Last night, Kharkiv was hit hard: 48 Shahed drones, 2 cruise missiles, and 4 air-dropped bombs. But this morning, I sat across the table from three local leaders who drove in from the region — not to ask for help, but to show us their plan to rebuild.
We met in Poltava, a safer city nearby. I was joined by:
Volodymyr Usov, Head of Kharkiv District Military Administration
Mykola Sikalenko, Head of Tsyrkuny Military Administration
Mariia Chernenko, Head of Rohan Military Administration
Roman Smirnov, Chairman of the foundation Power in UA
Anya, Roman’s daughter, who translated for us
These officials came prepared. They talked about schools, infrastructure, and restarting industry — including a major factory in Rohan, Philip Morris, which used to provide over 50% of their local budget.
They aren’t looking for handouts. They’re looking for partners: U.S. cities, businesses, and mayors who can work with them directly. One leader said something I’ll never forget:
“We meet because we are alive. And being alive means we must build.”
And that’s exactly what they plan to do — rebuild.
How You Can Help:
Adopt a Ukrainian Community – We’ll help you or your city connect directly with one in need.
Share This Story – The more people know, the more impact we can make together.
I’m here because I believe in action. These communities have endured destruction most of us can’t imagine. But they still believe in their future. And they believe in us.
Last night, Kharkiv was hit hard: 48 Shahed drones, 2 cruise missiles, and 4 air-dropped bombs. But this morning, I sat across the table from three local leaders who drove in from the region — not to ask for help, but to show us their plan to rebuild.
We met in Poltava, a safer city nearby. I was joined by:
Volodymyr Usov, Head of Kharkiv District Military Administration
Mykola Sikalenko, Head of Tsyrkuny Military Administration
Mariia Chernenko, Head of Rohan Military Administration
Roman Smirnov, Chairman of the foundation Power in UA
Anya, Roman’s daughter, who translated for us
These officials came prepared. They talked about schools, infrastructure, and restarting industry — including a major factory in Rohan, Philip Morris, which used to provide over 50% of their local budget.
They aren’t looking for handouts. They’re looking for partners: U.S. cities, businesses, and mayors who can work with them directly. One leader said something I’ll never forget:
And that’s exactly what they plan to do — rebuild.
How You Can Help:
Adopt a Ukrainian Community – We’ll help you or your city connect directly with one in need.
Donate to Recovery Teams – $50 can fund tools and supplies for those restoring power and water.
Share This Story – The more people know, the more impact we can make together.
I’m here because I believe in action. These communities have endured destruction most of us can’t imagine. But they still believe in their future. And they believe in us.
Let’s show them they’re right.
➡️ Learn more or get involved at HelpingUkraine.us.
With gratitude,
Emory Morsberger