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Historical Context

The Holodomor of 1932–1933 was a genocide of the Ukrainian nation, carried out by the totalitarian Soviet regime to suppress the Ukrainian people and eliminate resistance to Ukraine's independence. Already at the beginning of the 20th century, Ukrainian statehood was destroyed after the division of territories between Poland, Lithuania, and the Russian Empire. In the next two centuries, Ukrainians were subjected to harsh colonization, Russification, and persecution for their national identity. The independent Ukrainian People's Republic, established in 1918, lasted only a few years, after which the Ukrainian lands were occupied by the Bolsheviks, who established a communist totalitarian regime.

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In 1922, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was formed, which included the Ukrainian SSR. Despite declarations of equality of the republics, the Kremlin effectively controlled Ukraine, viewing Ukrainian national identity as a threat to the existence of the Soviet state.

Collectivization and the beginning of repressions

In 1928, the Soviet authorities announced a policy of collectivization - the unification of private peasant farms into collective farms. Ukrainian peasants, known for their strong sense of individualism and national identity, actively resisted. About 4,000 uprisings and protests were recorded, which the Kremlin decided to suppress by force. The authorities used coercion, terror and propaganda against "kulaks", "bourgeois nationalists" and "counter-revolutionaries", and those who refused to obey were physically destroyed.

It was forbidden to leave Ukrainian villages for the cities, as well as for other republics of the USSR. People were literally locked in the territory of starving Ukraine and the Kuban - 22.4 million people were trapped.

Repressive methods

Blackboards: villages and collective farms that did not fulfill the grain procurement plan were listed on the "blackboards". This meant a complete blockade: confiscation of all products, a ban on trade, and the surrounding of peasants by the military, NKVD bodies, and police.

Laws on Five Ears of Wheat: for harvesting grain and products that remained in the field, peasants were punished with death or 10 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Seizure of grain and food: not only grain was seized from villages, but also other food and property that could be exchanged for food.

Propaganda and concealment of the famine: the Soviet authorities denied the existence of the famine, refused aid, censored information, and forced people to falsify the causes of death - "typhus", "exhaustion", or "old age".

Human losses and consequences

In the spring and summer of 1933, mortality reached catastrophic levels:

28,000 people daily,

1,168 people hourly,

20 people every minute.

Millions of Ukrainians died. The authorities forbade documenting the cause of death as “hunger,” and certificates indicated “typhus,” “exhaustion,” or “old age.” Today, historians are restoring the true numbers and lists of victims. The total losses reached millions of Ukrainians.

The most vulnerable were children, the elderly, and peasant families. Many people died on the streets and in their huts from exhaustion and diseases exacerbated by hunger. Secret lists of village councils indicate that the real number of victims is twice as high as the official figures.

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Genocide of the Ukrainian nation

The Holodomor was a targeted genocide: the Ukrainian peasantry was destroyed as a source of spiritual and material strength of the nation. Stalin and his entourage realized that the Ukrainian peasants were the bearers of traditions, culture and language, and their destruction would weaken the Ukrainian national identity. All this happened at a time when the USSR had large stocks of grain in state reserves, and large-scale food exports abroad were also ongoing. Such a policy of the totalitarian regime indicates a deliberate intention to destroy part of the Ukrainian nation in a specific and controlled period of time.

Memory and recognition

In 2006, Ukraine officially recognized the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people. The 2010 resolution of the Kyiv Oblast Court of Appeal confirmed the genocidal nature of the crime and the intentions of Stalin, Molotov, Kaganovich, Postyshev, Chubar, Khataevich, and Kosior. The memory of the Holodomor lives on in museums, thematic exhibitions, lessons, and publications.

Every year on the last Saturday of November, Ukraine holds a memorial service - people light a candle in their window in honor of the millions of victims. The trauma of the Holodomor still lives in the collective memory of Ukrainians, passed down through generations as pain and warning.

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Additional resources for Swedish audiences

“The Holodomor: Main Facts” has been expanded to include a Swedish-language version! You can download, print, and use the publication for educational activities within the relevant language environment.

The translation into Swedish was done by the Nordic Ukraine Forum, a Swedish-Ukrainian organisation that aims to build bridges between Sweden and Ukraine. The organisation is engaged in advocacy and, in particular, is actively working to ensure that Sweden recognises the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people.

At HUG - Help Ukraine Gothenburg, we have books in Swedish about the Holodomor that you can borrow to read in our mini-library. They help Swedes understand the history and scale of the tragedy, as well as raise awareness about the crimes of the totalitarian regime.

On November 28, 2025, Oscar Fredrik's Church in Gothenburg hosted a charity concert organized by Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG). The afternoon brought together Ukrainian artists and the local community for an event where good music met a good cause.

The church’s exceptional acoustics and warm atmosphere created the perfect setting for a program that combined classical pieces, Ukrainian music, and vocal performances. The lineup included Insomnia taxxi, Yuriy Kuzmenko, Veronika Zagoskina, Nataly Snizhko, Tymofii Slakva, Mykola Mykytik, Larysa Vashchenko, Anna, Grigorii Petrus, and Yevhen Krupin.

The performances showcased different styles and approaches, giving the audience a rich experience while supporting the fundraising effort. All ticket proceeds from the concert went directly to HUG's ongoing fundraising campaign to deliver 10 ambulances to Ukraine.

A warm thank you to Carl Johans församling and Svenska kyrkan for hosting this event and making it possible. Thank you to all the Ukrainian artists who took part in the concert. Your participation, talent, and dedication made the afternoon memorable and meaningful.

And a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us that evening. Together, we make a difference 💙💛

On November 22, we opened our doors for the very first time and welcomed over 60 people into our space.

We gathered everyone to discover how NGOs function in Sweden, present HUG's work, and discuss the ways to become volunteers. But more than that, it was about meeting face-to-face, asking the questions that matter, and finding those moments of connection that remind us why community spaces like this exist.

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The program started with a talk about how NGOs operate in Sweden – covering the basics for anyone interested in starting an organization or joining one as a volunteer. Later, we presented HUG's history,  how we've grown, who makes up our team, and what we're planning next. Our volunteers shared their personal experiences, giving guests a real look behind the scenes of what it's like to work with an NGO.  

It was also a chance to celebrate how far we've come together. We shared stories from the past four years – the challenges we've faced, the people we've helped, the small and the big victories that keep us going. Several attendees who had been thinking about volunteering decided to take the next step, and we're excited to welcome them into our community.

During our celebration, we thanked our volunteers – not just with words and small gifts, but with genuine gratitude for the heart and hours they pour into making HUG what it is.

The event ended with a moment of remembrance. Together, we lit candles and observed a minute of silence for Holodomor Remembrance Day, honoring the victims of the 1932–1933 famine. In that stillness, we held space for memory and for each other.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at Open Day. Your support inspires us to keep growing together 💙💛

Last year, Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) delivered life-saving vehicles to Ukraine to support healthcare providers working under extreme pressure. Today, we’re especially glad to receive updates that show how this support is being used in real life — and that our donations continue to serve patients long after delivery.

One of the vehicles is currently serving at Kharkiv Regional Clinical Psychiatric Hospital No. 3, providing essential care to the most vulnerable patients. The hospital provides inpatient psychiatric care across 12 adult wards and supports a large community of patients and medical staff in the Kharkiv region.

According to the hospital's director, Volodymyr Ryabko, the ambulance is now helping deliver palliative care to patients with mental and behavioral disorders, as well as transporting those with limited mobility who need urgent medical attention. The vehicle ensures that vulnerable patients can access the care they need, while also taking pressure off emergency services that are already working at full capacity.

Receiving such reports reminds us why this work matters. Every vehicle we send represents not just transportation, but hope, dignity, and access to essential healthcare for people facing unimaginable challenges.

We are grateful to everyone who has supported our mission and made donations like this possible. Together, we make a difference.

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On 14 November, HUG coordinated an online meeting with the Consul of Ukraine in Sweden. The initiative was launched after a recent meeting with the Ambassador of Ukraine in Sweden and the Ukrainian community in Gothenburg and in response to the many requests we receive from Ukrainians regarding consular questions.

For many members of our community, consular services are part of everyday life: passport procedures, notarial actions, questions about the electronic queue, waiting times, or the delivery of documents from Ukraine. All of these processes can be complex, and people often need clear explanations to navigate them.

That is why this online meeting was so valuable. It gave participants a chance to understand how the consulate works, what steps apply in their specific situation, and what to expect from different procedures. Meetings of this kind also help reduce repeated inquiries and ease the workload on the consulate.

During the session, the Consul explained how key procedures function in practice, addressed common issues related to passports and documentation, and answered participants’ questions based on their individual circumstances. Since many of the questions involved personal information, the meeting was not recorded.

To ensure that everyone could take part, we also hosted the meeting at our office with a live stream for those who were unable to join online.

We are deeply grateful that the Embassy responds to the needs of Ukrainians in Sweden and supports open, accessible dialogue with the community.

For us at HUG, it was important to contribute to this initiative, and we appreciate the trust and collaboration with the Embassy of Ukraine in Sweden. We are ready to support similar initiatives for our community in the future.

On November 22, we're opening our doors to everyone who wants to get to know HUG better. Come chat with our team, learn about our programs and volunteer opportunities, ask questions, and spend quality time with our community.

For almost four years, HUG has been a special place for Ukrainians in Gothenburg – a space where people find support, build connections, and create community together. Our Open Day is your chance to see what we do, meet the people behind our programs, and discover how you can become part of our story.

We welcome everyone at:

Date: November 22, 14:00 – 20:00
Location: Bankogatan 61, Göteborg

Program:

14:00 – 15:30 | Meet-up for Ukrainian Community
We'll talk about HUG's mission, values, and what we've achieved together over 4 years. You'll discover how volunteering works in Sweden and learn about the different ways you can get involved.

15:30 – 17:30 | Celebration
Everyone is welcome to join our official program! Our team will take you through HUG's journey from day one to today, celebrate our amazing volunteers, and share our exciting vision for the future.

17:30 – 20:00 | Informal Mingle
Time to relax and connect! Explore our different program areas, chat with volunteers and team members over refreshments, and meet others in our community in a warm, casual atmosphere.

Whether you're curious about HUG's work, want to become a volunteer, or are simply looking to make new connections – we'd love to see you there! Bring your questions, your ideas, or just yourself. Every person who walks through our doors adds something special to our community.

Please register in advance so we can prepare for the event and make sure everyone feels comfortable and welcome:

See you at Open Day!
HUG Team

On November 12th, Region Halland donated three ambulances to Help Ukraine Göteborg (HUG). The vehicles will now be transported to Ukraine, where they will be used in areas severely affected by Russian aggression to strengthen life-saving care on the ground.

Thanks to their previous support, HUG has been able to send ambulances, medical equipment, medicines, and essential supplies to hospitals and stabilization points across Ukraine. This is a strong example how Sweden continues to make a significant impact in the humanitarian crisis.

The scale of destruction to Ukraine’s medical infrastructure is immense. As of November 2025, according to regional health departments and the Kyiv City Military Administration, 2,530 medical facilities within 815 healthcare institutions have been damaged or destroyed. Russian aggression has completely destroyed 327 facilities belonging to 125 healthcare institutions.

Ambulances have become critically important to Ukraine’s emergency system. In areas where hospitals have been destroyed or are overwhelmed, ambulances serve as a vital link between injured civilians and medical care. Without them, many people simply cannot reach life-saving treatment in time. Each donated ambulance means countless lives can be saved.

The need remains urgent. HUG is currently running a fundraiser with the goal of delivering 10 ambulances to Ukraine – and thanks to the support of our Swedish partners, we are now one step closer to reaching it.

Thank you to Region Halland and to everyone in Sweden who continues to stand by Ukraine’s side.

Our HUG team joined the event, serving homemade vegetarian borscht — and every single portion sold out by the end of the day! We offered it for a minimum donation of 100 SEK, and thanks to your generosity, together we raised an amazing 20,000 SEK!

All funds will go directly to our fundraiser to send 10 ambulances to Ukraine — a goal we’re now one big step closer to reaching.

Together with guests, we played "Always Win Lottery", where everyone walked away with a sweet surprise – from homemade cookies and sweets to delicious jam.

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by, tasted our homemade borscht, and showed their support for Ukrainian culture.

Thanks to REMESLO.uart and ImagiNation Art & Educational Center at Mölndal Galleria for hosting this beautiful and heartwarming event.

This weekend, 15-16 November, we invite you to the Christmas market at Gunnebo Slott for our homemade Ukrainian food.

Together we make a difference.

Fembrunch is an inspiring event for young Ukrainian women who are interested in building careers in technology and business in Sweden.

After the success of our first Fembranch, we came together again to share experiences, build connections, and learn from women who have forged remarkable career paths in Sweden

Our guest speakers:

Lisa Churkina, Producer Digital Content Lead at Volvo Cars, and Daryna Pesina, Senior Project Coordinator at Chalmers/EuMA, shared their professional journeys, discussing career choices and pathways in the Swedish tech landscape. Together we went through the challenges they faced, the decisions that shaped their paths, and what it takes to grow professionally in a new country.

Mónica Andrea Cabarcas, Project Manager at Business Region Göteborg AB, spoke about the broader picture of integration — not just professional, but social and cultural as well. She highlighted how women are shaping Sweden's modern workplace and what it means to find your place in a new professional environment while staying true to yourself.

Beyond career advice, we talked about the realities of starting over, building confidence in a new system, and finding balance between ambition and well-being.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Fembranch on Sunday!

We're deeply proud to see Fembrunch growing into a supportive community where young Ukrainian women can find inspiration, build networks, and form genuine friendships.

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Hug (Help Ukraine Gothenburg) invites you to a charity concert on November 28, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Oscar Fredrik's Church in Gothenburg. This event combines live music with humanitarian support, where every ticket sold contributes directly to aid for Ukraine.

The concert takes place in the historic Oscar Fredrik's Church, known for its excellent acoustics and welcoming atmosphere. The afternoon features musical performances designed to bring the community together while supporting an important cause.

Tickets are priced at 200 SEK, making this an accessible way to enjoy quality music and support humanitarian work at the same time. All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to Hug's ongoing efforts to provide essential aid to communities affected by the war in Ukraine.

If you're looking for a concert with purpose, where your ticket helps make a real difference, this is an opportunity you don't want to miss.

Tickets are available now on Billetto.

Join us on November 28 at Oscar Fredrik’s Church!

Together, we can make a difference.

The meeting took place at an event at the Stockholm School of Economics, where Khartiia Brigade presented the film “The Khartiia Method”, followed by a panel discussion on Ukraine's military innovation

.We have been working closely with Khartiia Brigade for a long time, providing evacuation vehicles, equipment, and other critical support. For us at HUG, it was especially meaningful to connect in person and discuss how Ukraine's experience of military and civilian cooperation can provide lessons for strengthening national defense that can also be adapted in Sweden. Thank you to the Khartiia Brigade for presenting us with signed flags from the fighters who use the donated evacuation vehicles.

We look forward to continuing our work together.

Two years ago, we launched Better You & Me (BYM), a mental health and wellbeing program created to support Ukrainians in Sweden. These two years have brought countless meetings, honest conversations, tears and laughter, hugs, new friendships, and the powerful feeling of being part of a community that supports each other even in the hardest moments.

“The idea for Better You & Me came in 2023, when mothers at our children's daycare shared their struggles in the changing rooms. We couldn't stand aside. At Hug, we follow a simple principle: see a need, analyse the situation, and find solutions. That's why mental health became one of our core focuses — and over these two years, we've never once doubted this decision.” - Nadiia Kvasha, co-founder HUG and project manager BYM

What began with 44 participants in our first month has become a thriving community of 652 people walking this path together.

"This program gave me the community I was missing — people to talk to, those who truly understand. Thanks to that support, I could finally find my inner balance and start enjoying life again." - Lesia Mizyk, participant BYM

The Heart of the Program

Better You & Me offers comprehensive mental health support through art therapy, dance therapy, emotional support groups, psychoeducational groups, and retreats. Together with participants, we've been learning to understand our needs, overcome anxiety, and break the stigma around mental health that often prevents people from seeking the help they deserve.

"I joined BYM for the first time this summer, at a retreat in Slottsskogen. I still remember the body therapy session — how movement and dance helped release emotions and bring a calm I hadn't felt in a long time. I'm very happy I found this project." - Viktoriia Razinkova, participant BYM

Over these two years, our community has shared 2,100+ hours of individual psychological consultations, 800+ hours of group sessions, and hundreds of stories about trust, healing, and finding the path back to ourselves.

"You have to find yourself within yourself. During Better You & Me sessions, we worked through exercises that helped us reconnect with who we are — learning to notice our needs, understand our emotions, and care for our mental health instead of hiding it." - Daria Volovyk, participant BYM

In the beginning, the project focused mainly on crisis support, helping people navigate the first stages of displacement. Over time, it evolved into something deeper.

"Better You & Me has grown from a small initiative into a living, supportive community of psychological care that helps Ukrainians recover mentally. This journey has been an evolution from a space of individual meetings into a platform for personal growth, where balance, self-care, and mutual respect are core values." - Yaroslava Shven

Today, the project is entering a new stage — the stage of co-creation, as the community itself has become a source of support and inspiration.

"We aim to create a safe and caring space for people affected by war and displacement, because we believe that no one should carry that weight alone. When people feel seen and heard, when there is a welcoming community where they can share their stories — that's where recovery begins." - Viktoria Svidovska

Celebrating Our Journey

On Saturday, we gathered to celebrate this milestone. The anniversary event gathered participants to reflect on our growth and honor the courage it takes to prioritize mental health.

Yunona Lototska joined us with an inspiring lecture, "How to become the author of your own life," exploring how to reclaim the right to choose and find new meaning in our lives. The celebration continued with creative activities: a special bingo game where participants discovered each other's hidden stories and talents, and a collective collage where everyone contributed their personal symbols of mental health.  

The BYM team prepared special gifts for every participant, and the evening ended with cake, laughter, and the warmth of community.

Our heartfelt gratitude

Thank you to everyone walking this path with us — our participants, mental health counselors, partners, and volunteers. Because of you, this project lives, grows, and continues to support those who need it most.

Thank you for being part of our journey!

We Hug You! 💙💛

Mölndal Galleria and REMESLO.uart are hosting a unique market that brings together the beauty of Ukrainian handmade art and the warmth of local community spirit. You’ll discover a wonderful selection of handmade jewelry, home décor, natural soaps, candles, cozy knitwear, traditional sweets, and authentic Ukrainian food — all lovingly crafted by Ukrainian artisans living in Sweden.

The Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) team will also be there, serving our famous homemade vegetarian Ukrainian borscht — a comforting dish made with beetroot kvass, smoked pear, and organic vegetables from Halland. Each portion is freshly prepared and served in a convenient takeaway box, so you can enjoy it on the spot or take an extra one home for later.

By getting a bowl of borscht, you’re not only tasting a piece of Ukrainian culture — you’re supporting HUG’s humanitarian mission.

A minimum donation of 100 SEK per portion will go directly to HUG’s campaign to send 10 ambulances to Ukraine, helping save lives in war-affected areas.‍

Event details:

Date: November 8
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Mölndal Galleria, Floor 2, Barnhemsgatan 22, 431 31 Mölndal

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If you’d like to make sure you get your portion of borscht, please register!

Come, bring your friends, support local Ukrainian creators, and make an impact together with Help Ukraine Gothenburg. Every bowl, every smile, every conversation helps us get one step closer to our shared goal — helping Ukraine heal and rebuild.

See you at the market! 💙💛

Two fully loaded trucks filled with school desks, chairs, shelves, and other reused materials are now on their way from Alingsås, Sweden, to the war-torn Kharkiv region in Ukraine.
This humanitarian shipment is part of a joint effort by Alingsås Municipality, Alingsåshem, Sweco, and Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) — turning what once would have been waste into valuable resources for Ukrainian communities.

From Demolition to Renewal

The materials come from the recently demolished Ingared School. Instead of discarding them, the municipality and Alingsåshem chose to give the items a new life through reuse.

“Reusing more is an important new focus for us,” says Christian Sylvan, project manager at Alingsåshem.
“The demolition of Ingared School gave us a unique opportunity to give materials a second life — and it feels fantastic that the furniture and equipment will now make a real difference, both here at home and in Ukraine.”

The reused furniture and fixtures were stored in the former Alingsås fire station, now converted into a reuse warehouse by Alingsåshem. From there, two trucks were filled with 62 school desks, 273 chairs, 66 tables, 18 cupboards, 4 whiteboards, and a large amount of sanitary equipment such as toilets and sinks — all destined for Ukrainian schools and community centers.

Hands and Hearts from Sweden to Ukraine

On Wednesday, a team from Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) joined local partners in Alingsås to help pack and load the trucks.
Among the volunteers was Olena Petrus, representing HUG.

“We are deeply, deeply grateful for the help and support to Ukraine in this difficult time,” she said while helping to label and organize the furniture.

Six volunteers from HUG — Pelle, Per, Monica, Gunell, Anders, and Åsa — worked side by side with local partners to make the shipment possible.

“Been in Alingsås today and packed lots of school benches for HUG – Help Ukraine Gothenburg – for transport to Ukraine,” wrote Pelle on Facebook after the long day.
“Pain in the back, but good in the heart.”

A Partnership for the Future

This collaboration marks another successful example of how Swedish communities can contribute to Ukraine’s rebuilding through sustainable and practical actions.
The organizations involved hope to continue this partnership, creating new cycles of reuse and support — where every item can make a difference.

Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) has been honoured with an award from the Centre for Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency Care (CICE) at Linnaeus University.

The award was presented at the CICE Conference 2025 in Växjö. The conference brought together clinicians, teachers, and researchers to advance emergency care through collaboration across professions and organizations.  

This year's theme was "Civil Preparedness" — exploring how different sectors can work together to strengthen resilience and save lives in times of crisis.

Ukraine's healthcare system faces unprecedented challenges — hospitals and ambulance services operate under constant threat, with medical facilities targeted and equipment destroyed. In this context, every ambulance, every piece of medical equipment, every trained professional makes a difference in saving lives.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, HUG has been working to support Ukraine's emergency medical system by delivering ambulances and critical medical equipment. What started as a grassroots response has grown into a coordinated effort that brings together healthcare professionals, logisticians, emergency services, and volunteers from multiple countries.  

Each ambulance we send represents countless hours of work from people with different expertise united by one goal.

This recognition from CICE speaks to the power of that collaboration. Emergency care doesn't stop at borders, and neither does the willingness of people to help. When professionals from different backgrounds and countries work together, they can achieve what seems impossible alone.

A special thank you to Professor Carina Elmqvist and Associate Professor Anders Svensson from CICE, and to Linnaeus University for this honour. We are grateful to every partner, volunteer, and supporter who makes this vital work possible.

We continue standing with Ukraine.

Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦