Youth Chooses Ukraine is a pilot project launched by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine. It supports young people aged 18–23 who have returned to Ukraine from temporarily occupied territories or following unlawful deportation to russia.

Mission
To help young people regain control of their lives, become independent, and build their future in Ukraine.

Who the Project Is For
The project brings together 20 participants aged 18–23 who were deported, forcibly displaced, or at risk of deportation as a result of Russia’s aggression and who returned to Ukraine through the presidential initiative Bring Kids Back UA.

Programme Format
6 months of intensive support;
12 months of personalised follow-up support after the main programme is completed.

What Participants Receive
- psychological and medical support;
- career guidance and assistance in choosing a profession;
- access to education and retraining opportunities;
- career counselling, internships, and employment assistance;
- financial literacy training and support in becoming self-reliant;
- mentorship and support in building social connections;
- opportunities to join a youth community;
- assistance in finding suitable housing solutions.

Our Approach
The project is based on the principles of post-traumatic growth and a peer-to-peer approach, adapted to the experiences of young people who have lived through occupation or deportation.

Partners and Their Roles
The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation initiated the project and is responsible for personalised support, psychological and medical assistance, education, career guidance, professional development, and employment support.

The Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights provides human rights support, advocacy, and coordination of engagement with young people. Support for returnees is also provided through the Child Rights Protection Centre.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine is responsible for youth policy, mentorship, community development, engagement with youth centres and hubs, physical activity, and youth participation.

Heart of Azovstal NGO contributes its expertise in post-traumatic growth and in supporting veterans who have returned from captivity, their families, and people who have experienced deprivation of liberty.

FC Shakhtar is the project’s international communications partner. Over the course of eight UEFA Champions League matches, the club, together with the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, will share with European audiences the stories of young people who have returned from temporarily occupied territories or after unlawful deportation and have chosen to build their future in Ukraine.

The communications campaign will span the club’s international channels, content featuring its players, engagement with European media, and special match-related activations. The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation logo will be displayed on the team’s match kit during UEFA Champions League matches.

Looking Ahead
The pilot project is being implemented in 2026. Based on its results, a comprehensive support model will be developed and, from 2027, may be scaled up to reach more young Ukrainians returning from temporarily occupied territories or russia.

The project’s primary goal is to create opportunities for young people returning from occupation or unlawful deportation to grow, fulfil their potential, and build their future in Ukraine.