On the first line. Lasting Resilience

«We understand well that today, in the third year of full-scale Russian aggression and our all-Ukrainian resistance, it is difficult for everyone – those who defend the future of Ukraine and the democratic world order on the battlefield, those who support the Armed Forces as volunteers, those who work tirelessly every day to bring our victory closer. Despite the fatigue and the need to switch from the 'sprint' mode to the 'marathon' mode, there are many who continue tirelessly to create the future of Ukraine in every corner of our country. With this project of documentary video stories, we want to tell about them and inspire all Ukrainians in this difficult time», notes Taras Yatsenko, CEO of the media hub «Your City».

Ukrainian Grannies Army

60 grandmothers across Ukraine support the Ukrainian Armed Forces with the power of knitting. The full-scale invasion forced 80-year-old Mrs. Nina to flee from the front-line city of Kramatorsk to Lviv. Here, she joined the social enterprise "Vbrani," which operates at the Lviv Geriatric Nursing Home. She recalls that in the early days, it was very difficult. However, when she started knitting, she began to forget the sorrow that the war brought.

"I really want Ukraine to win as soon as possible. I try to knit more, and if something depends on my products, if something helps to win, I am very glad", she adds. The social enterprise "Vbrani" has gathered 60 women in 11 regions of Ukraine. During its operation, they managed to knit about six thousand products.

It's Crucial to Restore Ukrainian Identity, Not Just Walls – Architect Martin Duplantier

Martin Duplantier, President of the Association of Architecture et Maîtres d'Ouvrage (AMO), put aside his commercial projects in Europe to help restore Ukrainian cities after the war. Before the full-scale war in Ukraine, Martin and his team were engaged in big architectural projects worldwide: from Marseille and Bordeaux in France to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Together with the Association of Architecture of France, they sought the best solutions for cities through discussions and dialogues. But when the big war in Europe began, Marten gathered his team to help rebuild Ukraine. In particular, he is conducting a survey of military ruins in Ukraine. Over 1,500 buildings of particular architectural value are completely destroyed, and thousands more are damaged.

«Everyone should work in their place and do everything they can»

The story of Liana Shulgan, the owner of the chain of dental clinics «Smailyk». Liana runs two dental clinics that employ more than 20 people, including IDPs. In 2023, Liana joined the initiative of dentist Myron Ughrin, who previously initiated assistance in the treatment of military personnel in front-line areas due to the inability of the state to fully provide such treatment. Liana extended dental care to children and pregnant women living in these regions. Entrepreneurs organized themselves and set up a mobile dental clinic. They manage to treat 50 children in one day.

The unique Superhumans Center helps 3 thousand patients a year, - the head of the Center Olha Rudneva

Olga Rudneva is a native of Donetsk and has been actively engaged in charitable activities for more than 20 years. When the full-scale invasion of Russia began, Olga Rudneva headed the largest humanitarian organization, HelpUkraineCenter. Later, in the same year 2022, in 8 months, she managed to launch the unique Superhumans Center, which helps 3 thousand patients a year. The center specializes in prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, PTSD and rehabilitation.

"If not me, then who?" - the story of the BUR organization which is engaged in the reconstruction of war-torn Ukrainian cities.

BUR was founded in 2014 as a volunteer action. When Russia attacked Ukraine in 2014, Kramatorsk was one of the cities that was first to be hit. Three members of the Lviv Educational Foundation, Vitaliy Kokur, Andriy Levytsky, and Yurko Didula, went there and decided to help rebuild the destroyed city. Today, 9 years into the organization’s existence, BUR brings together more than 6,000 volunteers from all over Ukraine.

Today it is one of the largest volunteer movements in Ukraine. In 2022, they became an independent organization. BUR has held 300 volunteer events, 109 camps lasting 7-9 days, where young people rebuild damaged cities and houses. BUR has established 7 volunteer centers throughout Ukraine.

For some time after February 24, 2022, BUR focused on supporting soldiers from the volunteer community. Thus, BUR has provided our troops with equipment worth over UAH 17 million. Thanks to 2626 volunteers, BUR has created comfortable living conditions for more than 5000 people from war-affected communities. They also launched a long-term volunteering project that strengthened 8 communities in Ukraine. To raise funds for its activities, BUR cooperates with USAID, Polish Aid, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, and the Together for Ukraine and Come Back Alive organizations. BUR volunteers build walls, restore windows, paint walls, and clean up: it all depends on what the object of restoration needs.

See more of such stories in our new video documentary project On the first line. Lasting Resilience on YouTube.

The author’s views expressed in this show do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.