Understanding the Soul of Ukraine: A Journey with the Krohn Breakthrough Foundation
In April 2023, the Krohn Breakthrough Foundation returned to Ukraine with a broader objective. Supported by Allied Extract, this nine-day mission was designed not just to deliver aid, but to provide a deep, immersive education on the nature of the country they are helping.
To truly support Ukraine, one must understand what is being defended. Our itinerary was crafted to showcase the full spectrum of the nation—from its rich history and culture in the mountains to the harsh realities of displacement and the resilience of its institutions.
Culture as Identity We journeyed south into the Carpathian mountains, specifically the Verkhovyna region. This wasn't tourism; it was context. By immersing the team in Hutsul culture and the stunning natural landscape, we offered a window into the soul of Ukraine. It allowed our partners to see that this war is not just about territory—it is about the preservation of a unique, vibrant, and ancient identity.
From the mountains, we moved into the rural communities of the Chernivtsi region to witness how the war has reshaped daily life. We visited several shelters for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), using these stops to diagnose problems and demonstrate how targeted help restores dignity.
Onut: We visited a small community housing displaced families. While we delivered food, toys, and a ping pong table, the primary goal was to sit with the residents, hear their stories, and understand the human cost of the conflict.
Kitsman: At an IDP housing facility, we saw the need for self-sufficiency. We provided construction tools so the facility could maintain itself and gardening tools for an 80-year-old resident, allowing her to reclaim a piece of her former life.
A major focus of the trip was understanding the strain on state institutions. We visited facilities like Banyliv-Pidhirnyi, which cares for social orphans evacuated from frontline areas like Kharkiv.
Beyond the immediate delivery of appliances and food, the Krohn Breakthrough Foundation made a critical commitment to infrastructure security. They funded the fuel and wood supply for an entire winter, ensuring that even amidst power cuts and freezing temperatures, the facility would have guaranteed electricity and heat for the children. This support was a lifeline that extended far beyond the day of our visit.
The University Visit We concluded the mission with a high-level strategic meeting at the local university. Here, the team sat down with the former Deputy Governor of the region.
This discussion provided a macro-level view of the humanitarian landscape. It was an opportunity to learn about the large-scale efforts the region has already conducted, identify the systemic gaps that remain, and brainstorm how international partners like the Krohn Breakthrough Foundation can most effectively assist Ukraine in the long term.
A Foundation for the Future This trip was a journey of discovery. By connecting with the culture, witnessing the daily struggles of the displaced, and engaging with regional leadership, Kris Krohn and his team gained the deep contextual knowledge necessary to drive impactful, long-term support for Ukraine.
