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We are proud of our friends, partners, and participants who continue moving forward — even in the harshest conditions. Their stories are not only about resilience, but about redefining what is possible. And we believe these stories should be shared.
This winter, something truly remarkable happened. In the middle of snow and freezing temperatures, 46 veterans with amputations came together with more than 60 volunteers to organize winter kayak races. What might seem impossible to many became a powerful demonstration of strength, adaptability, and determination.
This initiative was not just about sport. It was about community, recovery, and reclaiming life beyond trauma. It showed that physical limitations do not define a person’s future — mindset, support, and opportunity do.
We are especially proud to see Viktor Drachuk, a participant of the Hug for Heroes program, taking the lead in this initiative. His role as an organizer and motivator highlights the true impact of rehabilitation and community support. Viktor is not only continuing his own journey — he is helping others believe in theirs.
At HUG, we see again and again how important it is to create spaces where veterans can rebuild confidence, find purpose, and connect with others who share similar experiences. This is exactly what our camps are about — not just recovery, but transformation.
These moments remind us that even in the most difficult circumstances, people can grow, lead, and inspire. And with the right support, even more becomes possible than we often think.
Four years ago, the night broke into explosions. The world woke up altered.
Four years of full-scale war is no longer a moment of shock. It is a reality children have grown up in, parents have aged within, and millions have learned to endure.
Recent months have been among the most intense in missile and drone attacks. Civilian neighborhoods, hospitals, and energy systems are deliberately targeted. Winter is weaponized again. When cities are left without heat and electricity, it is not collateral damage - it is a strategy. Cold is used as pressure. Survival turned into resistance. This war is not distant.
It is a test for Europe. Ukraine is not only defending its territory - it is protecting the stability of an entire continent. The fourth anniversary is not only about remembrance. It is about responsibility. We cannot afford fatigue. Evil does not stop with words - it stops with action. That is why we continue our work.
We deliver tourniquets and critical medical supplies. We help equip ambulances that evacuate the wounded. We support medical initiatives and rehabilitation programs. We stand beside veterans and their families as they rebuild their lives. This is our frontline. And it needs all of us.
Veterans are not only a consequence of war; they are often one of the forces that shape the peace that follows it.
Throughout history, every war or conflict has left societies with a new generation of veterans whose experiences, skills, injuries and expectations have influenced politics, economies and communities for decades. In recent times, from the reconstruction of Europe after World War II to the lessons learned after Vietnam and the Balkan wars, veteran reintegration has repeatedly forced societies to adapt and evolve.
Yet despite centuries of experience, there is still no universal model for supporting veterans. Every war creates its own realities, challenges and needs.
Ukraine presents a particularly unique case. Since Russia's first invasion in 2014, millions of Ukrainians have lived through a reality where war and everyday life exist side by side. The Ukrainian veteran community includes both professional military personnel and civilians who volunteered to defend their country. Many have returned to civilian life, some continue to serve, while others move between military and civilian roles as the war continues.
No one-for-all handbook was written for a situation like this.
Today, the estimated number of veterans and their family members affected by the war is approaching 5 million people. This makes veteran policy not only a question of support and rehabilitation, but also a matter of economic recovery, social cohesion, national resilience and the future security of Europe itself.
The story of Ukrainian veterans is therefore not only about those returning from war. It is also about how an entire society learns to adapt, recover and build its future while the war is still ongoing and when it is over.
Why did Help Ukraine Gothenburg start working with veterans?
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, building on the war that had already been ongoing since 2014, Ukraine faced enormous human losses and destruction. At the same time, the war fundamentally changed how Ukraine is perceived both internally and internationally.
Over the past decade, Ukraine has emerged as a source of innovation and adaptation in areas ranging from defence and technology to energy, governance and civil society. Faced with extraordinary challenges, Ukrainians have repeatedly developed new solutions, often faster and more effectively than established systems would normally allow.
But innovation does not happen on its own. It is created by people.
As discussions increasingly focus on Ukraine's reconstruction, economic recovery and future integration into European structures, one question becomes central: who will drive this transformation?
We believe that veterans will be among the most important contributors.
Many Ukrainian veterans possess a unique combination of skills and experiences that have rarely existed on such a scale in modern Europe. They have operated at the intersection of military and civilian systems, worked with rapidly evolving technologies, adapted to constant uncertainty, and demonstrated leadership under extreme conditions.
Supporting veterans is therefore not only a matter of rehabilitation or social responsibility. It is also an investment in Ukraine's future capacity for innovation, leadership and resilience.
This understanding became the foundation of our work.
We do not see veterans solely as individuals in need of support. We see them as future leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, community builders and agents of recovery. Helping veterans rebuild their lives means helping to build the human capital that will shape Ukraine's future.
In that sense, veteran reintegration is not only about the consequences of war. Ukraine may become the first country in modern Europe where veteran policy is not primarily about managing the aftermath of war, but about building the foundations for recovery while the war is still ongoing.
How did HUG build the Program?
Reintegration does not begin when rehabilitation ends. Reintegration begins when a veteran starts asking: "Who am I now, and what comes next?"
When designing HUG for Heroes, we started with a simple observation: rehabilitation and reintegration are not the same thing.
Medical treatment and physical recovery are essential, but they are only the first step. The more complex challenge often begins afterwards, when veterans face questions about identity, purpose and their place in society.
Our programme was developed around this transition.
Rather than focusing solely on recovery, we focus on helping veterans navigate the path forward.
One of the key lessons we have learned is that veteran reintegration cannot be viewed as an individual process. Families have been part of the war experience from the very beginning.
Another important principle is that there is no single model of success.
Through HUG for Heroes, we work together with psychologists, specialists, mentors and peer networks.
Our ambition is not simply to deliver a programme. It is to contribute to a system that helps veterans move from recovery to participation.
The story of Ukrainian veterans is still being written.
The future of Ukraine will depend not only on how the war is fought, but also on how society prepares for what comes after it.
Veterans will not simply return – they will shape what comes next.
When professional chefs and restaurant owners are mobilized into the military, they create solutions that rewrite the history of Ukrainian military cuisine. The Stambul foodtruck became one such transformative initiative.
Traditional field kitchens presented serious challenges: poor food quality, extremely low mobility taking up to 4 hours to relocate, lack of proper storage and refrigeration, and hygiene issues when cooking outdoors. The solution required resources and a community to make it happen.
HUG's Role in The Project
HUG joined the project, recognizing the importance of dignified living conditions for Ukrainian soldiers. We organized a fundraising campaign that brought together people from Ukraine, Sweden, Norway, France, Italy, and Poland.
As a result of our collective effort, we were able to purchase the vehicle, transform it into a mobile kitchen, and deliver it to Ukraine. The foodtruck now operates in the Sumy region, feeding up to 200 soldiers daily.
The foodtruck is named after Kostia "Stambul" Yuzviuk, a military serviceman and civic activist who died in July 2024. The kitchen's motto comes from Kostia's own words:
"Seek motivation or become one for someone else."
This is our tribute to a true patriot whose values continue to inspire.
The project demonstrates what's possible when communities unite around a common purpose. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us with this initiative.
The foodtruck “Stambul” is just one example of what we can achieve together. Donate today and help us continue supporting Ukrainian soldiers.
Through close cooperation with Swedish hospitals and clinics, HUG – Help Ukraine in Gothenburg is preparing the shipment of 22 anesthesia machines to Ukraine - equipment that will soon be used where medical needs are most urgent.
The machines were generously donated by hospitals in Sweden following scheduled upgrades of their medical equipment. All units were in active use until recently and remain fully functional. They are identical models replaced as part of routine modernization, not because of technical issues.
“These machines are used during surgery so that patients can sleep and feel no pain. They have been in use here for about ten years and were still operational when we removed them,” says Fredrik Haarala, a hospital staff member involved in the handover.
The initiative is supported by regional hospitals in western Sweden and follows strict humanitarian principles: the equipment is donated solely for free medical use, without any risk of resale, and directed to regions where the need is greatest.
Swedish and Ukrainian volunteers from HUG worked side by side to receive, inspect, and prepare the machines for transport to Ukraine. For hospitals operating under the extreme conditions of war, anesthesia machines like these make it possible to perform complex and emergency surgeries - saving lives every day.
“It feels really good for us to send equipment that can still be used for many more years. If we can help, we should,” Fredrik adds.
Before the war, similar equipment was often sent to African countries. Today, the focus is Ukraine.
We are deeply grateful to the Swedish hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals who contribute to this cooperation. Thanks to them, international solidarity becomes real, tangible support - and lives saved.
Another shipment of essential sanitary and hygiene products, generously donated by our partners Essity, has been delivered to frontline regions in Ukraine. These supplies are reaching people who've been forced to leave occupied territories, providing them with the basic necessities they need.
The ongoing war continues to create immense humanitarian challenges. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes, with many fleeing occupied areas under extremely difficult circumstances. Access to basic hygiene products is a crucial necessity for maintaining health and dignity in these conditions.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Essity for their generous donation and unwavering commitment to supporting people in crisis — and to our partners in Ukraine for the updates.
Thanks to the support of our partners, we've been able to purchase the first batch of 500 tourniquets for Ukraine.
When someone gets hit and an artery is severed, they have minutes to live. Sometimes less. A tourniquet is a simple strap that stops life-threatening bleeding by cutting off blood flow to an injured limb.
Applied in seconds, it keeps someone alive long enough to reach proper medical care. On the frontlines, where ambulances can't always get through and hospitals are hours away, having a tourniquet means having a chance.
This first batch is an important step in our tourniquet fundraising campaign — and it won’t be the last. We’re continuing to raise funds to purchase and deliver more life-saving medical supplies.
We're happy to share that the gifts we packed together during our Christmas Gift Factory have safely arrived in Ukraine and been delivered to defenders!
This Christmas, our community transformed HUG into a real gift factory – wrapping presents, signing heartfelt cards, and preparing packages for both children and defenders in Ukraine. People brought gifts from home, wrote warm wishes, and worked side by side to spread hope and support. Together, we packed 106 gifts for Ukraine's defenders – and now they've been delivered across Ukraine.
Thank you to everyone who joined this important initiative. Together, we continue to spread light kindness!
We at Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) recently had the pleasure of welcoming Bishop Susanne Rappmann from Göteborgs stift for a visit. It was a warm and meaningful exchange, where we discussed not only the immediate challenges Ukraine faces, but also the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people.
Together, we recorded an interview for P4 Göteborg, focusing on the current situation in Ukraine and what continued support looks like in practice. Conversations like these help bridge understanding and keep the spotlight on a crisis that is far from over.
We are deeply grateful to Bishop Susanne Rappmann for her expressed support and solidarity with Ukraine. Such gestures remind us that we do not stand alone in our fight for freedom and justice – and that solidarity matters now more than ever.
A specialized vehicle donated to Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) by Region Halland is now serving in Konotop. Unlike a traditional ambulance, it’s equipped with seatings and is used to transport socially vulnerable residents and veterans to hospitals and medical appointments.
Last summer at Almedalen, the HUG team had the opportunity to meet the mayor of Konotop. Through panel discussions and direct conversations, he shared what life is like in a frontline city and what needs the community faces.
In the autumn, the city reached out with a request. And thanks to the trust and support of Region Halland, we were able to help.
This vehicle helps elderly people, people with disabilities, and veterans reach care safely and on time — and it has already become part of everyday healthcare work on the ground.
We are grateful to Region Halland for their trust and support, and to our partners in Ukraine for the updates — they show exactly why this support matters.
A photo from an apartment building in Kyiv shows frozen walls, dark stairwells, and a thermometer reading –6°C inside a home. This is not an abandoned city. It is daily life in the capital of a European country in 2026.
Due to constant missile and drone attacks by Russia, Kyiv’s power grids have been repeatedly damaged. Electricity is available only for limited hours - or not at all. Without electricity, heating and water systems fail as well.
In districts without stable heating, pipes and radiators burst. Walls and staircases freeze through. At times, it is impossible to get plumbers to release air from heating systems — emergency services are overstretched or lack power themselves.
In some apartments, residents are forced to pour water leaking from radiators directly out of their windows to prevent flooding. In others, temperatures drop to +5°C if there is no gas supply. Those with gas stoves are considered “lucky”: cooking and baking can raise indoor temperatures to around +12°C.
After another attack on energy infrastructure, all electric public transport on Kyiv’s right bank has been suspended - no trams, no trolleybuses. The city is paralysed not only by cold, but by the loss of basic mobility.
Living conditions in parts of Kyiv have become virtually uninhabitable. Yet for most people, there is nowhere else to go. Shops have begun allowing animals inside to warm up - a quiet but powerful symbol of this winter.
What Russia is doing to Ukrainians goes beyond shelling. It is a deliberate attempt to break civilians through cold, by stripping people of electricity, heating, and water. This is energy terror - and a form of genocidal practice aimed at survival itself.
And still, Kyiv endures. People support each other. Electricity returns for hours. Warmth comes in fragments. But each such winter leaves deep scars - in bodies, minds, and memory.
On December 19th, HUG (Help Ukraine Gothenburg) brought together the Ukrainian community and Swedish friends for a heartfelt celebration of Ukrainian Christmas traditions. The event welcomed families for a day filled with warmth, creativity, carol singing, and the celebration of cherished customs far from home.
Magical performance for children: "Olesia and the Christmas Star"
Together with children, we dived into a magical world through the performance "Olesia and the Christmas Star" by Stockholms Improvisationsteater. The story followed young Olesia on her journey to find the missing Christmas Star and bring Christmas back to the people.
The performance was a truly warm, bright, and magical experience filled with children's laughter, sincere emotions, and the belief that Christmas always finds its way to people. The story reminded us how important it is to believe in kindness, light, and miracles.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the creative team — director and actors Yanina Zelenska and Roman Fanin, along with artist Volodymyr Tsarkov — for creating an atmosphere of genuine magic and wonder. A special thank you to author Yulita Ran, who joined our celebration and presented her children's books, including "Christmas Journey", that includes the tale of Olesia and the Christmas Star.
Saint Nicholas Brings Joy to the Children
Saint Nicholas visited our celebration and brought gifts for children of all ages, filling the space with warmth, care, and wonder. The joy and excitement on the children's faces as they met Saint Nicholas and received their presents created truly unforgettable moments.
Gift Factory: Small Acts of Kindness
Continuing a cherished Christmas tradition, our community gathered for the third year in a row to pack gifts for children and defenders in Ukraine. We transformed our space into a real Gift Factory, equipped with wrapping paper, greeting cards, ribbons, and stickers — everything needed to bring light, love, and support through small acts of kindness.
Families, children, and friends worked side by side throughout the event, signing cards with heartfelt wishes and carefully wrapping presents. People brought gifts from home, and together we prepared them with care and intention. By the end of the evening, we had packed 212 gifts for children and 106 for defenders in Ukraine.
“The family format was really important to us because for Ukrainians, Christmas is above all a family celebration. We wanted to create that feeling of warmth, closeness, and belonging. That's what makes Christmas with HUG so special — it brings people together year after year.” - Alla Tangstad, youth program coordinator at HUG
Creative Workshops
The entire celebration was filled with creativity, laughter, curiosity, and warmth. We invited everyone to participate in creative workshops that connected them to Ukrainian Christmas symbolism and traditions — creating a Christmas star, decorations, and making traditional food together.
The Christmas star is not merely a decoration but a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem that announced Christ's birth. In Ukraine, carolers traditionally carried the stars from house to house, bringing joyful news and good wishes. At the workshop, we created our own unique stars, decorating them with traditional Ukrainian ornaments, bright colors, and ribbons — just as Ukrainian families have done for generations, putting a piece of their soul and festive spirit into each creation.
"Thank you for all the activities! Children had so much fun making Christmas decorations, and the whole atmosphere felt truly special." - Viktoriia, participant
Children enjoyed their own creative zones in the Creative Workshop, making festive Christmas decorations and postcards.
Kutia As The Heart of Ukrainian Christmas
A special workshop introduced participants to one of Ukraine's most ancient traditions — preparing Christmas kutia. This ceremonial dish made from wheat, poppy seeds, and honey symbolizes eternal life, prosperity, and family unity. It is the first dish served on Christmas Eve.
Each ingredient carries deep meaning: grain represents immortality and rebirth, honey symbolizes a sweet life, and poppy seeds signify abundance in the home. We prepared authentic Christmas kutia in a makitra — a traditional Ukrainian mortar. It represents a symbol of the Ukrainian home, as great-grandmothers once used it to grind poppy seeds and grains, passing along the warmth of their hands and love for their families.
“Thank you for organizing the celebration. It was our first event with HUG, and my children absolutely loved it. Making kutia together was the best part of the day.” — Maria, participant
For Swedish participants, the symbolism of kutia was compared to rice porridge (risgrynsgröt) — both dishes carrying profound Christmas meaning in their respective cultures.
The Bethlehem Light of Peace
Scouts from PLAST Ukraine in Sweden arrived bearing the Bethlehem Light of Peace — a flame that originates in Bethlehem and is passed hand to hand by the international scout community. This light serves as a symbol that even in the darkest times, goodness continues to shine.
The Bethlehem Light creates a special pre-Christmas atmosphere for Ukrainians around the world, and receiving this tradition in the HUG space was a great honor. The flame brings hope and unity, reminding everyone that light can be shared and that together, we continue the traditions that sustain and inspire us.
Carol Singing and Community Unity
Following the arrival of the Bethlehem Light, the main Christmas program started with singing carols. The shared candlelight, music, and tradition demonstrated that Ukrainian and Swedish Christmas customs have much in common — both centered on light, togetherness, quiet reflection, and care for one another. After the carols, we gathered for a Swedish-Ukrainian feast with kutia, varenyky (Ukrainian dumplings), and other festive treats. We exchanged stories and Christmas traditions from both cultures, savored the delicious food, and enjoyed the warmth of this special day together.
"Ukraine and Sweden share many Christmas traditions: ritual Christmas dishes like kutia and risgrynsgröt, the vertep and Stjärngossar, the didukh and Julbock. Our Swedish friends don't just learn about Ukrainian traditions — they experience them with us: painting stars, listening to carols, witnessing the vertep. For Ukrainians, this openness and genuine interest from the Swedish community affirms that our culture is valuable and worth preserving." - Mykola Ivkin, event coordinator, HUG
A Day of Warmth, Unity, and Hope
We are happy that we managed to create an authentic family celebration, bringing people together and sharing the light of hope and kindness with everyone who joined us on this special day.
Our heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers, partners, families, and participants who filled the space with warmth and joy. In moments like these, we especially feel the strength of our community and the importance of being together.
The ultrasound machines generously donated by Sahlgrenska University Hospital have been successfully delivered to Ukraine and are already in use.
The equipment has been distributed to several healthcare facilities in the Kharkiv region — a military hospital, the Ljubov Mala Institute of Therapy, and a university hospital, which treats many wounded service members and recently opened a prosthetics center.
Before being put into operation, the devices are being carefully checked and prepared by local engineers to ensure everything works reliably and safely in each department.
HUG - Help Ukraine Gothenburg are deeply grateful to Sahlgrenska University Hospital for this meaningful contribution — and to our partners in Ukraine for the updates. This support is already strengthening frontline healthcare in a very tangible way, helping medical teams deliver timely diagnostics and care.
We at HUG (Help Ukraine Gothenburg) are excited to introduce EmpowerHUB — a program advancing sustainable integration through targeted support for Ukrainians under temporary protection in Sweden.
The response has exceeded our expectations. In just the first month, we reached 142 participants, and we're continuing to grow as we meet real community needs.
What is EmpowerHUB?
EmpowerHUB addresses the real challenges many Ukrainians face: temporary legal status, skill mismatches, limited access to clear information, and the stress of navigating life in a new country. Instead of searching for support across different organizations, participants can access everything they need in one place.
The program includes:
Mental health support — managing stress and building resilience through group workshops and individual counseling.
Legal consultations — guidance on Swedish law, migration status, work permits, and family matters.
Language learning — English courses for adults and youth, and Swedish speaking club with native speakers.
Social integration — community events, cultural activities, and networking opportunities.
Career guidance — professional development and pathways to education and employment.
Our mission is to help Ukrainians overcome psychological, legal, and educational barriers while strengthening resilience and enabling active participation in Swedish society.
📅 Information about upcoming activities and registration for consultations is published regularly on our channels. Follow us to stay updated on EmpowerHUB events and opportunities.
EmpowerHUB is implemented by HUG in partnership with Carl Johans pastorat of Svenska kyrkan and co-funded by the European Union through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).
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