Ruslana was born in the contrasting city of Sumy. She researched its history a little (and maybe even gave a tour). At first she went to school, and later entered a gymnasium (passing the exams in the second attempt). Now she is studying at Lviv Polytechnic National University, majoring in Transport Technologies. I got acquainted with USF in 2023 after attending an event in Sumy on anti-corruption. In 2024, I completed the Leadership Programme and became a USF activist. To be continued…

“The truth is that we are not yet free; we have merely achieved the freedom to be free, the right not to be oppressed. We have not taken the final step of our journey, but the first step on a longer and even more difficult road. For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. The true test of our devotion to freedom is just beginning”-Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

She grew up in the city of Vinnytsia and always knew she would study either in Lviv or Ivano-Frankivsk. In 2022, she enrolled at the Ukrainian Catholic University in the Ethics-Politics-Economics program. She is passionate about traditional Ukrainian jewelry, the ethno band Eteria, and dancing with the group Dryh.

“Freedom is the ability to live by your own choice, without coercion or pressure, but with respect for others. For me, it is the right to choose my path and develop my abilities without restrictions or directives from ‘outside.'”

Victoria is an activist of the USF. She lives in a village near Lviv, is a 2nd year student at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, majoring in Polish Philology, and is a member of the University Student Government and the Student Government of the Faculty of Philology. She is interested in journalism, youth activism, and social development of communities. She dreams of people being united by a common pride in belonging to their national heritage and awareness of their identity.

Freedom becomes a value for those people who have felt what enslavement is. Freedom is a tool that turns into action only in the hands of principled and exceptional personalities. The USF community creates such people. Crying has not given freedom to anyone yet, but whoever is a fighter, he gains the world.

Alina – activist of the “Ukrainian Students for Freedom”. She was born in Odesa region and has Bulgarian roots but is wholeheartedly devoted to Ukraine. During her school years, she actively participated in community life and student self-governance, as well as graduated from a music school. Currently, Alina is studying at Lviv Polytechnic National University in the “International Relations” program. She has experience in internships, volunteering, youth exchanges, and organizing her own projects. In 2024, she became a participant in the Leadership Program and joined the USF.

“Freedom is a daily choice and responsibility, and it is this value that unites USF. Here, progressive, conscious, and motivated youth from all corners of Ukraine inspire each other, share ideas, and change themselves and the country. These ideas resonate with me, which is why I am proud to be a part of the USF community.”

Serhii grew up in Volyn, where he successfully graduated from the regional lyceum. He has been interested in many disciplines for long, especially in politics and economics, so he chose the major “International Economics” at Lviv University for his studies, where he is engaged in scientific activities and tries himself in the field of startups. The subject of special interest is economics of development. He was introduced to the USF at the Leadership Program 2024, in which he saw a wide space for improvement in his field of interest. A participant of the international exchange program Erasmus+, speaks three foreign languages ​​at different levels and doesn’t plan to stop. An active debater and winner of debate tournaments.

Freedom for me is, foremost, a guarantee of what interests and worries me the most – escaping from poverty and rapid development of the national economy. But even beyond the practical side, I perceive freedom as a natural need and value in realizing myself as a person and an active actor. Will is the key to all the beautiful things God has given us, and the foundation for everything I believe in.

Pavlo is a USF activist. He was born and lives in Lviv and is studying at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, majoring in Psychology. He works at the UNIQUE Academy of Personal Development and is an active volunteer at the Psychological Service of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. Founder of the NGO Empower U Wave, activist of the Student Government of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, certified creativity coach of the IAS, author of psychoeducational trainings, photographer, social activist.

“The ideas I was introduced to by the USF radically changed the vector of my life. And this influence became possible thanks to the fire in the eyes of young people inspired by the desire for freedom. Freedom not just for themselves, but as a fundamental human value. These are the people who inspire self-development and knowledge of the world, next to whom you want to search for the truth and create the future!”

Oleksandr is an active member of the Ukrainian Students for Freedom (USF). He was born in the city of Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi and moved to Lviv in 2021. Currently, he is studying Software Engineering at the National University “Lviv Polytechnic.” Since 2022, he has been actively involved in public life. In 2024, he joined the USF, where he continues to develop his leadership and organizational skills.

Freedom for me is not just an idea but a core value that inspires and guides me forward. In my work, I focus on two main priorities: youth and freedom. Youth is the driving force capable of transforming Ukraine because our generation, born and raised in an independent country, has the strength and belief in its future. Freedom is the key to progress, as only free people can create, build, and succeed. I am not looking for a better life elsewhere—I strive to create it here, in my own country. For me, freedom has always been and will remain the highest value, and I am convinced that it will become the foundation of our shared prosperity.

Born on January 13, 2005, in Zhytomyr, Ukraine. From an early age, he was interested in a wide range of activities: engaged in sports, explored exact sciences such as astronomy and biology, drew, and more. In 2011, he began studying at Zhytomyr Lyceum No. 24, where he graduated in 2022 from a specialized mathematics class.
With the onset of the full-scale war, he strove to be an active citizen, volunteering and participating in various events in his hometown. That same year, 2022, he enrolled at Lviv National University, joining the Faculty of Economics with a major in International Economics. During his studies, he focused on researching economics and related fields, while also taking up amateur powerlifting and bodybuilding. He started running a blog on TikTok and Instagram.
In 2024, he decided to join the Ukrainian Students for Freedom (USF) due to shared values. Shortly after joining, he became part of the operational team of the Lviv branch as one of its designers.

For me, freedom is the greatest value, as it is for all conscious people, so we must do everything to ensure that no one takes it away from us.

Viktoriia is a Project Manager, Senior Analyst in the field of regional development, trainer, mentor of youth and youth teams, and expert at the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance. She has 6+ years of experience in the NGO sector, including at the All-Ukrainian NGO “FRI” and the NGO “Dozrili”. She travels a lot, loves board games and coffee.

Freedom for me is not just an idea, but a life principle that determines my every step. The USF unites young people who strive to change Ukraine through the values of freedom and responsibility. We believe that only a free society can ensure a decent future for every citizen. Freedom is the path to prosperity, and we are ready to build it here and now. Together we are creating a country where everyone’s voice matters and opportunities are endless.

Yana is majoring in philology (applied linguistics) at Lviv Polytechnic, studying English and Polish. She learned about the USF in 2023, and in 2024 took part in the leadership program and became an activist of the organization. She is a journalist, editor of the online media outlet Pysanyna, and loves poetry.

Freedom is my responsibility, my thoughts, my actions

Yevheniia’s been a USF activist since 2024. She’s originally from a small town in Poltava region, where she graduated from school and university in Poltava with a degree in International Economic Relations. International Business, and after graduation, she dropped everything and moved to her beloved Lviv, where she’s now a resident of the centre. Throughout her life, she’s travelled extensively and even studied as an exchange student in Istanbul. Since her university years were spent in the Covid and wartime, she believes that it’s never too late to become part of active youth and help change your country for the better.

Before joining the USF, I’d never have thought that I’d ever find such a large community, where people are completely different, each with their own personality, but where it’s so easy to communicate with everyone, where everyone is an incredibly intelligent and interesting person, where you can be unafraid to be yourself, real, because you are accepted here. And most importantly, all these people are active young people, the future of the country, united by the struggle for freedom in all its manifestations and in all possible ways.

Freedom is what makes us human, what enables us to live a fulfilling and happy life.

Vitaliy-Volodymyr Nechypor I graduated from Lviv Polytechnic National University with a degree in International Economic Relations, where I studied from 2020 to 2024. Currently, I am continuing my education at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, specializing in International Relations. I am an active member of the Drohobych Youth Council and the youth wing of the “European Solidarity” party. I am deeply involved in community activities, organizing various events and initiatives aimed at youth and societal development.

“Freedom is not about imitation or hypocrisy; it is about a fair system that ensures well-being for everyone. For me, freedom is social responsibility that starts with each of us and encompasses the entire state. It is the right to live in a just society where laws protect but do not restrict, where one person’s freedom does not threaten the freedoms of others.”

Maksym Kosmyna was born and raised in the city of Ternopil. In 2022, he entered the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) for the law program, where his worldview underwent a significant transformation under the influence of the constitutional law course. During 2022-2023, he successfully completed a formation program at the UCU Collegium. During this period, he actively participated in extra-academic activities of the university, in particular, he participated in the summer school of public speaking, anti-corruption moot court, and volunteer activities. Influenced by the academic environment and the ideas of freedom, individualism, and a critical attitude towards excessive state intervention, Maksym became interested in libertarianism. In 2024, after completing his second year of study, he joined the Ukrainian Students for Freedom (USF). In the organization, Maksym quickly revealed his potential: he lectured to schoolchildren about economic freedom, participated in the project school, and was elected head of the organization’s branch at the university. Maksym Kosmyna continues to actively develop as a public figure, consistently combining academic studies with public activities and promoting the ideas of individual freedom.

“Freedom is never too dear at any price. It is the breath of life. How much would a person pay for life?”
Mahatma Gandhi

Freedom for Ukraine is not an abstract concept, but a circulatory system of national self-identity, formed by centuries of struggle and resistance. Gandhi’s quote “Freedom is never too dear at any price. It is the breath of life” acquires an extremely deep and literal meaning in the Ukrainian context.

Every Ukrainian today is a bearer of this freedom. He pays the highest price – his own life – so that future generations can breathe the air of independence.

In this war, freedom is transformed from a philosophical category into a daily practice of resistance, where every act, every resistance is a component of a great national struggle.

Glory to Ukraine!

Anna is USF activist. She was born and raised in Lviv. She is studying Business Economics. She is interested in marketing and startups (was a member of Falling Walls Lab Kyiv). She is interested in areas related to human behavior, in particular psychology. She also attended a theater studio, where she first learned about the USF.

Freedom is the result of cognition.
And cognition means acting on inner values, having the courage to be vulnerable, change, grow, love, feel and create.

Maksym is an activist of the USF. He was born and raised in a village in Bukovyna. From 2021 to 2023, he studied at the College of Yuriy Fedkovych National University, majoring in computer science. Since 2023, he has been a student at Lviv Polytechnic National University. He joined the USF in 2024.

Freedom is our religion. This is how we can describe every Ukrainian, because freedom has always been, is and will be in our hearts.

Anna was born and raised in Lviv. In 2022, she graduated from high school and enrolled in the Marketing program at Lviv Polytechnic National University. She learned about Ukrainian Students for Freedom from a friend, and after that, she decided she wanted to join a community where she could contribute something meaningful. In 2024, she became a member of the community.

For me, freedom is about happiness and responsibility. Only by being free can we pursue what makes our lives fulfilling and meaningful. Yet, with freedom comes the responsibility that we must be ready to embrace.
In Ukrainian Students for Freedom, you clearly feel that freedom means responsibility—not the kind that weighs you down, but the kind that liberates you.
For me, Ukrainian Students for Freedom is a community of free-spirited people who take action and inspire others. It’s a group of passionate individuals who motivate and energize you to take action as well.

Olesia is an activist with the USF. She was born and raised in the village of Hrymailiv in the Ternopil region. During her school years, she was a member of the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. In 2023, she enrolled at the Ukrainian Catholic University and moved to Lviv. She continues her studies in the “Sociology” program. Olesia coordinates volunteer events for first-year students at the university as part of the “Service” course. Since 2024, she has been a member of the “Motanka” student organization, holding the position of a researcher. She is engaged in promoting Ukrainian culture, particularly by handcrafting and popularizing traditional Ukrainian beadwork.

For the Ukrainian people, freedom has always been an integral part of their identity. It is not only the right to act but also the ability to shape oneself, even in the most challenging times. I am particularly struck by the words of Oksana Zabuzhko, who, reflecting on Lesya Ukrainka’s drama “The Forest Song”, emphasizes that the greatest torment for the protagonist, Mavka, was falling into the snare of “He Who Dwells in the Rock.” The rock symbolizes unfreedom—a state where the capacity for movement, creation, and choice is lost. It is not merely physical confinement but spiritual stagnation, where the will to live, dream, and strive vanishes, leaving only an empty shell.

Oksana Zabuzhko notes that “the greatest torment for a Ukrainian is the absence of freedom, just as for Mavka, it was ‘He Who Dwells in the Rock.’”

Nazar is an activist of the USF. He grew up in the village of Dvirtsy, in the Lviv region, where he graduated from school. He is a 4th-year student of the specialty “Information Systems and Technologies” at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. In his 2nd year, he began to engage in debates of the British-parliamentary format. During his 3rd year of study, he was the head of the Debate Club of the National University of Lviv, and at the beginning of his 4th year, he became the head of the student council of his dormitory. He learned about the USF from a friend. He joined the organization in 2024. He is part of the Lviv branch, where he is a member of the Lviv operational team.

For me, freedom is about 3 things:
Progress, Comfort and Responsibility.
It is through freedom, the opportunity to exchange ideas, the opportunity to try new things and question established norms that we can achieve technological and social progress.

Since no one can get into our heads, no one can know the best option for us except ourselves.

However, being free places on us the responsibility for our well-being, for our decisions and their consequences, and this is something that we must not forget.

Demian, an activist, was born and lives in Lviv. He has developed a program to improve the psychological state of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Since the first days of the war, he has been actively involved in volunteer work: he organizes humanitarian aid deliveries to the front and participates in various initiatives. He was also a member of the Lviv Self-Defense. Demian is a 4th year student of the Faculty of Psychology at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. Due to his love for psychology, he attends intervention groups and constantly improves his skills in various courses. He is a member of the university’s psychological service and an activist of the scientific society. He actively applies his knowledge of psychology in practice and regularly organizes trainings for various audiences. He often participates in events dedicated to such topics, as he is convinced that only a person who is satisfied with his life can think about higher values such as freedom. Demian combines psychology with sports. He has run a marathon, can do a pull-up bar over 50 times, including on one arm, and performs other difficult elements. He likes to run long distances in the mountains and outdoors, and he also rides a bicycle. He loves animals and volunteers at the Lviv Animal Protection Center, which helps stray dogs. Demian is a romantic at heart who appreciates evening walks and a special atmosphere. He is friendly and easy to get along with.

Freedom is a responsibility. One has only to dare to take it on, and life will sparkle with unprecedented colors.

Oleh is a native citizen of Lviv with a Dnipro soul, studied at 81 Lyceum and after that, in 2022, he entered the Lviv Polytechnic National University with a degree in International Economic Relations. He came across the USF quite by accident, but on the first day of the Leadership Program he realized that it was his. Since he was a child, he has adhered to the ideas of freedom, so he believes that the USF has a great future.

Freedom is worth fighting for, so I wish you that Ukraine is free and we are free in it.

Yehor was born in the city of Donetsk, from where he left in 2014. From 2014 to 2022, he lived and studied at school in the city of Druzhkivka, Donetsk region. Since 2022, he has been a student at Lviv Polytechnic National University, studying in Computer Science. Joined USF in 2024, being the 3rd attempt he tried to apply.

“Freedom means responsibility” – some wise man

Polina Onyshchenko is a student at the Ukrainian Catholic University, majoring in Philology. Through academic exchange, she studied twice at the University of Tübingen, participating in courses focused on freedom of expression and intercultural understanding, as well as at the University of Jena, where she concentrated on researching lexical changes in the Ukrainian language using methods of corpus linguistics and artificial intelligence. She is also a participant in the Erasmus+ program at Viadrina University. Actively involved in extracurricular activities, Polina engages in volunteer projects and leadership initiatives. She collaborates with the international youth organization VidNova and serves as an ambassador for a project aimed at supporting Ukraine. Throughout her volunteer work, she has participated in various initiatives, including visiting orphanages and supporting children of internally displaced persons. Polina also has experience in project management, working on merchandise creation and engaging in social and cultural projects. She is a graduate of the “IdeasLab” acceleration program, where she gained experience in implementing innovative ideas and startups. Polina believes that youth is a driving force for social change and actively participates in initiatives that promote democratic values and strengthen civil society in Ukraine.

For me, freedom is, above all, the ability to be myself, act according to my own principles, and openly express my thoughts. It is the feeling that I have the right to choose who to be, where to go, and how to express myself in this world. Freedom, to me, is not only the absence of constraints but also the responsibility for my own choices and actions.
It is important for me to have space for self-expression, the ability to speak about what matters to me without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. It is the right to make mistakes from which I learn and the chance to independently shape my path. I believe that true freedom is an inner state where I am held back neither by external limitations nor by my own fears.

Katrusya is an activist of the Ukrainian Students for Freedom (USF), for whom freedom is not only a value, but also a daily choice. She was born in Kharkiv, the city of sun and strength, where she actively volunteered. In the summer of 2024, she joined the USF community, which was a turning point in her life. In September of the same year, she began studying International Law at the Ivan Franko Lviv National University.

Freedom is breaking every chain—
Only then will serenity reign!

Maria is an activist in the USF. She was born in Ivano-Frankivsk and graduated from the Science and Mathematics Lyceum. She studies in the specialty «Ethics-Politics-Economics» at the Ukrainian Catholic University (2021-2025). She is also a participant in the National Model UN 2023 in Germany. She completed an internship at the analytical center CASE Ukraine, Transparency International, the Institute of the City of Lviv City Council, and others.

«Freedom means responsibility, that’s why most people fear it».

Solomiya, Solya — an activist of the Ukrainian Students for Freedom organization. She grew up in the small Hutsul town of Kosiv. Since 2019, she studied at the Ukrainian Catholic University, majoring in Sociology; now, she is studying European enlargement, identities, and migration at the Invisible University for Ukraine. After moving to Lviv, she is involved in volunteering and community activities. Currently conducting sociological research for Ukrainian public organizations and Ukrainian refugees’ foundations abroad. Found out about USF a few years ago, and for the first time, got to the event – «Fire of Freedom» forum in Ternopil in 2022. In the same year, she became a USF Follower follower, and in 2023 — a participant in the Leadership Program, receiving the status of an activist.

«The most important thing is always about people and their values.StudFreedom is about that. To have freedom and be courageous, and being free – to be responsible. It’s understanding that your voice and actions matter, and that working together can make a difference. StudFreedom is about the hope that our country has a future with so many like-minded people, and it is up to us to make it as bright as possible».

Zhenia is an activist in the Ukrainian Students for Freedom. He hails from Khmelnytsky but has been studying in Lviv for three years now. Initially, he enrolled at the Ukrainian Catholic University to major in Political Science, took an academic leave to undergo the formational program of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy, and has now, motivated in part by the USF, advanced to the second year of his studies at the university. He preaches the ideals of freedom everywhere: in personal conversations and during lectures and seminars at the university.

«For me, freedom, first and foremost, is about responsibility. I am free not only to do something but also to act under societal rules. However, this doesn’t make me a captive of others’ demands. I try to live in harmony with myself and with society. I believe this is a consensus in an era when neither communism nor liberalism have proven to be universal and infallible ideologies».

Olya is an activist of USF. She was born and raised in the charming city of Lviv. She is studying at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv to become an elementary school teacher and works at a school. She dreams of a happy future for the young generation of our country, and she wants to work and develop in Ukraine for this purpose. In 2023, she became a member of USF. For her, the student years are a time for experimentation and self-discovery, a period when there are plenty of opportunities for personal development, valuable connections, discoveries, and experiences. This is what drives her to become a participant in the “Leadership Program.” In the challenging days of the ongoing struggle of the Ukrainian people, including those close to her, for our freedom, the importance of activism and self-development is especially crucial. She believes that beyond this lies the future, as she is confident that the war will end, and the day will come when the damaged cities and villages will await our hands and wisdom.

«Freedom is the ability to choose who you are and what you do» — Harry Emerson Fosdick.

His name is Volodymyr Poterayko. He was born in the city of Irpin. He was the president of his school, then became the chairman of the city’s council of leaders. After graduation, Volodymyr moved to Lviv to enter the Ukrainian Catholic University. While studying at UCU, he was involved in social activities and was a member of many student organizations. Now Volodymyr is the head of the NGO Free Space.

«Freedom is a responsibility that lies on our shoulders. In order to achieve it, we must fight for it, often through blood and great effort».

Maksym is a USF activist. He was born and raised in Lviv, where after graduating from high school in 2022 he entered the Ukrainian Catholic University, majoring in Political Science. He joined the libertarian movement in 2023 when he visited the model of the Verkhovna Rada and was inspired by the ideas of the USF. He is a graduate of THE OBJECTIVIST THOUGHT LEADER PROGRAM. He organized a course of lectures on financial literacy for young people. In 2023, he did an internship at the Lviv City Council.

«I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine».

Mark, lived in many cities in Ukraine and graduated from the Oleksy Novakivskyi art school in 2020 studying at the Institute of Architecture at the Lviv Polytechnic. He is fond of photography, painting, and ideas of freedom, a member of the debate Federation of Ukraine, and the national Kyokushin karate team.

«For me, the idea of ​​freedom is to freely develop one’s potential, one’s country, and one’s environment. It’s feeling responsible for your actions and the place where you live. As young people, we are obliged to use our opportunities and talents to build our own country, the cities in which we grew up. USS is just the environment of people who can give such an idea to the site and help implement the project without fearing its innovations, in my opinion, this is freedom».

Olha is an activist in the USF. She was born and raised in Khmelnytskyi. In 2022, she graduated from the Ukrainian Leadership Academy, where she discovered her love for political science. At the same time, she immediately entered the Ethics-Politics-Economics programme at UCU. She enjoys SMM, organises socially-oriented projects, and is involved in student government. She served as Deputy Chair of the UCU Student Council and Chair of the Public Communications Committee. In 2023, Olha became the best Objectivist Thought Leaders Programme graduate from the Ayn Rand Centre in Ukraine and joined the USF the same year.

«Freedom fuels the fire of creativity and innovation in the search for new solutions to the challenges of our time. The USF is a space to bring together like-minded people and fighters who want to realise this positive freedom and create the future».

Vadym is an activist of the USF. He was born and grew up in the small town of Oleshki in the Kherson region, where he graduated from high school. Since 2020, he has been studying at Ivan Franco National University of Lviv, majoring in «Political Science». From May 2022 to September 2023, he headed the student organization of the Faculty of Philosophy. In 2022, he became a participant in two international programs «Digital University» and «USTUF Digital Interdisciplinary Mini Academy». Since August 2023, he has been an activist of «USF».

«For me, freedom is the greatest and most important value. I experienced how valuable it can be since I lost the freedom to go to my relatives, and to my home. USS is a place where I am surrounded by people who value my freedom and are ready to defend the value of freedom together. We live in a time when freedom is what our state has been fighting for the ninth year, for which thousands of soldiers died, so I feel a personal responsibility for the continuation of this struggle».

Roksolana has been an activist in Ukrainian Student for Freedom since the summer of 2023, but she has been a dedicated follower of the organization long before her «official induction». She grew up in a small town in Galichyna, and in 2020 she was enrolled in the Lviv School of Physics and Mathematics. In 2021, she became a member of the Lviv Debate Club, and in 2022, she joined the Debate Club at the Ukrainian Catholic University. During 2021-2022, she conducted research within the Junior Academy of Sciences in Ukraine in the fields of law and history, and she wrote and defended a research paper on the latter topic. During the full-scale invasion, Roksolana temporarily attended a German school, where she founded the «What is Ukraine» project, delivering five lectures to over 200 students on the history of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Since the summer of 2023, Roksolana has actively participated in the NGO «European Youth Parliament», where she organized a 5-day Training Camp for over 60 participants in Chernivtsi. She is also a graduate of the John Galt School in 2023 and has completed the «Objectivist Thought Leaders Program» by the Ayn Rand Center in Ukraine. In the fall of 2023, Roksolana successfully executed seven projects, the most notable of which are the «Atlas Talks» initiative, aimed at helping teenagers determine their prospects in science, business, and IT; and «Youth With Money» (YWM), a financial literacy academy through which the youth of Lviv and Kharkiv learned about economic freedom. In the summer of 2023, she became a finalist in the Ukraine Global Scholars program and has since been actively working on gaining admission to the world’s top universities.

«Freedom is the ability to create one’s life entirely through one’s own choices. It’s when your time and resources belong solely to you and depend on you. Freedom means having the power to shoulder the responsibility and speak through your actions. I couldn’t prevent a full-scale invasion, but I can do my utmost for Victory. I can’t change the time of sunrise, but I can control my time. I can’t learn a foreign language in three days, but I can learn it in three years. Freedom is the ability to accept what cannot be changed and fight for what can be changed. Freedom is a dynamic process that serves as the litmus test of a person’s happiness».

Ustym is a USF activist who is a second-year student in the Ethics-Politics-Economics program at UCU. He has been a long-time scout and is also a member of another student organization, the Ukrainian Student League, where he is engaged in communications with companies and foundations, as well as writing grants in the fundraising department. Ustym also writes plots for YouTube videos, teaches English, manages the Instagram page of the Free Space shop, and organizes various projects (when he has free time). He joined USF in 2023 after the Leadership Program.

«Prometheus became the one who brought fire to people. The powers that be of that world did not like this. They chained him to a rock. Those who have political power in this world also do not want people to have fire. Fire in the hearts. However, this fire is stronger than any coercion. The fire of freedom always burns in our hearts. The USF only stirs it up».

Volodymyr is a USF activist. This guy is from the planet Earth, which is not far from the Moon, where he wanted to fly to see the Earth from the side and understand that human problems are just a grain of sand in space. There is such a wonderful city of Kharkiv on the planet, where he grew up and became a student of the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts majoring in 022 «Graphic Design», where he participated in student self-government as a volunteer and worked as a laboratory assistant. His main project was the development of alternative information transmission, which is closely related connected with art. His message was the promotion of art and the inspiration of earthlings on Earth and beyond.

«To be free and have the right to choose in our time, not everyone can include this ability in their life. Therefore, I am looking for ways to damage corruption and fix the old patch of power».

Margo is an USF activist. She lived most of her life in the city of Sosnivka in Galicia. From 2019 to 2023, she studied at the Dnipro National University named after Oles Honchar in the direction of ‘Japanese Philology’.

‘Actively participated in the public sector since 2017; In 2022-2023, she worked as a journalist in the regional media “Echo of Chervonograd” and interned in the investigative media ‘18000’. Studied at the journalism program ‘Fellowship for MediaMakers’. He is engaged in regional youth policy and works in the field of fundraising in the ‘National Network for the Development of Local Philanthropy’. She joined USF in the summer of 2023, having entered the Leadership Program.’

Vladyslav is a student of UCU, grew up in the city of Vinnytsia. Joined USF in 2023. Conducts active volunteer and scientific activities within the university. He also completed an internship in media platforms.

‘The most important kind of Freedom is to be what you really are.’

Vladyslav is a 2nd year student of the Ethics-Politics-Economics program at the Ukrainian Catholic University. Since the beginning of the 2023-2024 academic year, he has been a member of the Student Initiative Working Group, engaged in the development of proposals for changes in his study program. Vladyslav was born in Zaporizhzhia, where he was raised and graduated from school. In the 11th grade, he took part in the FLEX program and studied in Idaho, USA. During this time, he participated in speech and debate competitions and became a member of the National Speech and Debate Association. After graduation, in 2020-2021, he took part in the formation program at the Lviv branch of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy. Vladyslav’s interests include philosophy, politics, religion, urbanism, and related fields. He enjoys traveling around Ukraine, meeting new people, and exploring religious communities.

‘The expression “trends we don’t like prevail while we keep silent” in my understanding is inextricably linked to freedom.The freedom to choose the world I live in, to be a full-fledged participant in it, to show determination and courage in the face of destructive processes. And occasionally, on the contrary, openness to being wrong. It is through the expression of our own opinions that we encounter the response of others – support, disagreement, opposition; it is in this process that we interact with the world and find our own place.’

Ivanna was born and raised in Kyiv. In recent years at the lyceum she’s become more involved in political processes in Ukraine through public activism. Not long after, with a background in social activities (school self-government, organization of models UN, debates etc.) and a keen interest in national consciousness phenomenon and post-colonial studies, she won a 100% tuition scholarship and enrolled in political science at UCU in 2022. She graduated from both general and music school with high remarks. Later in the university Ivanna became a member of experimental noise band “Korysni kopalyny”. While continuing organizing events like MUN or crisis games with her school friends on behalf of the NGO “Prosvita”, Ivanna got into the leadership program and became an activist of the USF in 2023. The issue of freedom is one of the key ones in her scientific interest in forming independent freedom of the Ukrainian state and nation.

‘Freedom is an integral part of the human personality, but this does not prevent widespread neglect of these values. We still live in a society with the trauma of totalitarianism and sometimes we cannot imagine that we have the right just to be ourselves and act freely. Therefore, for me, USF is about our recovery. When a young active segment of society will focus its efforts on common (and therefore personal for everyone) well-being instead of establishing norms, pressures and restrictions, it may mark a new beginning for the state, only this time the initiative to build society will come from below.’

Kyrylo lives to create. From the age of fifteen, he decided to change his hometown, Odesa, for the better and fought with the bureaucracy system, obtaining permission to conduct volunteer actions. After that, realizing the importance of acquiring new knowledge, Kyrylo went into educational projects to get bogged down in them, until in 2022 he became a Young European Ambassador. Being a pillar of Ukraine’s European integration (as he sometimes said jokingly), Kyrylo participated in various projects as a Young European Ambassador, and had the opportunity to represent Ukraine at the third European Forum of Young Leaders, as part of the European Economic Forum. Running for the ideas of freedom on his continent, Kyrylo joined the NO ‘Ukrainian Students for Freedom’.

«Freedom is not a gift, but a salary for a hard struggle.»

Natalia is a proud member of USF. She grew up in Uzhhorod, where she graduated from a gymnasium and was the only humanitarian class member who took a physics test for university. In 2018, she began her university journey at Kosice Technical University, where she studied artificial intelligence and electrical engineering for a year. Then in 2019 she changed her major to architecture and urban planning and moved to Lviv, where she got actively involved in community and volunteer work. Since 2020, she has been working as an ambassador for international exchanges and youth opportunities. In 2023 she took an academic leave and became a volunteer in Kharkiv, further strengthening her belief in the importance of freedom. In addition to her studies, she is also actively involved in startups (frequently participating in hackathons and UCU programs) and directly contributes to the restoration and improvement of cities in Ukraine with the Urban Reforms team. She’s an active fighter for inclusive, free, and smart cities.

‘Freedom comes at a high cost, but without it everything loses its meaning. I firmly believe that those who want to change the world will do so. USF is a place where young people are believed in, given tools and supported in their transformations. It’s a place where the value of freedom is understood not only in words but, above all, in actions and through experience. No one wields as much influence and power as young ambitious individuals who constantly dare because they believe in and seek freedom. The freedom to study what they want, to change when they don’t like something, to be free in their thoughts and expressions, to live wherever they desire… Freedom is a choice worth everything, your time, and even your life.’

Anhelina was born in Varash, Rivne region. She was a member of the city’s youth council. She graduated from the Ukrainian Leadership Academy in 2021. Afterwards, she entered the Ukrainian Catholic University to study Cultural Studies.

‘For me, the values of freedom are the only way for Ukraine to succeed. I believe that conscious Ukrainian youth must be their ambassadors to study economics and join the rebuilding process. It is very important for us to think in order to build a value-based foundation for our common future.’

Karyna was born in the town of Chortkiv in the Ternopil region. In her city, she actively developed youth policy at the local government level and implemented interesting projects for young people. In 2023, she entered the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, majoring in Psychology.

She joined the USF in 2023 after learning about the organisation from friends and realising that this is the community in which she wants to create in the future.

‘After attending the Leadership Program, I realized how much the values and people around me resonate with me. How much I want to build the future of Ukraine with them. The USF is a light that burns in each of us individually, and when we are together, it turns into a fire, hot and bright.’

Mariia was born in Mariupol. During her teenage years, she began engaging in community activities and took business courses from the ‘Khalabuda’, the Swedish camp UngDrive, and organized the city’s first roller speed skating competition. At the start of the full-scale invasion, she endured 21 days in the besieged city, after which she moved to the city of Dnipro. In 2022, she enrolled in the Ukrainian Leadership Academy. Over the course of a year, she initiated the ‘Svitlo/1778′ project, which raised funds for the needs of the Azovstal Fighters’ Family Association. Upon completing the Academy, she became an activist in the Ukrainian Student for Freedom and a volunteer trainer in the Ukrainian Volunteer Service. She took a gap year from my studies to explore my capabilities and relocated to Kyiv to be closer to project opportunities and teams.

‘In my family, I have two military members who defend our Freedom. Previously, I perceived Freedom as a value that the state should guarantee. Now, I am convinced that one must always fight for Freedom in all aspects of life. This way, Freedom becomes not something given but an achievement valued in proportion to the efforts made. Thanks to USF (Ukrainian Students for Freedom), I can deepen my knowledge on how I can secure my freedoms within a community of like-minded individuals.’

Anastasia is an activist of the USF. Born and raised in the city of Kropyvnytskyi. From 2022 she studies journalism at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. In 2023 she joined the USF, clearly realizing the importance of the idea of libertarianism. She is keen on literature about politics and culture, copywriting (in particular, in the media “OBIZNANI”) and professionally engages in photography. From school she was a member of the social-psychological theater and a member of the all-Ukrainian school “Agents of Changes”.

USF is about a powerful community, that creates a country in which everyone wants to live. Freedom is about each of us who believes in our voice’s importance and actions!

Markiian is a USF activist who’s born and raised in Lviv where he currently studies “economic analysis and business statistics” at the Lviv university of Ivan Franko. He is really into economics, politics and history. He considers himself to be a libertarian ever since he was 16 and he was developing the ideas of liberty and freedom in himself ever since. Markiian joined the USF in 2022 when he understood that it was just the right organization for him, supporting the same ideas and ideals and full of like-minded individuals.

Freedom is above everything. Freedom is what our ancestors fought for, and what our sons and daughters will fight for. The fight for freedom is necessary and eternal. “He only earns his freedom and his life Who takes them everyday by storm.” For my generation what happened on the independence square in 2014 changed our youth and i believe that USF will help me and others to improve ourself, to develop new ideas. To save the freedoms we have, and fight for the freedoms we want.

Iryna is an activist of the USS. She was born and lived in the city of Horodenka until the age of 17, where she graduated from the gymnasium. Then she moved to Lviv and entered the UCU , program “Ethics-Politics-Economics”. Now she goes to international programs, travels. She joined the USF in 2021.

“I fell extremely in love with this community, because I believe that the future of Ukraine is in the hands of active and free youth. For me, freedom is the highest value in the life of every person. This is the guideline according to which we should move if we strive to achieve social well-being .”

Kate is an activist of USF. She grew up and lives in the city of Truskavets. She graduated from a high school here. She dreamed of becoming a doctor since childhood. So, in 2020, she entered the Danylo Halytskyi National Medical University, but at the Faculty of Pharmacy. After studying there for a year, she successfully passed the entrance exams exams, and entered her dream specialty – medicine. After the start of the full-scale invasion of Russia, she volunteered in her hometown, first setting up shelters for refugees, and then in a hospital, helping wounded soldiers in the intensive care unit. while studying at the university, he is actively interested in reforming medicine in Ukraine. She finished the course “How health care works”. She is a member of the Student Self-Government and is the head of the group.

It was with the beginning of Russia’s war with Ukraine that I understood what freedom is for Ukrainians and for Ukrainian youth in particular. I want to have the freedom to choose where to study and work, where to live. For me, Freedom is reasonable and fair laws that are implemented by members of society. It is to have the right to think and say what I think, even mistakenly. There are no bad thoughts, no bad tastes. There are different ones. Freedom is the ability to make decisions yourself and bear responsibility for them. USF is fighting for this. USF is youth, and youth is the driving force that is the future of our country.

Sophia was born and raised in Lviv. In 2022, she graduated from the University in Warsaw, majoring in visual communication design. In 2021 studied art at the ENSA Dijon as part of the Erasmus program. She is interested in deepening her knowledge of Ukrainian art and design to create durable and responsible design projects for the Ukrainian market. In 2022, she joined the USF because she felt it was the right step to make on a road to liberty.

“It will sound cliché, but the USF is about a community of people with similar views and values, about people who do care. Actually, such an organization allows you to act and be sure that you have a needed support in the faces of other activists.”

Tata or Tanya – a young activist in the USF. She grew up in the city of Lutsk, and graduated from school there. In 2021, she entered Lviv Polytechnic National University, majoring in Tourism. Before the quarantine, she was actively engaged in public activities, and was a member of the youth public organization “FRI”. Now the girl is actively engaged in photography and developing of her own social networks, and also creates traditional Ukrainian jewelry from beads.

USF is about the freedom of your flight, your opportunities, and your belief in a better free life.

A comprehensively developed personality. A person who tries himself in everything and is looking for himself. Sofia was born and grew up in the wonderful city of Ivano-Frankivsk. She is currently a first-year student at the Frank University of Lviv, majoring in “Local Studies (International Relations)”. Since 2016, she has been a volunteer of the international organization “Maltese Aid Service”, where she especially helped orphans, people with disabilities, and cancer patients. In addition, she graduated from a music school with piano, thanks to which she instilled a love for art. An amateur of great tennis. Since 2022, she became an activist of the libertarian organization “Ukrainian Students for Freedom”, where she met incredible people and developed various skills.

‘This is an incredible place that brought together young people full of enthusiasm and full of thirst for the development of themselves and society in general. This is a huge job: to make such useful and large-scale contributions to the prosperity of our young generation. I would never have believed that completely different people could become a family in such a short time)’.

This is Mark. He is an activist of the USF. Born and raised in Kremenchuk. In 2020, he first got acquainted with USF in 2020, where he joined the team of the Kremenchuk branch. In 2021, he entered the Ukrainian Catholic University for law. He had a dream to change Ukraine for the better and to get a quality education in Ukraine. He even claimed that he wanted to be the President of Ukraine. He also considers himself a centrist in terms of political views. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he has actively volunteered at the Humanitarian Headquarters of the UCU. Became an activist of the USS as early as 2022 in Medzhibozh.

Freedom is an integral part of Ukrainian society. USF actively spreads this idea, and is one of the largest political education organization. I believe that the USF is an excellent community for the implementation of your projects, which will be able to increase the political culture in our state.

Olya is the activist of Ukrainian Students for Liberty. She’s from Lviv, where she’s decided to study. She’s studying Psychology in Ukrainian Catholic University. Olya belongs to several student organizations within the University, she’s studying at. It’s “Hutirka”, whose members organize events with interesting people for the community and “Poradnia”, which organizes free psychological aid for people in need. Obviously, Olya doesn’t consult people in “Poradnya” as she respects Ethics Code, but she’s very in favor in promoting the Centre.
She joined libertarian movement very accidentally, coming across the account of USF in the Instagram. Then, she joined Leadership Program 2022.

Ukrainian Students for Liberty is about people and the future of our Ukraine, as it is liberty and freedom we’re talking about. Freedom is that value thanks to which we’re here and it’s that value that we’ll have to fight for. Fighting for freedom and for Ukraine is very logically with Ukrainian Students for Liberty.

Yaroslav is a sophomore at New York University. He is double-majoring in Computer Science and Business. He grew up in a town called Bucha, Kyiv region. After graduating from high school, he entered Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. After his freshman year, he took a leave of absence to complete a 10-month formational program from Ukrainian Leadership Academy. During the rigorous studies there, he simultaneously was preparing for SAT. After completing New York University’s Candidate Weekend in Abu Dhabi, got an admission offer with a scholarship of $320 000. It covered not only tuition, but also dorm expenses, meals, stipend, flights back home and health insurance. Also Yaroslav is an author of the YouTube channel “The Pursuit” with 233 000 subscribers. In his videos, he shares his life lessons, methods on discipline and efficiency, as well as inspiring people to change their lives for the better.

‘USF for me is about change. Change in the mind of young people, change in the educational process of Ukrainian universities. It is about practical actions, events that aim to raise awareness about a certain topic or help others grow. It is about great community where you are valued and equal, but where you also grow, both as a person and an effective leader.’

Andrii was born and grew up in Kyiv. From 2020 to 2022 he studied Software Engineering at Applied College of Information Systems and Technologies of State Higher Educational Institution “KNEU named after Vadym Hetman”. For the first year of studying he found out about volunteering and became a member of NGO “Ukrainian Volunteer Service” as an Agent of Volunteering. For the second year he managed to become a student NGO “Ukrainian Leadership Academy”, studying in which will start in 2023 academic year. Andrii joined Ukrainian Students for Freedom in August 2022 by participating in “Leadership Program” – one of the USS projects

«I discovered Ukrainian Students for Freedom in 2021 and back then I thought that, probably, their “Leadership Program” is not for me, because freedom is something abstract. But before the 2022 “Leadership Program” I was convinced that freedom is the most important thing and is for everyone. After the “Leadership Program” I understood that freedom is the most important thing, but freedom must be earned»

Sonya who became a member of USF just by applying for the Leadership Program and only then she liked the people there and the whole idea of organization. She’s from the small but really beautiful and inspiring town, Zalishchyky. And if you had never heard about it just look at its pictures and enjoy it. She took a gap year after graduating from school and she thinks it was one of the best decisions she’d ever made. She studies Political Science in Ukrainian Catholic University, travels a lot, writes nice texts, runs almost every morning and sometimes goes to international programs.

«As already mentioned, I learned about the organization by accident – applying for the Leadership Program – and already there, getting to know the ideology and views of the members of the organization, I realized that they are close to me and that I want to be part of this community. I see great strength in the giant youth movement, which is based on the right (in my opinion) values, the participants of which are incredibly interesting and intelligent individuals. Therefore, I know that we will continue to create a country of free people, as we are doing it now.»

Julia was born and raised in Sambir, Lviv region. In 2020 she graduated from high school and entered the Ukrainian Catholic University, where she studies sociology. From school she took an active part in the life of the community of her city, she is a member of an organization that cultivates team work, leadership and moral qualities. In addition, Julia has been working (on a volunteer basis) with children for several years, organizing camps and helping with studying. In 2019 she participated in camps from Peace Corps, so she has experience working with American volunteers and organizing community projects. She is interested in politics, participated in the UN Model Student and the UN Model Summer School together with NaUKMA and MacEwan University in Canada. At the moment, there is a VP of Finance and Fundraising in the UCU MUN Club. She joined USF in 2021 after the Leadership Program.

 «After the Leadership Program, I realized that I had become a member of another incredibly cool family. Yes, USF is a family, which you can share absolutely everything with joy and sorrow, victories and failures, laughter and tears. Here you are accepted as you really are, you are listened to and heard regardless of someone’s own beliefs and opinions. USF is about freedom in all its dimensions. Also, Ukrainian Students for Freedom are people who really cares, people who not only talk about problems but clearly act to solve them. USF members are people who are committed to a common idea, values ​​and work in spite of everything. The educational part and purpose of the USF is very important, because it allows us to keep abreast of all current events and political processes in the world, and in Ukraine in particular. However, it is definitely me, you and we who move this community and our country.»

Katya studies to become an actor at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. She has been involved in orienteering since childhood. Katya loves the freedom she can feel in her hobbies. She wants to see more confident and free people in everyday life. Now she is an activist of the USF since Program of Leadership 2021.

«USF for Katya is impetus to do useful things with like-minded people, that know what they want and go to their aims confidently.»

She was born and raised in Lviv. She studies at the Lviv Polytechnic National University. She became a member of the «Ukrainian Students for Freedom» in 2021.

For me, «Ukrainian Students for Freedom» is about possibilities. Possibility to be in an environment of active like-minded people. Possibility to study together, to rest together, and to change ourselves and our country.

Daniella’s native town is Mukachevo. She was a volunteer in a local public organization and worked as a project manager. She loves photography and ski freestyle with everything in her. Daniella was a member of the national team of Ukraine from 2018 to 2020. After participation in Leadership Program 2021, she joined Ukrainian Students for Freedom.

«Freedom for me is not just 7 letters, but the most important value. I believe that it is what mostly makes people happy. Joining USF became a turning point in my worldview and perception of personal, economic, and political freedom. People here are in complete love. USF is family.»

Founder of Alter Ego — a mobile app, collection of mental models and philosophical therapeutic practices from the greatest historical thinkers. Harvard University Fellow. BA in Global Economic History at Ukrainian Catholic University.

«As a person who works at the intersection of academic research, technology, and entrepreneurship, I see the ideas of freedom as particularly applicable. I believe in the Ukrainian libertarian movement and assume it has a great potential for creating a unique startup ecosystem in Ukraine.»

Uliana is a USF activist and an active volunteer. She comes from Ivano-Frankivsk region. She is currently studying in Lviv. Actively participated in student government, danced. She graduated from art school and arts and crafts. From 2017-2021 is a student of LNU named after Ivan Franko.
Joined the libertarian movement after the “Leadership Program” in 2021.

«USF is an opportunity to show your public speaking skills, it is an acquaintance from all parts of Ukraine. It’s a huge community of like-minded people who want to live in a free state. It’s a huge family that will always support you, encourage you and inspire you to take action.»

Mariana — student, activist, finding and creating myself.
Honestly, I cannot describe myself in 3 words – so contact me and we will communicate!
From Drogobych, graduated from the gymnasium. One year have studied chines philology at KLNU. Took an academic pause and spent 10 months at the Ukrainian leadership academy. Now studying politics at UCU.

«Enjoy being free and create a free society. Freedom is the greatest value for me, want to be a part of building it in my country.»

Kateryna grew up in Kyiv and is an alumna of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy. She fundraised 70 Ukrainian-language books to the Bakhmut Library. During 2020-2021 she volunteered for 220 hours. One of the organizers of an educational forum for young people from Crimea and the East of Ukraine. She worked for 3 months in the organization UAnimals, which protects animals rights. She is a first-year student at UCU, majoring in Political Science.

«‎In USF I found a wonderful community of people with whom I want to create Ukraine. I feel unity with students from all over Ukraine and I understand how powerful we are together.»

Born in Lviv, Maksym is still studying at school at the senior year. In June 2021 he participated in the St. John’s University’s summer program. Maksym will start his first year at the university in fall 2022. He speaks fluently in 4 languages. In August 2021 he joined USF.

«I joined the libertarian movement in August, at the end of the leadership program.»‎

Zoryana – born and grew up in Lviv, where she has took part in a series of projects since school. She maintains a proactive position in life and enjoys networking. Libertarianism support was developed during classes of history of economic thought in the first year at the University. USF activist since summer 2021.

The thing I love most about USF is that your point of view can be confidently expressed, and you will receive constructive feedback with some new information to know.

Born in Lviv. Lviv Physics and mathematics lyceum alumni. She has an active social position and us truly keen on volunteering. Full of liberty.

Orest is studying at the National University “”Lviv Polytechnic”” in the 4th year. He chose his faculty for the purpose of further management of public processes.
Most of his life he lived in the cultural capital of Ukraine – in the city of Lviv. Actively participates in the student life of his university. Believes that only a new generation of students (leaders) can change the state of affairs in the country.
He joined the organization in 2019, during the summer convention.

Anastasia is a future journalist and editor. She grew up in a village near Vinnytsia and now lives and studies in Lviv. Active volunteers at various forums and enthusiasts in their city also take part in various schools and training in journalism and need to use that self-development is the key to success.

Julia – the member of the Ukrainian Students for Freedom. Was born in Tavrijsk city (Kherson region). Since 2015 she has been studying at the Lviv State University of Life Safety in the field of practical psychology. Joined the libertarian system in 2019, when passed the USF Ledership Program in August.

Andriy is a law student at Lviv University of Trade and Economics. He grew up and lives in the picturesque city of Lviv. He first learned about the benefits of libertarianism at the university and realized that the expansion of human rights and freedoms, not state interference in a person’s private life, and an exclusively market economy – have only positive consequences for society and the state. He learned about “Ukrainian Students for Freedom” at the “Student Model of the US Congress” and in August 2019, having joined the regional selection, he joined the team of “Ukrainian Students for Freedom” :).

Mykola is a student of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. He grew up in Ostrog, where he graduated from school. Since 2014 she is a student of LNU. He’s studing in the field of computer science. Joined Libertarian movement in the summer of 2018. Since 2017, a member of the Ukrainian Students’ Union for Freedom.

Taras is a graduate of the Ukrainian Academy of Leadership. Student of “Cyber ​​Security” program at Lviv Polytechnic University. For the first time, I learned about “Ukrainian Students for Liberty” according to the recommendations of my friend, and joined the movement in the summer of 2018.

Olexandra is a student of the Franko National University of Lviv in the field of “Political Science”. She was born and raised in Kreminna city in Luhansk region. She realized the importance of liberal values ​​after the Revolution of Dignity and the Russian occupation of Ukraine’s territories. She currently works as a journalist for a media of Luhansk region and is engaged in public activities in the NGO “Center for Civil Liberties”.

For me, liberalism is an ideology based on the principles of political and individual freedoms, pluralism and the rule of law. USS is almost the only organization in Ukraine that truly professes these principles and has a huge potential to become a platform capable of uniting the country on the basis of liberal values. It is the USF that proposes effective mechanisms for political and social change in Ukraine, and also provides ample opportunities to become an active part of these changes. That’s why I’m from USF.

Natalia grew up in Lviv, where she graduated from school. Since 2017 she has been a student of Lviv University of Trade and Economics in the field of Law. Natalia joined the libertarian movement in early 2020 when she entered the School of Legislators in Lviv in February. At the end of February of the same year, she took part in the Student Model of the US Congress. Since July 2020 she has been a member of the Ukrainian Students for Freedom organization.

Freedom is the ability of an individual to act following his/her desires, interests, goals based on knowledge of objective reality. At the same time, Freedom is an ideal of human interaction. Freedom is the ability to choose different ways of courses of events. The absence of choice is equal to the absence of Freedom. However, Freedom is not only the ideal of human interaction. It can be defined as a prism to evaluate and understand the world. In my opinion, the prism of Freedom, helps us to see the dignity of people, which is called equal rights, as well as the injustice and wrongness of the violation of these rights and freedoms.

Volodymyr was born in Chernivtsi, where he graduated from the Economic and Mathematical Lyceum. In 2019, he began studying at the Ukrainian Catholic University in the field of “Computer Science”, but in the second year he transferred to the speciality “Business Analytics and IT”. For the first time, he became interested in libertarianism at school. Volodymyr is currently trying to raise awareness about the ideas of libertarianism in his environment, and later throughout Ukraine.

Freedom has always been and will always be the highest value for me. I am convinced that Ukraine needs freedom right now, especially in the economic sphere. USF is a community where I have found like-minded people and strong support with whom I can promote the idea of freedom in society.