Anna Abramchuk: A 19-Year-Old Ukrainian in the Czech Republic Balances Journalism Studies with Coordinating Aid Projects
Anna Abramchuk, a 19-year-old Ukrainian volunteer and activist, moved to the Czech Republic at age 16 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, she has been actively volunteering and coordinating various projects for Ukrainian organizations while simultaneously pursuing a journalism degree at the Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University. Many young Ukrainians abroad are finding ways to support their homeland while building new lives.
Anna serves as a representative and executive committee member for the Ukrainian Council of the Vysočina Region. She is also a co-founder and Deputy Director for Internal Policy and Public Relations of the youth organization Asociace MOST UA-CZ. As a youth representative at an Integration Centre, Anna also works as a translator, helping to bridge communication between the Ukrainian and Czech communities.
She previously led the Vysočina Region delegation within the Forum of Ukrainian Youth under the Government of the Czech Republic. Her activism has included participating in Prague's Chain of Unity event for Ukraine's Unity Day and supporting campaigns for Ukraine's diplomatic mission in the Czech Republic. In her work, she emphasizes the critical need to share Ukraine's narrative, noting the pervasive influence of Russian propaganda in Europe.
“First and foremost, it’s the opportunity to help, even when you’re not physically in Ukraine. I believe every Ukrainian abroad should realize this. Furthermore, it’s a chance to bring Ukraine to the world, because Russian propaganda has enormous influence in Europe. Therefore, it’s crucial that Ukrainians who have access to a European audience convey the truth. And, of course, it’s a tremendous responsibility, as each of us represents the face of Ukraine abroad.”
Anna Abramchuk
Anna Abramchuk’s efforts are a powerful example of how young Ukrainians abroad can actively influence society and support their country from a distance. Her work fosters the integration of the Ukrainian community in the Czech Republic and strengthens ties between the two nations.
Her volunteerism demonstrates how Ukrainian youth, forced to leave their homeland due to war, can organize and positively impact public life in their host countries. The initiatives she participates in not only strengthen the Ukrainian community in the Czech Republic but also help disseminate the truth about Ukraine's situation within a European context. This is vital in the ongoing information war and the fight against disinformation originating from Russia.