by Rostyslav Sukennyk, head of the Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Germany (AUOG)
The life and work of our community drastically changed with the outbreak of Russia’s full-blown war against Ukraine. Previously, we focused on representing the interests of Ukrainians in Germany – organizing cultural events, supporting Ukrainian schools, and helping long-term immigrants integrate.
But the war forced us to shift our focus. We immediately understood that our priority was to help Ukraine and those affected by Russian aggression.
At first, our efforts were chaotic. We collected and sent whatever we could – food, clothing, medicine – believing these were the most urgent needs. In the first months of the war, this seemed essential. However, we soon realized that it was impossible to provide for everyone at once. That’s when we decided to concentrate on a specific area where we could be most effective.
This led to the idea of providing furniture.
The COVID-19 pandemic had left behind many changes. Companies were downsizing office spaces, shutting down, or relocating, leaving them with surplus furniture. Many were giving away desks, chairs, cabinets, and even kitchen wares. Our first batch – 90 office desks – was a trial. Was there a demand for them in Ukraine? It turned out there was. Schools, hospitals, organizations hosting displaced people, and even the military needed basic items to provide at least minimal comfort.
Things critically changed when we connected with the Unite With Ukraine initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC). After meeting at the UWC Congress in Bucharest, we joined forces to supply military centers, hospitals, and educational institutions with furniture. Thanks to our cooperation, we significantly improved conditions in many facilities where medical workers and defenders operate.
The biggest challenge remains logistics. In the early months, we shipped aid through Odesa, Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Ivano-Frankivsk. Today, we rely on routes through Poland, which allow for faster and safer deliveries.
Our partnership with the UWC was not only a practical solution to meet urgent needs but also an important symbol of unity and international support. It enabled us to respond quickly and provide systematic aid to those who need it most. This strengthened our confidence in our shared mission and helped develop new initiatives to continue supporting Ukraine.
This work wouldn’t be possible without volunteers. We are a small team of people who have full-time jobs yet dedicate their free time to organizing deliveries, sorting, and packing aid. Many of us see this as a mission. We know that even the smallest contribution makes a difference. A comfortable mattress for a soldier or a desk for a displaced family is more than just furniture – it’s a sign of care and a reminder that they are not forgotten.
At the same time, we recognize that, in the third year of the war, international support is gradually declining. People grow weary, and news about Ukraine becomes less visible. This is a major issue because the fight continues, and assistance is needed now more than ever. We constantly look for ways to draw attention through storytelling, holding meetings, and explaining why supporting Ukraine matters not only to us but to the entire world. Ukraine is the stronghold of democracy, and its success will be a success for all of Europe.
What keeps us going? Perhaps the memory of those who faced even greater trials in the past. We live in comfort, but we know that in Ukraine, that comfort is a luxury. That’s why we do everything possible to bring the day of victory over Russian aggression closer.
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