The Best Accordion in the World for Roman Olexiv: Rinat Akhmetov Makes a Young Musician’s Dream Come True

For Roman Olexiv, who survived a russian missile strike on Vinnytsia and returned to music despite his severe injuries, an exclusive professional PIGINI accordion – the best accordion in the world – will be made in Italy. Rinat Akhmetov is making the young musician’s dream come true by giving him a unique instrument.

Roman has already visited the Italian factory where his future accordion will be made, and today he will cheer on his beloved Shakhtar in person at the legendary San Siro Stadium as they face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League.

PIGINI is a world-renowned Italian manufacturer of professional accordions whose instruments are chosen by leading musicians around the world. The best accordion in the world will be made for Roman – an exclusive instrument created specifically to meet his professional needs. The manufacturing process will take around a year.

During his visit to the factory, Roman saw Italian craftspeople making professional accordions by hand, learned about the distinctive qualities of their sound, and spoke with PIGINI representatives. For a boy who dreams of becoming a world-class accordionist, the trip was an opportunity to move closer to fulfilling one of his most important professional dreams.

“Visiting the factory and seeing how such instruments are made is incredible. Having an accordion of this calibre is a great honour and responsibility for me. This is my professional dream, so I am ready to work even harder and keep developing. When the instrument is ready, I want to give a concert on it for children affected by the war, to support them and bring them positive emotions,” Roman says.

Another special highlight of the trip will be top-level football. Today, Roman will visit the legendary San Siro Stadium, where he will watch the match between Inter Milan and his beloved Shakhtar in person.

“Rinat Akhmetov personally decided to support Roman and give him the best professional accordion in the world. This is a unique instrument that will be made especially for him. Roman has extraordinary talent, works hard, and has already proved that even after the most difficult ordeals, it is possible to keep pursuing your dream. It is important to Rinat Akhmetov that children affected by the war have opportunities to realise their potential, reach new heights, and build their future,” said Ksenia Sukhova, Director General of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation.

Roman was born into a family of accordionists, and music has been part of his life since early childhood. His mother, Halyna, who was killed in the russian missile strike on Vinnytsia in 2022, was an accordionist and teacher. His father, Yaroslav Olexiv, is a professor, a Candidate of Art History, and a Merited Artist of Ukraine. Roman is continuing his family’s musical tradition.

Returning to playing his favourite instrument was not easy. As a result of the russian strike on Vinnytsia, the boy suffered burns covering 45% of his body and underwent several operations. Doctors were particularly concerned about his hands. However, thanks to lengthy rehabilitation and persistent practice, Roman was able to regain mobility in his hands and return to music.

In 2025, he won the international bayan and accordion competition InterSvitiaz Accomusic. Roman now aims to refine his skills, perform on the world’s leading stages, and become a world-class accordionist. The professional PIGINI accordion will be an important step on this journey.

Earlier, Rinat Akhmetov gave Roman an apartment in Lviv. Its location makes it easier for Roman to get to his place of study and attend rehabilitation sessions.