace the fall season, these stories of readiness for the new school year and the positive impact of Razom’s grants remind us of the power of community and the difference we can make together. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors—your continued support sustains these efforts, bringing hope and renewal to countless lives.

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Razom Relief!

Razom Supports Ukrainian Education with Summer Mathematics School

Published: August 5, 2024

At Razom, we are committed to advancing education in Ukraine and empowering the talented youth who will shape the future. We are thrilled to share that we recently sponsored a mathematics camp for students in grades 1-7.

From June 29 to July 7, 2024, Tsyfra, a leading math club in Kyiv, hosted a mathematics school at the “Khvilya” resort, bringing together 130 enthusiastic participants. Tsyfra is renowned for its dedication to supplementary math education and cultivating scientific thinking among young people. Their program covers math, mathematical logic, physics, natural science, and chess through a variety of learning methods, including study groups, lectures, seminars, and games.

This summer’s school was the culmination of two months of intensive planning and preparation by teachers, organizers, and Tsyfra’s talented team. We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors for making this event possible and to the dedicated educators and organizers who worked tirelessly to bring it to life. A special thank you to all the students and their families, whose enthusiasm and participation made this camp a resounding success. We are proud to have sponsored such an inspiring event and are thankful for the opportunity to support this amazing initiative.

What Parents Are Saying:

Nataliya Vrodskaya: “Thank you for creating a wonderful experience filled with love for children and mathematics. It was a much-needed boost for my child. We appreciate the warmth and care you put into this camp!”
Nadya Voytekho: “A huge thank you! The program was engaging, fun, and informative. This was our first experience with Tsyfra, and my son is absolutely thrilled! Everything was fantastic. You are incredible!”
Darya Ruban: “As always, we are delighted. We can’t wait for the fall sessions!”

Together, we are building a brighter future for Ukraine’s youth through education and support.

We invite you to learn more about Razom’s Relief Program, including Razom Ticket, and consider supporting our efforts.

Building Ukraine Together X Razom: Rebuilding Homes and Communities

Published: July 2, 2024

Building Ukraine Together (BUR) is a non-governmental organization empowering youth through volunteering. Originally a volunteer camp, BUR unites volunteers from Ukraine to renovate homes and lives affected by the war since 2014. Following the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, BUR scaled up to support thousands of people, renovating homes and shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and common spaces for people to meet and learn

Partnership with Razom: A Synergy for Greater Impact

BUR and Razom started partnering in 2016. Razom has been instrumental in promoting BUR’s projects in the U.S., recruiting international volunteers, and securing funding for them. Since the 2022 escalation of the war, Razom has supported BUR initiatives, recognizing the importance of community and developing future leaders during these violent times. Last year, we supported a number of volunteer camps that were pivotal in assisting populations directly impacted by military actions, IDPs, vulnerable populations, and youth.

Project Overview and Implementation

The partnership between BUR and Razom focuses on developing young people through volunteer activities, aiding communities affected by Russian aggression, and enhancing social infrastructure. This project encompasses three main activities:

Community School: A preparatory training program for community representatives where BUR camps will be held.
Volunteer BUR Camps: Hands-on volunteer camps focused on renovating selected premises, engaging local youth and fostering community cohesion.
Local Volunteer Actions (BURchyk): Smaller, local initiatives driven by volunteers.

Despite the ongoing war and associated risks, BUR successfully implemented all planned activities, demonstrating remarkable resilience and commitment.

Community School

Held on June 17-18, 2023, this two-day training session equipped 10 participants with the necessary skills to organize and conduct BUR camps in their communities. The curriculum included team-building exercises, presentations about BUR and Razom, and fundraising strategies. This initiative aimed to enhance the capacity and self-sufficiency of local teams, ensuring they are motivated and prepared to drive positive change after BUR’s intervention.

Volunteer BUR Camps

Thanks to Razom’s grant, BUR organized 16 volunteer camps across three communities (Chernihiv, Rivne, Kharkiv). Each camp, attended by approximately 25 volunteers aged 16-35, focused on renovating critical social infrastructure. Projects included renovating an inclusive resource center, a youth space, and housing for IDPs. Overall, with our help, BUR renovated 3 IPD shelters, 2 event spaces, 9 houses and flats damaged by war, and 3 bomb shelters. Seven hundred thirty-three volunteers from all over Ukraine got involved into BUR projects. Volunteers not only engaged in physical reconstruction but also participated in a comprehensive cultural and educational program, fostering leadership, problem-solving skills, and civic engagement.

Have you heard about BURchyk?

It’s not just a construction project, it’s a movement and it’s changing the lives of countless Ukrainians. BURchyk is a special volunteer project of BUR; it’s a short-term construction initiative that unites local volunteers looking to make an impact. Joining BURchyk means being part of a mission to restore homes, create shelters, and rebuild Ukraine. Thanks to Razom’s grant, BUR organized 14 BURchyk camps across the Ukraine.

Impact Stories: Transforming Lives

Renovating a Community Center in Bar City

From July to September 2023, BUR volunteers renovated a facility to engage in cultural and educational initiatives. This project focused on renovation and promoting social inclusion through cultural events and education. The community celebrated the successful project with a reopening ceremony. The center, which supports 240 children (half of whom are IDPs) with assessments and consultations, is now a more welcoming space thanks to the efforts of BUR and local volunteers.

Restoring a Home in Trikhsvyatska Sloboda, Chernihiv Region

In August 2023, BUR volunteers helped an elderly couple whose home was destroyed during the occupation. Living in an unsuitable outbuilding for over a year, the couple faced harsh conditions. With the support of Razom, local NGO “Mozhemo” and BUR volunteers, they transformed the outbuilding into a habitable space, installing windows, doors, and heating. This project was a testament to the power of collective effort and the profound impact of community support.

Renovating a Bomb Shelter in Korets, Rivne Region

From August to September 2023, volunteers worked on converting a radiation shelter into a creative space for youth. The initiative involved preparing and painting walls, decorating with artwork, and assembling furniture from pallets. This safe community space serves as a bomb shelter and now hosts various events, fostering creativity and social interaction among local youth. The project highlighted the successful partnership between municipal governments and community organizations.

Conclusion: Building a Brighter Future

The partnership between Building Ukraine Together and Razom exemplifies the power of unity and volunteerism in rebuilding war-torn communities. Through the combined efforts, they continue to transform lives, foster community cohesion, and inspire hope. As Ukraine faces ongoing challenges, the resilience and dedication of these organizations and their volunteers remain a powerful force for positive change.

Donate to Razom Relief today and join us in supporting Ukrainians and their efforts to rebuild their lives and communities!

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Relief Program.

Razom Relief: Helping Ukrainian Frontiers (Українські Рубежі) Rescue Kharkiv Residents

Published: June 11, 2024

Kharkiv, a key city in northeastern Ukraine, has been on the front lines since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Despite these last few weeks of intense fighting and ruthless aerial assaults, the city remains under Ukrainian control. However, as ever, the victims of these last rounds of fighting were civilians: families have been split apart and left trapped in the war zone.

There is help on the ground.

Thanks to Razom’s swift response, the local organization Ukrainian Frontiers (Українські Рубежі) received a critical grant through our Relief program. Ukrainian Frontiers has been on the front lines since the emergency began, tirelessly evacuating people from affected areas. Our grant ensured that they can continue these efforts by covering fuel, car repairs, driver salaries, and other essentials needed to safely relocate 350 people.

Despite constant shelling that hinders access to some residents, Ukrainian Frontiers’ well-equipped transportation network and strong working relationship with the military are enabling critical rescues.

Our grantees shared with us many stories from the ground. The evacuees carried the weight of loss and uncertainty. Yet, even in despair, there was strength of spirit. A young girl, clutching a tattered teddy bear, managed a small smile. An old man, his eyes filled with gratitude, insisted on sharing his meager food with others. These are powerful reminders of the potential for human endurance during a crisis.

Beyond Evacuation: A Support Network

Razom’s grant arrived at a pivotal moment, allowing Ukrainian Frontiers to do more than just evacuate residents. They became a vital support network, finding shelter for the displaced, reuniting families torn apart by war. Their work exemplifies how donations to Razom make a real difference on the ground during emergencies.

Things calmed down a bit in June for Ukrainian Frontiers, but the war still remains and they know their work is far from over. As the situation develops, their team is ready to help in other areas. With your continued support through Razom, Ukrainian Frontiers will keep providing hope, saving lives one by one.

How You Can Help

Donate to Razom for Ukraine today and help empower heroes like Ukrainian Frontiers who are delivering hope where it’s needed most.

Razom Relief: Helping Liberated Ukrainians Regrow Their Lives

Published: June 4, 2024

Residents in liberated areas of Ukraine once thrived on their farms. Now, they face a fight to rebuild. Their land is damaged, and getting food is a constant worry.

In partnership with Rescue Now, one of our grantees on the ground in Ukraine, we launched the Reroot Project. We’re distributing seeds and potatoes and empowering people to grow their own crops, thereby reducing their dependence on aid.

This initiative goes beyond a simple handout and aims to make communities more self-sufficient. Raising their own crops helps households save costs for the family, making local supply of food available, even during emergencies or breakdowns in supply, or power outages. This way it contributes to a more stable food supply and minimizes the dependency on outside food support. Thus, private farming is one of the key reasons people stay or return to their homes, as it is one of the main sources for living there. In the rural areas of Ukraine, knowledge about sustainable farming practices is passed down from generation to generation, fostering a viable and self-sufficient culture. This program also promotes teamwork, builds up ties within the community, and fosters communication across households via creating additional group channels of communication; people share their experiences and support each other via these channels.

Meet the People We’re Helping

Natalia, a resident with mobility challenges, faced immense hardship during the occupation. Sheltering from shelling and bombings, access to food became a constant worry. Now, with seeds and potatoes provided by Razom Relief, Natalia can slowly rebuild her vegetable garden. This not only provides food security but also a sense of purpose and hope for the future.

Nataliya Hryhorivna, a 74-year-old pensioner, recounts the struggle to find planting materials under occupation. Despite the danger, she tended her garden, determined to have a source of food. Now, liberated and with access to seeds, she looks forward to a brighter future for herself and Ukraine.

Bilokudrya Svitlana, a community representative, describes the eight brutal months of occupation. Gardening became not only difficult but dangerous due to shelling. Essential utilities like electricity, water, and gas were also disrupted. Razom Relief’s assistance provides a lifeline, allowing the community to rebuild their gardens and hope for a victorious future.

Razom Relief, alongside our partners, is helping communities harmed by past Russian occupation regrow not just their crops, but their path to renewal. Together, we can help Ukraine blossom again.

Donate to Razom Relief today and empower families to reroot their lives!

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Relief Program.

Kharkiv Under Siege: Evacuations, Resistance, and the Plight of Vovchansk and Lyptsi

Published: May 14, 2024

The city of Kharkiv and surrounding areas in northeastern Ukraine have been at the forefront of the war since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Despite relentless shelling and attacks and because of Ukrainians’ toughness and fortitude, the city remains in Ukraine’s hands.

This year, there has been an escalation in fighting around Kharkiv, with Russia launching a new offensive in early May 2024.

Ukrainian forces are battling to hold back the Russian advance, with the villages of Lyptsi and Vovchansk being among the most vulnerable places. As the fighting intensifies, the number of people forced to flee their homes continues to rise. The most recent reports indicate that more than 5,900 people have been evacuated from the region, highlighting the desperate situation for civilians.

Vovchansk:

The town of Vovchansk, once a bustling community of 20,000 people, has been reduced to a ghost town due to the ceaseless bombardment. Only a few hundred residents remain, trapped in a war zone with dwindling supplies and limited access to essential services.

Razom’s Partners and Grantees are on the Ground:

“During the evacuations, all volunteer teams came under fire. One of the vehicles was completely shot up by the occupiers. The driver was wounded, but luckily everyone survived, thanks to the fact that this particular vehicle was armored. Most of the vehicles have “volunteer” written on them, but this does not stop the enemy. Civilians were also among the injured, who were wounded by Russian occupiers with weapons. People carry small bags with them, because there is no time to linger, and they did not plan to leave their homes. Among them are many middle-aged people (50+) for whom it is difficult to leave their home, their property, their livestock, everything that made up their life. However, evacuation is necessary to save lives,” says Vladislav Kulov, Kharkiv Media Hub, Razom’s partners.

Lyptsi:

Just south of the ravaged Vovchansk lies Lyptsi, a village of roughly 4,500 people. While not as heavily bombarded as Vovchansk, Lyptsi’s fate is just as brutal. The village was occupied in the early days of the war by Russia and then retaken by Ukraine later in 2022. However, with the renewed offensive, Lyptsi finds itself back in the hot zone. Residents there are facing renewed shelling or possibly another occupation.

Razom has been working tirelessly to facilitate evacuations and provide aid to those displaced by the war.

Razom’s Partners and Grantees on the Ground:

“We are evacuating people from Lyptsi. Indeed, not only people. Today there were two dogs, chickens with chicks, a guinea pig, and a dozen ducklings. People are scared, sometimes very nervous. Most of them have already been under occupation. They say: ‘We won’t survive another time; they will kill everyone’. The process can be very difficult, some people hope that it will pass somehow, that there is still time.” – Oleksiy Almazov, Ukrainian Frontiers (Українські Рубежі), one of Razom’s grantees.

Your Support is Crucial!

The people of Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region are facing unimaginable hardship. With your support, Razom can continue to provide life-saving assistance and help to evacuate.

Donate to Razom for Ukraine today and make a difference in the lives of those affected by the war.

Together, we can stand with Ukraine and help them overcome this dark chapter in our history.

Ukrainian Moot Court Team Triumphs at Oxford

Published: May 7, 2024

Razom remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s future leaders! We recently helped the Taras Shevchenko National University team compete in the Oxford Intellectual Property (IP) Moot Court Competition. Coached by Ilona Boliubash and Nataliia Badora, the team – Anastasiia Tolkachova, Anna Tkachuk, and Sofiia Yermolenko – made Ukraine proud. They faced off against 27 teams worldwide and won 2 out of 4 rounds!

This achievement is even more inspiring considering the wartime environment in which the team prepared. Despite the challenges, the three contenders persevered, showcasing their talent and skills. The competition not only deepened their legal expertise but also provided valuable intercultural exposure. Representing Ukraine on the world stage during such a difficult time was a moment of immense pride.

It’s crucial for Razom to support young minds and make their participation possible. Their journey doesn’t end here. They are committed to continuous improvement, aiming to become the next generation of Ukrainian IP leaders and ensure Ukraine’s continued presence at this prestigious event.

Voices from the Team

Sofiia Yermolenko: “Participating in the Moot Court was transformative. It allowed me to feel like a normal student again. The sense of community and shared passion for IP law was truly inspiring. I gained valuable knowledge and skills that I’m eager to use to contribute to a post-war Ukraine fostering innovation and economic growth.”

Anastasiia Tolkachova: “Representing Ukraine at Oxford was a unique and unforgettable experience. The team’s dedication and passion fueled our success. Our heartfelt thanks go to Razom for Ukraine, our incredible coaches, and the welcoming global community of IP enthusiasts we met. This event was a breath of fresh air – a week free from the constant threat of war. It recharged me and ignited a renewed energy to contribute to Ukraine’s legal system and post-war development.”

Anna Tkachuk: “The Oxford Moot Court fosters a supportive environment, creating a true community. The opportunity to interact with talented students, experienced coaches, and esteemed judges was incredibly rewarding. The oral rounds were particularly valuable, pushing me to hone my advocacy skills and receive real-time feedback. Looking back, I’m proud of our team’s research, legal performance, and ability to stand out in such a competitive field.”

The story of the Ukrainian team at the Oxford Moot Court is one of hope and dedication. It highlights the transformative power of education and the unfaltering spirit of a nation united in the face of adversity. Their success serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that even in hardship, the pursuit of knowledge and a brighter future continues.

Learn more about the Razom Ticket project and support the brilliant young minds of Ukraine today!

Earth Day in a War Zone: Ukraine’s Silent Environmental Crisis

Published: April 16, 2024

April 22, 2024. Earth Day. Amid the ongoing war and all of its attendant crises, sorrows and stresses, Ukraine is a country grappling with severe ecological devastation – often an afterthought of institutional violence.

Russia’s aggression has inflicted a deep wound on Ukraine’s environment. From poisoned air and water due to attacks on industrial facilities, to ravaged landscapes scarred by shelling and bombing, the natural world is a hidden victim of this war. A recent report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates the war has caused $1 billion in environmental damages in Ukraine so far, threatening not only Ukraine’s future but the health of our entire planet.

War Crimes with Lasting Impacts

Russia’s war crimes go beyond immediate destruction:

Deliberate targeting of environmental infrastructure – аttacks on water treatment plants and oil refineries have led to widespread contamination of water sources and air pollution.
Landmine contamination – мillions of landmines laid across some 30% of Ukrainian territory, pose a long-term threat to civilians and wildlife, hindering agricultural production and safe land use.
Destruction of protected areas – military activity has damaged or destroyed national parks and reserves, jeopardizing unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Around 600,000 hectares of Ukrainian forest has been damaged by the war, some 32% of the country’s total.
Pollution from toxic waste: over 950,000 tons of waste from destroyed equipment are leaching into the land. For more impact data go to https://mepr.gov.ua/

Environmental Crimes by Russia

Odesa (Black Sea)

Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports in 2023 and attacks on maritime vessels threaten a major ecological disaster in the Black Sea. Millions of tons of grain in Ukrainian ports are essential for global food security, and a disruption in their export could lead to shortages and price hikes. Additionally, the risk of sunken ships releasing pollutants like oil and hazardous materials is high, disrupting delicate marine ecosystems and potentially harming fish populations crucial to the Black Sea’s food chain. This environmental damage could have long-lasting consequences, impacting not just Ukraine but the entire Black Sea region. (Source)

Chornobyl Exclusion Zone

In 2022, Russian forces occupied the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, including the decommissioned Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, raising concerns about potential damage to the fragile containment structures and the release of radioactive materials. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, any breach of containment could have catastrophic consequences for Ukraine and surrounding areas. These contemporary concerns compound the nearly 40 year aftermath of the original Chornobyl meltdown, considered the worst nuclear disaster in history. (Source)

Kakhovka Hydroelectric Dam

Russia’s control over the Kakhovka Dam on the Dnipro River was devastating. In June 2023, an explosion tore through a significant section of the dam (estimated at 85 meters long). The dam break caused catastrophic flooding downstream, inundating over 600 square kilometers of land, including agricultural fields and villages on both sides of the Dnipro River. It’s estimated that tens of thousands of people were forced to evacuate to escape the rising waters. (Source)

The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam also crippled a critical source of hydroelectric power for Ukraine. The dam’s power station generated a significant amount of electricity, and its loss puts additional strain on Ukraine’s already stressed energy grid.

TEC Trypilska

In a recent attack on April 11, 2024, Russian forces launched a barrage of missiles and drones that completely destroyed the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant, according to Ukrainian officials. This attack did not just cause damage, but also severe air pollution from burning coal stores, and it eliminated a critical source of power generation for the Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr regions. (Source)

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Beyond the documented environmental damage, another looming threat hangs over Ukraine: the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe. Currently under Russian control, the plant has been repeatedly shelled, raising international concerns about a potential nuclear catastrophe. According to CNN, recent shelling of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on April 7, 2024, damaged a non-reactor building. (Source)

Hope for Renewal: How You Can Help on Earth Day

This Earth Day, we encourage you to stand with Ukraine in its fight for environmental renewal. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Donate: Razom Relief, in collaboration with the EBRD, has launched a fundraising initiative to help communities in liberated areas rebuild their lives and restore their land. Your contribution up to $30,000 will be matched 1:1 by the EBRD, doubling your impact. Funds will be used to:

Distribute seeds, trees, and fertilizers for agricultural revival.
Provide small livestock to support families in need.
Build greenhouses for sustainable food production.
Repair roofs and windows for war-torn homes.

Learn more: HERE

Donate your vehicle: Another pathway for you to support Razom is vehicle donation. Through our partnership with NCS, donating your car, RV, boat, motorcycle, or another vehicle is an easy, secure, and tax-deductible way to contribute. Please note that while your donation helps support our mission, the vehicle itself will not be sent to Ukraine. However, your generosity will still make a significant impact. It’s not only generous but also sustainable.

Learn more: HERE

Spread Awareness: Share this information with your friends, family and community. The more people who know about the environmental impact of the war, the more support we can generate for Ukraine’s recovery.

Let’s continue to stand with Ukraine and work towards a hopeful future when peace and environmental sustainability can flourish. Together, we can make a difference!