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Home Newsroom Press Release

Nova Ukraine Chairman & CEO Statements on “Undesirable” Designation by the Russian Federation

Press Release

WASHINGTON/PALO ALTO–In July, Russia declared the U.S.-based nonprofit Nova Ukraine an “undesirable” organization, effectively outlawing the organization’s activities within Russia. The designation bans any cooperation or financial transactions with Nova Ukraine by Russian nationals or entities, and exposes affiliated individuals to severe criminal penalties and lengthy prison sentences.

In response, Nova Ukraine Founder and Board Chairman Mikola (Nick) Bilogorskiy and CEO Ambassador Erin E. McKee issued the following statements:

Bilogorskiy:

“We see the “undesirable” designation as proof our work is effective.

Since 2014, we’ve delivered $162 million in aid to Ukrainians: medical supplies, food, shelter, rebuilding. Apparently Moscow noticed.

Nova Ukraine now joins Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Clooney Foundation for Justice, Yale, and Stanford on Russia’s blacklist. That is a circle of integrity we’re proud to be in.

If defending human dignity and delivering life-saving aid earns us a place on that list, we wear it as a badge of honor. An authoritarian government can attempt to outlaw compassion, but it cannot stop it.”

McKee:

“This blacklist changes nothing. Not our operations. Not our values. Not our resolve.

Nova Ukraine will keep mobilizing relief, delivering aid, and championing the freedom and future of Ukraine, and we will do it with greater urgency than ever.

To our supporters worldwide: Thank you for standing with us. You are the reason this work endures. Our work continues.”

Nov 6, 2026

Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine
Press Release
Nov 6, 2026

Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine

WASHINGTON/PALO ALTO–In July, Russia declared the U.S.-based nonprofit Nova Ukraine an “undesirable” organization, effectively outlawing the organization’s activities within Russia. The designation bans any cooperation or financial transactions with Nova Ukraine by Russian nationals or entities, and exposes affiliated individuals to severe criminal penalties and lengthy prison sentences.

In response, Nova Ukraine Founder and Board Chairman Mikola (Nick) Bilogorskiy and CEO Ambassador Erin E. McKee issued the following statements:

Bilogorskiy:

“We see the “undesirable” designation as proof our work is effective.

Since 2014, we’ve delivered $162 million in aid to Ukrainians: medical supplies, food, shelter, rebuilding. Apparently Moscow noticed.

Nova Ukraine now joins Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Clooney Foundation for Justice, Yale, and Stanford on Russia’s blacklist. That is a circle of integrity we’re proud to be in.

If defending human dignity and delivering life-saving aid earns us a place on that list, we wear it as a badge of honor. An authoritarian government can attempt to outlaw compassion, but it cannot stop it.”

McKee:

“This blacklist changes nothing. Not our operations. Not our values. Not our resolve.

Nova Ukraine will keep mobilizing relief, delivering aid, and championing the freedom and future of Ukraine, and we will do it with greater urgency than ever.

To our supporters worldwide: Thank you for standing with us. You are the reason this work endures. Our work continues.”

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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