The Hague Hears Ukrainians’ Stories: Rinat Akhmetov Foundation Strengthens International Cooperation
11.09.2026
Ksenia Sukhova, General Director of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, and Olha and Alina, participants in the “Youth Chooses Ukraine” project, paid a working visit to The Hague. There, they met with the leadership of the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court. The Fund assists people affected by war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression.
The Foundation’s delegation also met with representatives and experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. The parties discussed available mechanisms for supporting Ukrainian children and families of people who have gone missing, protecting the rights of people affected by the war, independently monitoring places of detention, and providing human rights expertise.
The meetings provided an important opportunity to exchange practical experience in supporting people affected by war. The discussions focused on approaches to victim support, mechanisms for recovery and reparations, and opportunities to draw on international expertise to assist Ukrainians affected by russian aggression.
Representatives of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation shared their many years of experience supporting people who have endured occupation, captivity, forced displacement, loss of their homes and other consequences of the war. In particular, they spoke about the “Youth Chooses Ukraine” project. The importance of the project was highlighted by 19-year-old twin sisters Olha and Alina from Donetsk. They lived in occupied territory for more than 10 years but maintained their pro-Ukrainian views and eventually returned to Ukraine. Now, the Foundation, together with the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, is helping them adapt after their return by supporting them in continuing their education, finding employment, and accessing psychological and legal assistance, as well as housing support.
“Today, the scale of the tragedy that russia has brought to Ukraine requires global cooperation. The experience of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation demonstrates the importance of joining forces with international partners. Expanding such cooperation helps us provide more effective support to Ukrainians who have experienced occupation, deportation or the loss of their property, while working together to advance justice and accountability for the russian federation,” said Ksenia Sukhova.
The final part of the visit was attending the PSV – Shakhtar match in Eindhoven. The event was significant not only from a sporting perspective but also carried important social meaning. It was during this match that Shakhtar players took to the pitch for the first time wearing jerseys featuring the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation logo. During the team’s Champions League matches, the logo will help introduce a global audience of millions to the stories of participants in the “Youth Chooses Ukraine” project, highlighting the resilience of Ukrainian youth and the need for global support for people affected by the war.
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