Dear Friend,
This September marked a milestone for Nova Ukraine: we had a strong presence at the United Nations General Assembly events for the first time. Together with global partners, we put Ukraine’s children and education at the heart of the world’s agenda.
At the same time, Ukrainian cities and towns endured some of the heaviest strikes of the war, with nearly 600 drones and 48 missiles launched in one night across multiple cities. Families hid in shelters, schools were disrupted, and power outages swept through entire regions.
Because childhood cannot wait for peace, with your help, we are healing lives, rebuilding systems, empowering communities, and advocating for Ukraine’s future.
If you would like to support this work — your contribution helps us continue delivering urgent and longterm support where it’s needed most — consider making a gift today.
UNGA80: Focus on Children and Youth
At UNGA80, Nova Ukraine co-organized a side event: “Learning to Stay Strong: Education as Ukraine’s Backbone of Resilience” with Osvitoria. First Lady Olena Zelenska, Queen Silvia of Sweden, and leaders from across the world joined to affirm that education is the foundation of Ukraine’s recovery.
Our CEO, Ambassador Erin McKee, shared: “Education is one of the most powerful investments in Ukraine’s future. Even as children study under the shadow of war, their determination to learn remains unshaken.”
Watch the full video of the event >
We also joined the Bring Kids Back Summit, where leaders warned that at the current pace, it could take 50 years to return abducted Ukrainian children. Every abducted child deserves to be returned home now.
During UNGA week, we further amplified Ukraine’s voice at the Clinton Global Initiative’s Ukraine Action Network, focusing on children and youth, and at the launch of the Alliance for American Leadership, where Ukraine’s fight was recognized as part of a global defense of democracy.
HEAL: Saving Lives Today, Increasing Access to Health Care for Tomorrow
Every day in Ukraine, medical teams race against time. With our partner Patriot, Nova Ukraine delivered over $220,000 worth of trauma supplies — including 3,000 SICH tourniquets, hemostatic agents, chest seals, stretchers, and pelvic binders. These kits are already in the hands of medics and first responders, enabling them to save lives within minutes of an injury.
Our work doesn’t end at emergency care. Healing also means rebuilding independence after injury. In Kharkiv, in collaboration with our partner Echo of War, we equipped an ergonomic rehabilitation room designed for adults who have lost vision or mobility. Outfitted with accessible appliances, tactile kitchenware, high-contrast interiors, and safe adaptive tools, the space allows survivors to relearn everyday skills like cooking or managing a household — restoring not just function, but also independence and dignity.
Why it matters: Ukraine’s health system has faced over 2,000 documented attacks since 2022 (WHO/PHR). Hospitals, staff, and patients remain under daily threat.
Each tourniquet, each surgery, and each rehabilitation program ensures that survivors will not only live, but will truly reclaim life.
BUILD: From Safe Evacuations to Clean Water
Imagine being 84 years old, forced to flee as your home was destroyed. That was the reality for dozens of elderly Ukrainians evacuated this summer by our partner Barrier-Free Foundation. With Nova Ukraine’s support, 55 people — many with disabilities or mobility challenges — were brought to safety. Reunited with loved ones, they now have the chance to start again.
Beyond immediate evacuations, we continue to invest in long-term community resilience — from repairing hospitals and supplying first responders with protective gear, to expanding our Clean Water Initiative. Just this month, two new Clean Water Stations in Mykolaiv, financed by the Czuzak Foundation of Calabasas, California, began serving thousands of residents who have lived without safe drinking water since 2022.
Why it matters: More than 4 million Ukrainians lack access to safe drinking water, and millions more face rolling blackouts. Supporting both urgent evacuations and infrastructure repair keeps communities alive today and better prepared for tomorrow.
EMPOWER: Children & Veterans Reclaim Their Future
At a Nova Ukraine-supported camp in the Carpathians, Pavlo, 10, from Kharkiv region, arrived overwhelmed by loss and fear. His father had been killed, his grandmother was ill, and at night, he struggled to breathe from panic. In those first days, he wept often. But with time, hikes, and community, Pavlo found strength. One evening, he proudly shared, “I’m stronger than I thought. I climbed that mountain today, and I even liked it.”
This summer, 767 children and mothers joined Nova Ukraine’s camp programs, finding rest, therapy, and the confidence to face a new school year.
Meanwhile, veterans are regaining strength in unique ways. In Dnipro, 48 veterans competed in our pétanque tournament, part of adaptive sports programs that bring pain relief, fitness, and camaraderie. Others trained in jiu-jitsu, rebuilding discipline and confidence.
Why it matters: In 2025, 12.7 million Ukrainians require aid, including 2 million children. Nearly 1 million veterans are expected to return from service, many with physical and psychological trauma. Empowering children and veterans is vital for Ukraine’s recovery.
ADVOCATE: Ukraine Action Summit Ahead
On September 10, Congress authorized $400 million in security assistance for Ukraine, rejecting attempts to cut military aid. And President Zelenskyy’s meeting with President Trump during UNGA week renewed bipartisan commitments at the highest level.
Now the focus shifts to Washington, D.C. Despite the government shutdown, the biannual Ukraine Action Summit will move forward without interruption. This October, join us for five days of community, strategy, and advocacy on Capitol Hill. You’ll be alongside community leaders and activists from across the nation, sharing experiences, building new partnerships, and making Ukraine’s voice heard in Congress.
Community and Culture
This September, Nova Ukraine helped bring Ukrainian voices to U.S. audiences through film and art:
Checkpoint Zoo — screened in Berkeley and Houston, telling the story of zookeepers who saved 5,000 animals near Kharkiv.
“No Fate” at Burning Man — After a dust storm destroyed the monumental “Black Cloud” installation, Ukrainian artists rebuilt it as “No Fate”, with Nova Ukraine’s support.
Upcoming Screenings
Flowers Beyond the Dark — debut feature documentary by Iryna Pravylo, supported by Nova Ukraine. Screens October 3 at the Carmel International Film Festival, telling the story of devastation and renewal in the Kyiv region after liberation.
Children in the Fire — North American premiere October 11 at the Mill Valley Film Festival. Directed by Evgeny Afineevsky (Winter on Fire), it centers on the resilience of Ukraine’s children living through war.
Together, We Stand With Ukraine
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