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Interview with Dmytro Kuzmenko, Nova Ukraine Medical Project Coordinator

ID photo of Nova Ukraine volunteer Dmytro Kuzmenko.

Dmytro, age 25, graduated from the College of NUPh. He received his bachelor’s degree at the Faculty of Chemistry of Karazin Kharkiv National University, and eventually got his master’s degree at KhPI. He was very attracted to the medical part of chemistry. Most of the time, he worked in the specialty he received at the College of Pharmacy as a pharmacist in a pharmacy. With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, his work in the pharmacy halted, so he immediately started looking for a place where he could help people using his knowledge.

In March 2022, while still looking for a volunteer foundation where he would be needed, he unexpectedly found one right next door. Having rallied around the urgent need of people who found themselves in a situation where pharmacies and social services did not operate, ordinary people worked like bees. He feels lucky to join this movement. Together with his team, they improved all work processes and eventually turned into a real medical hub. Now, with the help of the international charitable foundation Nova Ukraine, they can do the impossible for our guys at the front line and in treatment. “Thanks to our work, many of the stations have received the necessary medicines to save lives. I am proud to be part of the team that saves lives.”

Interview

What is the most important thing you are doing in your job right now?

We are carrying out a very important mission: we supply military units and stabilization points with medicines and tactical medical supplies. I believe this is extremely necessary, and it motivates me every day to do what needs to be done.

What is the most difficult part of your job?

The most difficult thing is to realize the responsibilities. As I said, we are helping the military, and I understand that a day or two of delay can cost someone’s life, and a medicine not administered on time can also cost someone’s life. We have to work quickly, meeting the needs of the requests we receive as much as possible, and this is a very big responsibility. You start to understand this responsibility when you begin working in this field. I also understand that civilians need help, but providing medical aid to the military is an urgent need. Without them, there would be nothing—no rear, no civilians, no one. And if we don’t help them, then no one will help us.

Imagine that our donors hear you, what would you say to them?

Tactical medical supplies and medicines save lives. A dollar donated could be a life saved.

I am very grateful for the support of Ukraine during such a difficult time. And when you realize how many people are helping—whether with their time, material resources, or something else—it gives you a push, inspiration to keep moving forward, helping your colleagues, and inspiring each other.

What will you do after Ukraine’s Victory?

Of course I would like to get together with all my friends. Some of them have moved around Ukraine and we haven’t seen each other for a long time. Others have gone abroad. I’d like to get together and go to Odesa, have a good time. Or to Pechenihy, that’s also a cool place!

War is…

In Greek, “apocalypse” is not the end of the world. It is the “removal of veils.” War exposes everything bad in people.

A volunteer is…

A volunteer is a person who understands how important their work is, and who puts humanity and helping each other above all material and social ties. 

Nova Ukraine is…

An organization I learned about in 2022. Without publicity, without media hype, you can just quietly do your job and help people. 

I am worried about…

I worry about the lives of everyone on the front lines right now. I want as many people as possible to return alive. Life is the highest value, and we must try to preserve it as much as possible.

I would like to change…

In general, everything volunteers do is to fill the gaps created by corruption. This is what the state should be providing, but unfortunately, it is being provided by volunteers, and fortunately, such people exist in Ukraine.

Donate to Support Our Efforts

Please consider supporting Nova Ukraine’s various projects by donating today to bring critical support to those in need. As the devastation has no end in sight, please consider making your donation recurring.

Nov 11, 2024

Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine
ID photo of Nova Ukraine volunteer Dmytro Kuzmenko.
Nov 11, 2024

Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine

Dmytro, age 25, graduated from the College of NUPh. He received his bachelor’s degree at the Faculty of Chemistry of Karazin Kharkiv National University, and eventually got his master’s degree at KhPI. He was very attracted to the medical part of chemistry. Most of the time, he worked in the specialty he received at the College of Pharmacy as a pharmacist in a pharmacy. With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, his work in the pharmacy halted, so he immediately started looking for a place where he could help people using his knowledge.

In March 2022, while still looking for a volunteer foundation where he would be needed, he unexpectedly found one right next door. Having rallied around the urgent need of people who found themselves in a situation where pharmacies and social services did not operate, ordinary people worked like bees. He feels lucky to join this movement. Together with his team, they improved all work processes and eventually turned into a real medical hub. Now, with the help of the international charitable foundation Nova Ukraine, they can do the impossible for our guys at the front line and in treatment. “Thanks to our work, many of the stations have received the necessary medicines to save lives. I am proud to be part of the team that saves lives.”

Interview

What is the most important thing you are doing in your job right now?

We are carrying out a very important mission: we supply military units and stabilization points with medicines and tactical medical supplies. I believe this is extremely necessary, and it motivates me every day to do what needs to be done.

What is the most difficult part of your job?

The most difficult thing is to realize the responsibilities. As I said, we are helping the military, and I understand that a day or two of delay can cost someone’s life, and a medicine not administered on time can also cost someone’s life. We have to work quickly, meeting the needs of the requests we receive as much as possible, and this is a very big responsibility. You start to understand this responsibility when you begin working in this field. I also understand that civilians need help, but providing medical aid to the military is an urgent need. Without them, there would be nothing—no rear, no civilians, no one. And if we don’t help them, then no one will help us.

Imagine that our donors hear you, what would you say to them?

Tactical medical supplies and medicines save lives. A dollar donated could be a life saved.

I am very grateful for the support of Ukraine during such a difficult time. And when you realize how many people are helping—whether with their time, material resources, or something else—it gives you a push, inspiration to keep moving forward, helping your colleagues, and inspiring each other.

What will you do after Ukraine’s Victory?

Of course I would like to get together with all my friends. Some of them have moved around Ukraine and we haven’t seen each other for a long time. Others have gone abroad. I’d like to get together and go to Odesa, have a good time. Or to Pechenihy, that’s also a cool place!

War is…

In Greek, “apocalypse” is not the end of the world. It is the “removal of veils.” War exposes everything bad in people.

A volunteer is…

A volunteer is a person who understands how important their work is, and who puts humanity and helping each other above all material and social ties. 

Nova Ukraine is…

An organization I learned about in 2022. Without publicity, without media hype, you can just quietly do your job and help people. 

I am worried about…

I worry about the lives of everyone on the front lines right now. I want as many people as possible to return alive. Life is the highest value, and we must try to preserve it as much as possible.

I would like to change…

In general, everything volunteers do is to fill the gaps created by corruption. This is what the state should be providing, but unfortunately, it is being provided by volunteers, and fortunately, such people exist in Ukraine.

Donate to Support Our Efforts

Please consider supporting Nova Ukraine’s various projects by donating today to bring critical support to those in need. As the devastation has no end in sight, please consider making your donation recurring.

We greatly value your support, and it is indeed crucial. Please consider donating monthly. Your consistent contributions are vital to sustaining our efforts and driving meaningful change over time. Your commitment will make a lasting difference, and we sincerely appreciate your consideration.

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