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Critical Infrastructure: Urgent Update and Call to Action

Recent weeks saw a surge in attacks against Ukraine's critical infrastructure, and the March 22 bombardment left over 1.5 million people without power, as continued attacks through the weekend targeted many regions across Ukraine. These assaults focused on key cities, including Kyiv, Lviv, and particularly Kharkiv. The aftermath is grave: disrupted lives, heightened insecurity, and a pressing need for immediate humanitarian response and infrastructure recovery. This critical escalation continued previous systematic attempts to debilitate Ukraine's energy facilities, intensifying the hardships for millions. How We Are Responding Emergency Response

Saving Ukrainian Lives One Evacuation At a Time

By Sofiia Tiapkina In Ukraine, evacuation is a path from survival to finding a home. Nova Ukraine has been working with our Czech NGO partner, Helping to Leave, to evacuate Ukrainians from russia and the russian-occupied territories in Ukraine. Our efforts have enabled 94 people, including those with limited mobility, to find safety away from conflict zones. Since russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, 2.8 to 4.5 million Ukrainians have been deported to russia. The numbers are terrifying, considering that during 69 years of the USSR’s existence, the total number of people in all Soviet republics subjected to deportations by the Kremlin amounts to 6 million. Today, russia deports and brainwashes Ukrainian children with anti-Ukrainian propaganda. The harrowing scale of these deportations, as outlined by Ukraine's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets and various reports, underscores a strategic endeavor by russia to cause a demographic catastrophe in Ukraine, while ostensibly solving its own demographic challenges in regions like Siberia and the Far East.

Urgent Support Needed Now: #AidforOdesa

On March 15th, 2024, Odesa faced a devastating "double-tap" strike on vital infrastructure that killed emergency workers rescuing the victims. The aftermath left the third most populous city in Ukraine reeling. Lives were upturned, homes were destroyed, and the spirit of the Ukrainian people was tested once again. As the situation in Odesa continues to unfold, the need for comprehensive humanitarian aid remains dire. Providing Humanitarian Aid and Relief Efforts in Ukraine Nova Ukraine is committed to delivering immediate humanitarian aid as well as sustained support. We support and empower first responders across Ukraine while we work around the clock to provide medical supplies and basic necessities to those whose lives have been affected.

Nova Ukraine and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine Sign the Memorandum of Understanding

On February 2, 2024, Nova Ukraine, one of the largest U.S.-based Ukrainian non-profit organizations, joined forces with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine in a strategic partnership that will improve medical care quality and accessibility for Ukrainians, especially those impacted by the ongoing russian aggression during the full-scale invasion. Partnership was formalized with the signing of a two-year memorandum of cooperation between the Nova Ukraine Medical Team and the Ukrainian Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko. This agreement marks a significant commitment toward tackling the immediate and longterm healthcare challenges faced by the nation. It is the hope of both Nova Ukraine and Ukraine’s Ministry of Health that joining forces will break new ground in achieving effective, coordinated healthcare despite the enormous medical fallout of war. Oksana Gologorskaya, one of Nova Ukraine’s Medical Aid Team leads, highlighted the importance this way: “Closer collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine will allow our organization to apply resources where they are most needed, with an enhanced overall understanding of current countrywide challenges in the healthcare system and strategic initiatives that improve access to healthcare for Ukrainian people. Our goal is to communicate closely with the Ministry and other stakeholders, and coordinate our efforts with other humanitarian organizations to provide maximum support to Ukrainian people to save and improve as many lives as possible.” The memorandum identifies several specific areas of cooperation. Firstly, it includes the provision of medical equipment, medicines, and medical products to healthcare facilities across Ukraine. Secondly, it emphasizes the development and maintenance of new and existing rehabilitation programs. Thirdly, it focuses on continuing projects that support high-functioning, life-enhancing prosthetics. Lastly, the memorandum involves supplying life-saving tactical medicine and training medical personnel and civilians in its use.

Baking a Difference: Ukraine’s Bakery Cultivating Community and Hope

By Sofiia Tiapkina For the past six years, the bakery Good Bread from Good People has been quietly changing lives. This isn’t just any bakery. It is a testament to the Ukrainian unity and a vital source of sustenance in times of dire need. As russia’s war keeps devastating Ukraine’s grain supply through the theft of grain and destruction of wheat fields, the role of Good Bread from Good People becomes even more crucial. Bread, a staple of Ukrainian culture, symbolizes more than just food. It reminds many Ukrainians of home, family, and peace. Empowering Lives Through Inclusion At its core, Good Bread from Good People is a social enterprise with a mission to create an inclusive community. It empowers people with mental disabilities to live dignified, fulfilled lives and be integrated into society with equal employment opportunities. Founded over six years ago, the bakery started with a small team baking assorted cakes and cookies, with recipes developed in collaboration with professionals. Since then, Good Bread from Good People has grown significantly, expanding its product range into mousses, croissants, and tarts, and employing ten individuals with mental disabilities by the end of 2021.

Varia’s Brave Journey with Prosthetics

By Sofiia TiapkinaBorn in 2016, Varia has faced a challenging journey in her short life. A month after her birth, she developed a high fever and was hospitalized. The doctors noticed that she started crying loudly if anyone touched her right leg. After extensive examinations, they discovered the reason: osteomyelitis. The infection in the marrow of her thigh bone was about the size of a coin. Despite quick treatment, Varia’s leg began to deform when she turned four. She suffered and limped, and her leg became five centimeters (about two inches) shorter than the other. Her father, now a single parent to two daughters, navigated her medical journey amidst the full-scale invasion. In 2023, a breakthrough came with a modern external fixation device that allowed precise, computer-assisted adjustments to Varia’s leg. This device, vastly superior to older models, enabled effective and faster correction of her leg’s deformation. Her father learned to rotate the many connecting elements (struts) in different directions. After two weeks, he noticed that his daughter’s leg began straightening. The device straightened the tibia and grew the femur. A month later, the child’s leg was almost as healthy as new. It became straight, as it should be.

Two Years Strong

This February 24, we commemorate two years of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a devastating aggravation of the ongoing decade-old aggression. On February 24, 2022, the world entered an unprecedented era, irreversibly altering the lives of Ukrainians and countless others across the globe. Over these challenging two years, the resilience of the Ukrainian people has always shone through. As we start the third year of resilience, we express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. Nova Ukraine, founded in 2014 in the wake of the aggression by russia, has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, responding to the needs of the Ukrainian people. Over the past two years, we have delivered over $86 million of aid and helped over 5 million Ukrainians.

Response to The Death of Alexey Navalny

Mr. Navalny -– an icon of russian opposition to putin — has perished while being held as a political prisoner in russia. Just like for earlier attempts to poison him, the responsibility for Mr. Navalny’s death — state-executed murder — goes directly to putin. Mr. Navalny is one of many victims of the dictatorial system that blatantly violates human rights, despises the dignity of its opponents, and disregards international norms. The same cruel system is responsible for the imprisonment of numerous russian citizens who protested against the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. After russia illegally occupied Ukrainian Crimea, Crimean Tatars protested the annexation of their motherland, and over a hundred of them remain in russian prisons. If history is any guide, negotiating with putin’s russia on Ukraine will lead to more suffering and death, as the dictator will not stop aggression until russia is defeated. Nova Ukraine continues to support the Ukrainian people and strengthen Ukraine’s democratic society. We remain committed to independent Ukraine where freedom, peace, and prosperity are accessible to all.

Nova Ukraine Helped Host Leaders of 95% of Ukraine’s Faithful

Religious freedom in Ukraine is a key issue that affects American support for Ukraine at the executive and legislative levels. As part of Nova Ukraine’s advocacy efforts, we co-sponsored and co-organized (together with Razom for Ukraine) a short visit of a delegation from the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) to Washington, D.C. and Houston, Texas in October and November 2023. During the visit, Ukrainian religious leaders met with American politicians, church officials, political researchers, and members of think tanks to answer their questions about Ukraine, and inform them about the current situation. Dr. Igor L. Markov, a Nova Ukraine director, facilitated meetings in Washington, D.C., whereas, Natalya Meyer facilitated meetings in Houston, Texas and helped organize events in both cities. During their visit, the delegation held meetings at the White House, the Senate, and several government agencies, as well as prominent think tanks and churches. Ukrainian religious leaders gave a number of media interviews and participated in public events. The delegation outlined the impact of Russia's invasion on religious communities across Ukraine. They also shared information and perspectives on the state of religious freedom in Ukraine and highlighted Russia’s disinformation efforts. Highlights included:

The “i am u are” Creators Fair: Ukrainian Innovation, Rooted in Our Heritage

By Sofiia Tiapkina The “i am u are” initiative, held in Los Angeles from December 1 to 3, 2023, brought the essence of Ukraine’s creativity to the world stage. This fair was not just an event for Ukrainian creators. It was a cultural phenomenon that blended Ukraine’s traditional crafts with a contemporary vision. The fair featured over 180 diverse Ukrainian businesses, ranging from high fashion designers to tech innovators, and all profits from ticket sales were directed to Nova Ukraine’s education projects. A Shared Platform for Resilience and Creativity At the heart of “i am u are” lies the spirit of modern Ukraine — a fusion of intelligence, youth, beauty, and innovation. Svitlana Bevza, Ukraine’s fashion legend, co-hosted the event and highlighted Ukraine’s resilience and vibrancy: “I want to show how powerful and creative Ukraine could be, that we are not a problem but a solution.” As the global perception of Ukraine is mostly centered on war, we must demonstrate the strength that transcends tragedy.

The Impact of Your Donations

Delve into our Annual Impact Report 2023 to discover all the stories and the full range of our initiatives. From delivering bread to recently deoccupied territories to sending school supplies for internally displaced people, each donation has made a difference! As we approach the solemn anniversary on February 24, our determination at Nova Ukraine is unwavering and stronger than before. Backing Ukraine in these challenging times is not just important — it's absolutely crucial. As russia continues its relentless assault on cities and infrastructure, the urgent need for humanitarian aid and infrastructure repair becomes increasingly critical. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, volunteers, team members, partners, and active supporters. Together, our combined efforts have created a meaningful impact, with over 86 million of aid delivered to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Nova Ukraine Named One of the Beneficiaries of Charity Concert

Nova Ukraine was named one of the beneficiaries of a charity concert featuring GRAMMY® Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell, BBC Music’s Personality of the Year 2023, conductor Dalia Stasevska, and the renowned INSO-Lviv Symphony Orchestra. The proceeds from the concert will go toward humanitarian aid for Ukraine with a portion of it dedicated to supporting Ukraine’s talented young artists. The concert took place at the Warsaw Philharmonic in Poland on January 10, 2024. Its program included Ukrainian-born Thomas de Hartmann’s Violin Concerto, as well as music by Ukrainian composers Skoryk, Silvestrov, and Stankovych. The event will be broadcast on Medici.tv, one of the largest classical music channels, on January 28, 2024. This charity concert was produced by Park Avenue Artists and supported by Chopivsky Family Foundation and Thomas de Hartmann Project. We express our sincere gratitude for their trust in Nova Ukraine’s efforts and recognize their valuable role in supporting Ukraine in these difficult times. The donations received by Nova Ukraine will be directed towards the organization’s various commitments to humanitarian aid efforts across Ukraine.

Sustaining Life in Mykolaiv: Tackling Water Scarcity and Cold Winters

By Sofiia Tiapkina Nova Ukraine supports Ukrainian communities facing russian attacks, including the Mykolaiv region. Initially, we tackled the water insecurity impacting Mykolaiv for over 1.5 years. To confront russian sabotage of the “Dnipro – Mykolaiv” water pipeline, Nova Ukraine helped distribute water filter equipment to the State Emergency Service workers, and supply the cities with barrels of clean water. In Mykolaiv, our on-the-ground volunteers and local authorities have established 180 points for the free distribution of purified drinking water. The water, sourced from underground wells, undergoes a rigorous purification process to meet the state standards for drinking water consumption. This setup can purify 3 tons of water per hour, with residents typically collecting between 12 to over 20 cubic meters daily, even during air raid alarms. As seasons changed, Nova Ukraine shifted its focus from clean water projects to spreading warmth and comfort during the winter months. In collaboration with our long-established partner, the 4UA volunteer center, we have been supporting the manufacturing and distribution of portable stove ovens in the Mykolaiv region and beyond. Since the project's inception in 2022, several thousand stoves have been delivered to Ukrainian families who lack the means to prepare food or need additional heat. Made in Ukraine from durable materials, these portable stoves are designed to last up to 25 years. The volunteers are now coordinating with multiple steel mills across Ukraine to repurpose discarded materials to produce more stoves.

Nova Ukraine Named as Top-3 Charity for Supporting Ukraine in 2024

Nova Ukraine Receives “National Treasure” Award in Ukraine

Nova Ukraine Receives “National Treasure” Award in Ukraine On November 25, Nova Ukraine was honored with the “National Treasure” Award, recognizing our sustained humanitarian efforts and support for the people of Ukraine. About the Award The “National Treasure” Award is given in recognition of individuals and organizations contributing to the protection, development, and support of Ukraine and its people.

Nova Ukraine’s Annual Impact Report – 2023

This Impact Report shares not only the statistics behind our proudest achievements but also personal stories that show how Ukrainian people persevere and stay strong. A decade ago, in the winter 2013-2014, Ukrainians fought hard for democracy. Dozens of patriots died in the Revolution of Dignity to oust the pro-russian president who tried to establish a dictatorship. russia immediately responded with a military occupation of the Crimean peninsula and parts of Eastern Ukraine. In February 2022, unable to undermine Ukraine’s pro-democracy, pro-Western choice, russia started a full-scale war. This full-scale war has been going on for almost two years now. It morphed into a war of exhaustion, war of will, war of character. russian bombings and missile attacks strive to drain all joy from every Ukrainian. For the tenth year, Nova Ukraine has been helping Ukrainians to preserve their strength, dignity and determination. At the end of 2023, we crossed an important milestone: $100M in donations entrusted to Nova Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war. $85M has already been delivered or distributed in Ukraine, the rest is in the pipeline.

Pediatric Rehabilitation: Empowering Ukraine’s Youngest Heroes

In a world where children's laughter should echo through schools and playgrounds, far too many Ukrainian children face a grim reality. They are surviving a brutal full-scale invasion by russia and often suffer from injuries that reach beyond the physical. These kids have been unjustly deprived of their innate right to a carefree existence — to walk, play, and enjoy the freedoms of childhood. Filling the Void in Pediatric Care In the shadows of the second year of the full-scale invasion, the toll on innocent lives is often underestimated. But in Ukraine, daily life can be heart-wrenching — explosions not just at the front lines but also in homes, cribs, schools, and kindergartens. The dire need for early and effective rehabilitation for children suffering from wounds, illnesses, limb amputations, as well as brain and spinal cord injuries, cannot be overstated.

Animal Welfare Annual Report 2023

We are proud and excited to share this year’s results with all our donors and supporters! These are your personal accomplishments as much as ours. Staying empathetic and compassionate in the face of tragedy is arduous, but together we can overcome anything. In 2023 Nova Ukraine allocated $483,820 to animal welfare in Ukraine. We are incredibly proud of what we were able to achieve together with our supporters, volunteers, veterinarians, shelter staff, rescuers, behaviorists, trainers, and adopters. Every piece of the animal welfare support chain is a vital component that makes this life-saving work possible. 52 separate grants went to 86 animal shelters and volunteers to fund housing improvements and expansions, preventative treatment, urgent medical interventions, evacuations, and basic needs. 30,336 animals benefited from these projects. Shelter Improvements and Expansions - $57,769:

Nova Ukraine Lights Up Times Square, Inspires Hope, and Calls for Support

In a bright display of commitment and unity, Nova Ukraine illuminated Times Square with a powerful message this holiday season 2023. We showcased our work in providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and raising awareness globally through stunning visuals in this iconic New York City location. The billboard was active in the beginning of December. Support Ukraine: A Call to Action "Support Ukraine" echoes as the main message from Nova Ukraine, emphasizing the collective strength that comes when people unite for a common cause. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Nova Ukraine has reached over 4.5 million people in Ukraine, offering assistance and making a tangible difference through numerous projects and initiatives. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we have contributed over $100 million worth of aid to Ukraine since 2014. As the winter cold intensifies, so do the challenges faced by the people of Ukraine. Nova Ukraine asks you to lend your voices and take action to drive change. Here's how you can contribute:

The New York Jets Donate 100K to Nova Ukraine

As Ukraine braces for another grueling winter of war, now is the time for fundraising efforts to step up. Any delay or diminishment would sadly but surely take Ukraine down the most devastating path in the coming months. It is with keen awareness and immeasurable commitment that Nova Ukraine pledges to solidify financial support from donors large and small. Thankfully, the Jets Foundation, on behalf of the NY Jets, has just announced another donation of $100K to Nova Ukraine. This donation is in addition to the $1M commitment made earlier and split among Nova Ukraine and its partners, which include Razom for Ukraine and The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America. Ukraine’s dire situation is personal for Jets Chairman Robert Johnson and his wife, Suzanne. Ms. Johnson’s roots lie in Ukraine. Her Ukrainian parents emigrated to NYC after WWII. Upon arrival, they settled into a Ukrainian neighborhood to raise their daughter in their homeland’s culture. Despite living her whole life in the US, Suzanne Johnson has a heart that weeps for Ukraine and its people.

Finding a New Home in Emergency Housing Team’s Shelter

Nova Ukraine has collaborated with a church in Costa Mesa, Orange County, California, to provide shelter for Ukrainian families in one of their units on the church grounds. Initially, the shelter provided short-term accommodation for newcomer Ukrainians who crossed the border with Mexico. Twenty Ukrainian refugees were helped in the first wave of arrivals. In August 2022, Nova Ukraine and the church collaborated with I Care Ministries to extend the shelter indefinitely. Since then, the shelter has hosted more than 90 Ukrainian refugees: 28 families, 13 single refugees, 3 dogs and 6 cats! The sanctuary created a fantastic community of local volunteers. This established network of helpers works hard at giving the refugees all the needed information on how to obtain their documents, register for schools, find local jobs, raise initial funds, and access transportation, food banks, medical facilities, clothing, and furniture. Most refugees who were given sanctuary at the Costa Mesa shelter could rent their own places within a few months. They became successfully employed, significantly improved their language skills, and made many friends. All the children go to local schools and colleges. The shelter in Costa Mesa is a great example of how individual efforts can make a change and generate an extensive network of support and solidarity.

russia is Escalating Missile Attacks, Ukraine Needs Your Support

In the wake of russia’s massive missile attacks on Ukraine, our hearts go out to the Ukrainian people who are facing atrocities and devastation. By the fifth day of bombardment, many lives were lost, and many homes were destroyed, testing the resilience of people in Ukraine. The scenes of destruction in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other cities are a grim reminder of the urgent need for support. Support Our Humanitarian Aid and Relief Efforts in Ukraine Nova Ukraine is committed to delivering immediate humanitarian aid to those most affected by these tragic events as well as sustained support to many categories of vulnerable people. We provide equipment and supplies to first responders across Ukraine and are readying additional resources, while we work around the clock to provide medical supplies and basic necessities to those affected.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Dear Donors and Supporters, As the year draws to a close, we invite you to join us in a moment of reflection on the journey we've embarked on together. Reflecting on 2023: A Testament to Resilience This is the second year of Ukraine and its people enduring the full-scale invasion by russia, our resilience and determination have been tested. Yet, our spirit remains unbroken. Your support has been instrumental, allowing Nova Ukraine to deliver over 21.5 million kilograms of aid and support to over 4.5 million people in Ukraine.

Heartfelt gratitude and appreciation from Poltava Military Hospital