Newsroom

Ukraine’s Prosthetics Revolution: Nova Ukraine Supports Medical Education and Innovation

By Sofiia Tiapkina All across Ukraine — in Kyiv and Kharkiv, Odesa and Lviv, and many other small and big cities — prosthetics centers keep emerging due to the ever-increasing demand. Since russia’s invasion in 2014, there has been a massive need for medical attention in Ukraine, prompting rapid advancements in the country’s prosthetics industry. The Protez Hub platform is one of Nova Ukraine’s closest partners in leading systemic changes in Ukraine’s prosthetics and orthotics industry. Ukraine has made tremendous strides toward reaching international standards of medical healthcare. Still, until very recently, anyone could call themselves a prosthetist or orthotist. Individuals with diverse, often unrelated backgrounds, could attempt to fill these roles without a standardized level of competency or education. Some of the P&O specialists built on their extensive experience with additional courses, while others followed the same approaches for years, not heeding the global trends in the industry. With the support of Nova Ukraine, Protez Hub set out to help regulate the P&O sector and establish an advanced educational framework for the years to come. Antonina Kumka, CEO of Protez Hub, explains the process. “In cooperation with Kharkiv National Medical University and the University of Jönköping (Sweden), we give [the P&O] specialists the opportunity to confirm that they have the relevant knowledge and skills that meet the requirements of the professional standard. We are proud that this initiative has been supported by the American Certification Board for Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Pedorthics.”

Breakthrough Victory: Ukraine Aid Signed into Law

Nova Ukraine thanks the U.S. Senate for the overwhelming bipartisan vote that approved new aid for Ukraine, and to President Biden for signing the bill into law. The National Security package includes both military and fiscal aid for Ukraine.

Breakthrough Victory: Ukraine Aid Signed into Law

Nova Ukraine thanks the U.S. Senate for the overwhelming bipartisan vote that approved new aid for Ukraine, and to President Biden for signing the bill into law. The National Security package includes both military and fiscal aid for Ukraine. Its passage marks a pivotal point in the ongoing war, as the exhausted and outnumbered Ukrainian army has been running out of weapons and ammunition, yet continues to resist the all-out russian offensive in the East at the cost of many lives. The aid was delayed by seven months by disagreements and stalling. Such delays risked a catastrophe for European security that could have endangered NATO allies and put US troops in Europe in line of fire. Nova Ukraine coordinated a massive grassroots advocacy effort with other Ukrainian American nonprofits, and we applaud the strong votes for Ukraine in the House and the Senate. Significant military aid is expected to reach Ukraine within a week and help stabilize the front line. This aid will reassure our European allies and reconfirm the international leadership of the United States in the fight for liberty. Nova Ukraine will continue supporting the people of Ukraine in the fight against russian tyranny and aggression. We will look for new ways to hasten the historical victory over russia and prepare for the massive rebuilding effort to ensure a bright future for Ukraine.

Breakthrough Victory: Ukraine Aid Bills Passed House!

We have some incredible news to share! Thanks to relentless efforts and unwavering support from people like you, the U.S. House has passed two critical Ukrainian Aid Bills, H.R. 8035 (311-112) and H.R. 8038 (360-58), showcasing bipartisan support. Today's U.S. House votes are a significant step, unblocking this critical legislation's path into the Senate and toward final signing into law by President Biden, which we anticipate will happen soon. H.R. 8035 and H.R. 8038 will ensure the swift provision of military support to Ukraine by expediting the rapid delivery of military resources to Ukraine, including 155mm ammunition and advanced air defense missiles. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing support for Ukraine, proving once again that advocacy works and collective action can bring about real change. A Collective Victory

Pass Ukraine Aid Now – Delays Are Deadly

Nova Ukraine, a leading US humanitarian nonprofit supporting Ukraine’s fight for liberty, welcomes Speaker Johnson’s decision to facilitate House floor votes on Ukraine aid packages. Putting Ukraine aid to a vote will show clearly that it is in the interest of US foreign policy and the American people. As a member of the American Coalition for Ukraine, Nova Ukraine helped organize the fourth Ukraine Action Summit in Washington, DC this week. Nova Ukraine director Nick Bilogorskiy adds that “Nova Ukraine volunteers and I met with our representatives and senators on Monday and Tuesday to emphasize the dire need to approve supplemental funding for Ukraine and the gruesome consequences to European security of further delays.” Speaker Johnson’s initiative follows a half year of indecision and stalling, which gave russia an upper hand on the battlefield. Nova Ukraine director Dr. Igor L. Markov notes that “To be effective, the bills put to a vote later this week must provide thorough and immediate military aid to Ukraine. In particular, they must adequately fund the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA).” Equally important is facilitating the use of seized russian assets to support Ukraine. As is well known, most of the funds allocated by the Congress to military aid for Ukraine are expended in the US and support American jobs to produce equipment and ammunition for Ukraine. The deliveries are tracked all the way to the battlefield to dispel any suspicions.

Urgent Update: Major Attack on Ukraine’s Energy Network

On April 11, 2024, russia’s attack obliterated Ukraine’s largest power plant in the Kyiv region, the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant. Power generation for the Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr regions is now dramatically reduced and cannot be restored in the near future. Such strategic attacks across Ukraine (near Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, and elsewhere) seek to break the will of the Ukrainian people by depriving them of electricity and heating. Kharkiv has been hit particularly hard but continues to endure. Nova Ukraine remains steadfast in its commitment to support and rebuild. With over $86 million in aid delivered, our efforts continue across multiple critical areas to mitigate the impacts of these catastrophic events. We Need Your Help!

Empowering Ukraine’s Youth: Future Mathematics and Coding Experts

By Sofiia Tiapkina Nestled between Zakarpattia’s many slopes and foothills, the Spring Multidisciplinary School offers a chance for Ukrainian students to delve into complex mathematical and coding problems with the guidance of the country’s leading professionals. The School is a 12-day academic retreat for students in grades 5 through 10 that goes beyond what you would expect from a traditional educational camp. An outsider might think the School is just a club with common academic interests. But here, the students learn how to work productively, lift each other up, and pursue their curiosity anywhere they go. Compassion, thoughtfulness, and patriotism are as important as their academic counterparts. This retreat is a collective effort of the BoikoSuperMath School, the SmartSchool network of online math circles, and Uzhhorod National University, with support from Nova Ukraine. The experience is a perfect blend of academic rigor and leisure activities. All participants are passionate about mathematics and computer programming, but at the School, they also delve into Ukraine’s rich history and study the culture around them. Notably, the supervisors emphasize physical health, psychological rehabilitation for war trauma, and the overall well-being of the teenagers from all over Ukraine, accommodating them in comfortable lodgings surrounded by Mukachevo’s nature. The School’s faculty roster includes Ukraine’s best educators in mathematics and programming, featuring distinguished teachers and international Olympiad winners. These educators bring not just their knowledge, but a passion for teaching and a proven track record of inspiring students to achieve greatness. Among them are Serhii Lifyts (Order of Merit I, II, and III), Anastasiia Lusakevych (Order of Princess Olha II and III), Dr. Oleksandr Mitsa, Mariia Samofalova, and many others. Their students brought countless medals from international, All-European, and All-Ukrainian competitions in mathematics and coding.

Tourniquets and Training: Emergency Medical Aid Against War’s Toll in Ukraine

By Sofiia Tiapkina Amidst the thunder of artillery and russia’s incessant shelling, Ukrainian civilians unwillingly find themselves in a zone of combat. People have to live in a constant state of fear, and over the grueling years of war, a new set of priorities have emerged in the towns and cities across Ukraine. A new way of life, where tourniquets, thermal blankets, eye shields, and pressure bandages are an everyday necessity rather than something you see on a TV medical drama. Since the very first days of the full-scale invasion, Nova Ukraine has become a pivotal force in delivering critical tactical medical supplies and training to Ukraine. Our capabilities have grown from offering a few items to now offering fully staffed medical backpacks with 40+ highly sought-after, life-saving items. We work with communities, hospitals, volunteers, and local governments to ensure that those at risk of being injured have access to emergency medical supplies. To amplify our impact, Nova Ukraine has been collaborating with the Leleka Foundation, Patriot Association, Rebel Volunteers charity, and many other on-the-ground partners to facilitate the purchase and distribution of critical supplies. Among the many tireless efforts are

The Light in Times of Darkness: An Interview With a Nova Ukraine Photographer in Mykolaiv

By Iryna Roik Svitlana is our photographer from Mykolaiv. The pictures of Nova Ukraine's projects you see on social networks are her poignant shots: the Point of Invincibility, the evacuation of people after the explosion of the Kakhovka Dam, and numerous hospital reports. She works together with her husband Mykhailo. Today, Svitlana and Mykhailo are the heroes of our story. In February 2024, they became parents. The birth took place in one of the Mykolaiv hospitals, where the couple had previously prepared a report on medical equipment, which was donated by Nova Ukraine. For me, people who dare to have a child now are extremely brave. What was the incentive for you, why did you dare?

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.