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.

Vladyslav was born in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk, and lived there until 2014. He moved to Zaporizhzhia and now lives here. He began to engage in public activity in 2017. With his team During his school years, he was an active leader of student self-government in the city of Zaporizhia, a participant and organizer of the All-Ukrainian and international Model UN, and also held events dedicated to the comprehensive development of our country’s youth. Vladyslav is interested in entrepreneurship and has his own mosaic business. He is also successful in his studies. He became an USF activist in 2022 after attending the incredible Leadership Program. After that, he joined “Ukrainian Students for Freedom”. Now he is an activist of this incredible organization.

‘Those who deprive others of their freedom do not deserve it themselves.’

Alina – was born in Berdychiv, has been living in Lutsk since 2006.
In 2022, after the Leadership Program, she joined the USF NGO.

‘Ukrainian Students for Freedom is about living here and now and having strong faith in what you are doing. I am happy to be a part of USF.’

Yelyzavetais an activist of the USF. From Kryvyi Rih, alumni of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy. She studied at the Ukrainian Catholic University and lived in Lviv for two years. Now she lives in Kyiv, receiving a bachelor’s degree from the Kyiv-Mohyla academy, Social Work program. Creates educational projects and is interested in local self-government.

‘Freedom is an eternal struggle that we can win only by uniting.’

AndriI is a student of Yaroslav the Wise National Law University. Born and raised in Cherkaschyna, from where he moved to Kharkiv to study in 2018. In the third year of studentship, realizing that only studying is not enough, he started searching for activities for his own development: writing academic papers, attending and organizing educational and scientific events, participating in Moot courts and internship at the NACP. From the 4th year of study, he decided to gain experience as a lawyer’s assistant.

‘USF is the vanguard of freedom that breaks through the thickest walls of restrictions. Freedom is not absolute, just like a property, it imposes responsibilities on you. USF students like nobody else know this and proudly take responsibility for it alongside the freedom they have received.’

She was born and grew up in the military town Starokostyantyniv, Khmelnytskyi region. In 2020, she entered Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute majoring in Applied Mathematics, willing to connect her life with data science, neural networks, and artificial intelligence. In the first year, she was a member of the student council of KPI, now she is a member of the student council of her faculty, FAM.

Freedom is primarily responsibility and awareness and USF is a place with people who meet both of these criteria. In 10 years, members of the USF will become scientists, politicians, and entrepreneurs, in other words – they will be the elite, the driving force of society, so it is very important to surround yourself with such great people now.

Maria – became an activist of the USF in 2022.  She was born in the city of Chernivtsi, and later she moved with her family to a village in the Chernivtsi region.  Even in her school years, she positioned herself as a creative person, in particular, she loved to draw.  In 2018, she graduated from an art school, and a year later – the 11th grade.  Also, in 2019, she entered the Chernivtsi National University named after Yuriy Fedkovich, majoring in International Law.  Maria didn’t like to sit aloof from all the events and decided to prove herself in the student parliament of the Faculty of Law.She has been a member for the 4th year.  During this time, she took an active part in the life of her faculty, was one of the organizers of various events, for example: «||  of the All-Ukrainian School of Young Politicians», and also began to engage in volunteering.  In 2021, she became a deputy of the Youth Council at the Boyan Territorial Community, and later an activist of the Youth Council of Bukovyna.  After the full-scale invasion, she volunteered at the central humanitarian headquarters of the Chernivtsi region for almost six months.

‘USF is the flame of Freedom that lives in each of us. These are goals, the goal of self-realization and the desire for change, both in relation to yourself and in relation to everything that surrounds you. This is a free space that gathers around people who are charged with the rays of Freedom, who know exactly what they want from life and aim to go to the very end.’

Pavlo was born and grew up in the city of Izmail, in the south of Odesa region. In 2020, he will enter the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, where he studies computer science. He got acquainted with the ideas of libertarianism at school, but rejected them, thinking that he was too young for it. But later, after learning about the USF and realizing that there are many people in Ukraine who share the values of freedom, he decided to join.

‘USF is an organization that helps young people develop as individuals regardless of their professional direction. This is a large community of students who appreciate freedom and strive to change Ukraine for the better.’

Vadym. In 2018 he graduated from Chernihiv Regional Scientific Lyceum with a degree in History and Philology. In 2018 he began to obtain a bachelor’s degree in History and Archaeology at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. In 2022 he began to obtain a master’s degree in History and Archeology at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Since 2019, he has been working in companies specializing in non-formal education. Current place of work is Beetroot Academy.

A place where people who will change our country are tempered.

Denys was born and grew up in Khmelnytskyi, on the border of Volyn and Podillia, in the town of Polonne. He studied at the Polonskiy Gymnasium, specializing in English and humanities. during school time, Denys graduated from music and acting school. Denis was also interested in the history and popularization of this science from school age, so in 2019 he entered KNU named after Taras Shevchenko to the Faculty of History.

‘USF is an organization that gives faith in a happy, promising, bright future. USF unites people who become a real family in a very short period of time. USF is exactly the place where you can find yourself. The values of freedom are key in this organization, they are also important for me, and USF gives the opportunity to fight for its values, and what is important is not an independent fight, but a joint one, together with like-minded people. USF is an organization that gives faith in a happy, promising, bright future. USF unites people who become a real family in a very short period of time. USF is exactly the place where you can find yourself. The values of freedom are key in this organization, they are also important for me, and USF gives the opportunity to fight for its values, and what is important is not an independent fight, but a joint one, together with like-minded people.’

Rustamdzhon is an activist at USF. He was born and grew up in the city of Zaporizhzhia, actively joined the volunteer movement in 2014 after the events of the Revolution of Dignity. Finalist of the FLEX program and alumnus of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy.

‘Freedom is a choice and each of us is choosing to be a part of this organization here and now.’

Oleh is an activist in USF. He was born in Vyshgorod, town in the Kyiv region. Since 2020 he has studied in a Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, specialty “History and Archeology”. He is interested in libertarian ideas from the beginning of learning in the university, which guided him into the Program of Leadership 2022. Political science interested him more, than the humanitarian sphere, but “historical” experience helped to realize the context of modern realities better.

For me, freedom is the most valuable thing in life. This year’s events only strengthened my opinion. Genuinely free people are ready to defend this freedom in any way: whether at the front or rear. USF became me a magnet that attracts people with similar ideals. Therefore, I am sure that these people put the well-being of our state first.

Oleksii was born in 2001 in the city of Odesa. He started his active social activities in school, when at the age of 17 he was elected to the Youth Council of Odesa. In 2019, he entered the ONUA majoring in “Political Science” and is currently a 4th-year student. Serious and systematic violations of the rights and freedoms of students, which have long become a hallmark of this university, could not but infuriate Oleksiy and determined his desire to unite and build the student movement, which contributed to his establishment on the path of struggle for Freedom and Dignity. From this path, he is sure, he will never get off.

‘Immediately, three of my best friends are part of this extended family, so my introduction to USF was inevitable. Back in September 2021, I joined the Odesa branch as a supporter and since then I dreamed of getting into the Leadership Program and becoming a full-fledged activist. USF seems to me to be the largest, most active and most united student movement in Ukraine and Eastern Europe in general, which defends the ideals of Freedom and Human Dignity. I am honored to be one of these people.’

Katya is an activist of the USF. She was born in the village of Mamaivtsi, Chernivtsi district, where she graduated from school. She is studying at Chernivtsi National University, majoring in “Social Work”. She studies Web design and SMM and plans to develop and work in this field. Katya is interested in history, sociology, and art. Katya joined the Ukrainian Students for Freedom after completing the Leadership Program 2022 and became part of the Chernivtsi branch.

‘USF provides great opportunities and valuable lessons for those who need them. Here you will find friends who will help at any time and weather conditions.’

Ihor is an activist of the USF, thanks to the LP – 2022. He has studied at the National Law University named after Yaroslav the Wise since 2019, majoring in Law. A native of the picturesque chemical industry center and the “Cradle of Donbas” – the city of Lysychansk. He is interested in budget, criminal law, political science, history, geography, and economics.

“A young person with brains should be here. The USF is where the liberal-democratic foundation of Ukrainian society is forged. Every member of the USF understands that he is part of the family, although it is a pity that there is no such thing as a civil family in the legislation.”

Sasha is a USF activist who joined the organization in the summer of 2022 after the Leadership Program at Medzhdybiz Castle. She graduated from one of the best schools of Kyiv, where she spent a year as the President of the student self-government. During her studies, she was engaged in active extracurricular activities – participated in the Children’s Parliament, volunteer projects from the Mysteckii Arsenal fund, won the Kyiv debating tournament, joined the work of EDUKIDS. She is currently studying business administration at a European university.

‘I did not expect that I would see exactly what I saw at the PL… Namely – an incredible community of active and conscious people, in whom you can find unlimited support and motivation! I wanted to participate because of the opportunity to learn something new, but who knew that I would find so many like-minded people here :)’

Leonid is an activist of USF. He was born and grew up in small-town Korostyshiv (Zhytomirska oblast) where he ended local school. From 2020 to 2022, Leo was a student of Preshov’s University in Preshov, Slovak Republik. In school, he was already interested in libertarian ideas. In the middle of 2022, Leo joined to active libertarian move by the “Leadership Program from USF”.

“For me, USF is an impulse, an organization that can give me so many opportunities and connections with people. People who behave consciously and responsibly for themselves and their country. Also, they believe in ideas of freedom and push it forward. After all, freedom is the main factor in our development as individuals, society, and country.”

Since 2022, Oleksiy has been an activist of the USF. He was born and raised in Khmelnytskyi, graduated from school and entered the military lyceum in Kamianets-Podilskyi, after graduating from the lyceum he is studying in Kyiv from 2021 at the Vernadsky Tavry National University at the Faculty of Philosophy. I got acquainted with the ideas of libertarianism quite recently and almost immediately became a supporter of the USF. In 2022, he completed the “Freedom 101” course and took part in the “Leadership Program 2022” and became an activist of the USF. During the “Leadership Program 2022”, he received a large amount of strength, charge and motivation, which kept his performance at the maximum level for a long time. He also took part in the annual traditional USF campaign and conquered Mount Hoverla.

First of all, I am glad that I joined the ranks of the USF, because for me the USF is a community in which active young people are involved, who spread the ideas of freedom in Ukraine and from which an example should be taken. I really liked this atmosphere of active young people and simply wonderful people who will encourage, give advice and willingly help you in a difficult moment. Therefore, I believe that only active youth and ideas of freedom can build a truly free, independent and economically successful country. For this reason, I willingly support and spread the ideas of freedom to the world, so that as many people as possible understand the value and necessity of freedom and active youth in society

Ruslan learned about the USS twice – in 2020 at the “Liberty game” project in his native Kremenchuk, and in 2021 when he met USF members at a march in Lviv, where he was studying. After moving to Lviv, he began to engage in volunteering, public activity, and devoted time to student life. In 2022, he became a supporter and later took part in the USF Leadership Program and became an activist.

‘USF is support. These are, first of all, free people who share my views and who will help in grief, in the project, and in joy. We are a family where everyone is responsible for everyone.’

Volodymyr Kulinich is an activist of the USF. He was active from an early age, was a deputy in his school in Kyiv, took an active part in the activities of student self-government, in the year 16 he joined the model movement in Ukraine, the activities of the public organization “Sixth Government”, then “СІМ” during his active activities in public organizations became a project manager for educational projects with the support of UNICEF, Kharkiv City Council… In the 20th year, he became a student at UAL, where he was the head of the sports department, organized a half-marathon in Lviv and made an all-Ukrainian educational project for teenagers. In the 21st year, he entered the Kyiv School of Economics, majoring in business economics, where he still develops student self-government in the 2082 debate club. During the full-scale war, he worked for 4 months as the head of the humanitarian staff of SpivDia Kyiv. He is currently implementing grant projects with UNICEF in the field of education

‘Community of brave people.’

Victor was born and brought up in the city of Chervonohrad, which he calls the capital of the world. In school he volunteered on an array of diverse projects, was a member of a local youth centre, attended sessions and training camps held by EYP Ukraine.
After leaving school he went to Kyiv to search for himself. Now he studies teaching the English and Turkish languages.

Studentship is a cradle of changes of all times and peoples. I am happy to form the future of my country along with Ukrainian Students for Freedom. It is a powerful platform for self-development and achieving crucial for Ukraine goals. Our country has an immense potential of creative and indifferent people. I am sure that USF will be of great help in building of free society.

Anna is a USF activist. She was born in Nizhyn, where she lived for 17 years. She graduated from the historical-linguistic lyceum and the music school from the class of bandura and piano. At the age of 16, she organized her first own concert of lyrical music. In 2019, she entered the National University “Ostroh Academy” for political science and moved to another region of the country. She became an active leader of student self-government, a volunteer. In 2021-2022, she completed an internship at the school of political analysis “Polis”, the information and analytical center “Ostrog.Info”, participated in “Career Days” from the EU information center, cooperated with people’s deputy Denys Maslov, public organizations “Foundation of Regional Changes” and “Territory of Changes”. She is currently engaged in educational management, conducting political and sociological research. In addition, she studies the local politics of Chernihiv region, SMM-sphere, 4 foreign languages ​​(English, Polish, Italian, German), psychotherapy and works of art. In 2022, she took part in the Leadership Program and joined the USF 🙂

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of USF is an environment of the coolest people, fun, learning, growth, pleasant fatigue, love, courage, pride and of course FREEDOM. If you are here, you are lucky to be among the friendliest, most advanced, most conscious people who have the thirst to live, create, build a free society and a free state. The values of USF are my values. And so, USF is a part of my heart!

Yulia is an activist of the USF. She is studying “Ethics-Politics-Economics” in the Ukrainian Catholic University. She got into the USF in 2022, accidentally coming across a link to the form for participation in the Leadership Program.

‘USF is a unique organization where youthful maximalism is combined with rational and realistic ideas. The organization seems to provide a tool with which you can change yourself, Ukraine and the world. If you want – use the tool, if you don’t want – that’s fine.’

Oleksandr is an activist of the USF. He was born in the city of Kropyvnytskyi. After graduating from the Physics and Mathematics Lyceum, he entered the Faculty of History of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in 2018. From the first year he became interested in military-historical reenactment, recreating the images of the UPR and UIA soldiers. Subsequently, the hobby transformed into the project “Military Historical Society of Students”, which was engaged in the popularization of military history. In the scientific field, he studies the experience of NATO military operations outside the Alliance and decolonization processes in the twentieth century. He became interested in the libertarian movement at the end of 2021, at the Anti-Corruption Forum in Kyiv. In 2022, he finally joined the organization.

“We live in a historic time. The time of the Third War for Independence. We lost two times. We have no right to the third one. I joined the organization because I do not want to stay outside this process. I am convinced that there can be no free life in the future without the memory of freedom in the past”.

Sofiia — is an activist for USF. Kiyanka finished school in 2022 with a gold medal and was admitted to Online Business School, to have fully free youth. She is into self-creating since her teenage age, that is why step-by-step she has completed her worldview through psychology, folklore studies, philosophy, politics, economics, and, excluding sciences, she appreciates personality manifestation through art. She believes she will be happy in the castle she is building.

USF is that new discipline I want to grasp. Its base is an idea of importance of freedom, which is undoubt for me. But USF is something much more. I have already started getting to know it, so as I became a chapter of its history.

Darya was born in a small town in the Khmelnytskyi region but later moved to Khmelnytskyi, where she graduated from school. In 2018, Darya became a FLEX finalist, thanks to which she spent a whole year in the States, living with a real American family. In 2019, she entered the Institute of International Relations, majoring in International Law. She never saw herself as a lawyer, but she came to the conclusion that this choice would help her in the future. In the summer of 2022, she participated in short-term Erasmus+ programs, where she met many motivated people from all over the world. Darya decided to join USS in the summer of 2022. From that moment, she understood in which circle of people she found herself. The USF motivated her even more, to be an active participant in the state-building process of Ukraine, referring specifically to libertarian values.

“USF is about motivated young people whose eyes are burning and who never run out of ideas. This organisation unites people with different life stories but with one common value – freedom. People who know about the responsibility resting on them, but still fight for the future of their country without any fear.”

Maksym is from Kremenchuk, where he spent his childhood reading science fiction, technical articles and romanticized biographies of engineers, hackers and scientists. Building redstone mechanisms in Minecraft eventually led to competitive programming and a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics at KNU. INTP, in an active search for ideas.

‘Nerds and fools speak the truth.’

Vitalii comes from Pidhirne, the village in Lviv region. He used to be fond of building & constructing something new from the childhood — a lot of time dedicated to solving puzzles & constructor. Vitalii also believes that it’s possible to build the new Ukraine. In 2021 he became a freshman at Kyiv Polytechnic University, major “Marketing”. In 2021-2022 study year Vitalii took a gap year and spent 10 months at Ukrainian Leadership Academy. After that he reentered Kyiv Mohyla Academy, major “Sociology”.

I consider freedom one of my key values. In times, when Ukraine faces existential threat, we should make extra efforts and, at last, WIN. Because what was started by us (Ukrainians) mustn’t have the end. So, free folks are creating the free country now. USF gives me this opportunity.

Anastasia is a participant of the 2022 Leadership Program. She was born and lives in the city of Dnipro. She is studying at a private Alfred Nobel university, in the 3rd year of the specialty “International Economic Relations”, winning a grant. She was interested in USF projects since 2021 and decided to join the organization. She is also engaged in environmental education in her city, and works in a volunteer organization and a children’s school preparation center.
She is very active, hardworking and responsible. She develops leadership qualities in herself and encourages people to strive for excellence.

‘USF is a community of conscious and active young people who relentlessly fight for the main human value – freedom. That is why it is so important for me to be a part of such an organization. One person is not strong, we are strong when we are together. You need to change your life and future with those who understand you and your ideals.’

Dariichuk Matvii. 22 years old. A native of Chernivtsi. Graduated from the 4th Gymnasium in 2017. His first education is a sociologist (Chernivtsi National University)), and his second is a practical psychologist (Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University). Has experience studying abroad. He has been writing poems for more than 2 years. There is a publication in the anthology of young Chernivtsi poetry “prysutnist”(presence) and its own Telegram channel with poetry.

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 .”

Liubenska Dariia, was born in the city of Cherkasy.
Graduated from Cherkasy Secondary School 1-3 grades 22 in 2021. Since 2021, he is studying at the Cherkasy State Technological University, majoring in “Political Philosophy”. Since school years, she has been interested in political processes in our country, has an active political and civic position.
He is interested in the political situation not only in the country, but also in his city. She completed an internship in a political party, where she gained valuable experience in the work of political organizations. USF was the first public organization to which she joined.

‘When the fire of freedom lights up in all the hearts of our country, we will all become free.’

Born in the Crimea, moved to Mykolaiv as a child, and settled there. From 2014-2018 he studied at the National University named after Sukhomlynskyi, majoring in applied mathematics. He was a sports activist at the university. He joined the libertarian movement in 2019, when he saw a lecture by Gennadiy Balashov. Learned about USF in 2021 at the “Fine City” festival in Ternopil. Currently, work as a video editor.

Libertarianism = Freedom.

Kyrylo from a small village in the Kharkiv region. Now he is studying to become a financier at Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics. Kyrylo applied to the leadership program by accident. He got bored during another bombing of Kharkiv. He decided to change location at least for a few days, so he filled out the questionnaire. Since that time, Kyrylo has never regretted his decision, because the ideas of freedom are very close to him.

‘Youth is the main driver of changes in society. In this regard, Ukraine is an exemplary place for the whole world. In my opinion, Ukrainians stand out from other peoples precisely because of their desire to be free. Here it is a basic, fundamental need. It is demonstrably that we are choosing the right to freedom, while they are (russians) persistently trying to take it away from us. USS is a place where libertarian ideas are nurtured, a place where a free and strong Ukraine is built.’

An USF activist, philologist and a girl who strives for constant self-improvement and realization of her own ideas — that’s all about Halya. She graduated from school in Kyiv. Actually, she spent most of her 18-year-old life in the capital. In 2021, she entered Taras Shevchenko National University, where she studies French philology and translation. Halya was constantly attracted to unusual and interesting things, she participated in many cultural events, always found time for new acquaintances and hobbies. In 2021, she saw account of Ukrainian Students for Freedom on Instagram and immediately realized that it fascinated her. In 2022, Halya was selected for the USF Leadership Program and was incredibly pleased about it.

‘USF it’s about people. Becoming a part of this organization, you are inspired by the fact of existence something like that, a place where you can easily find a like-minded person. A powerful community that creates a foundation for people’s cooperation and provides excellent opportunities for development.’

Daria was born and grew up in Kyiv, where she graduated from the economic and law lyceum. She is currently getting a bachelor’s degree in «Tourism» at Kyiv National University of Taras Shevchenko. In the future, she dreams of making Ukraine one of the leading tourist destinations in the world and Kyiv the capital of Freedom.

‘Today, during a full-scale war, Yevhen Konovalets’ statement that «in the great world drama of our days, we have a choice: either to be creators or victims of history» is probably more relevant than ever. As it’s well known, «crying hasn’t given freedom to anyone», so I made a choice to create our free Ukrainian future and present and fight for it. USF are people who have also chosen this way for themselves and that’s why I am here.’

Anastasia is an USF activist. She grew up in the city of Khmilnyk in Podillya, where she graduated from school. In 2020, she entered the National Law University named after Yaroslav the Wise, majoring in Law. Joined the libertarian movement in the summer of 2022. She is a member of the NGO “Public Diplomacy Platform” and implements projects in the NGO “Association of Sustainable Development Experts”.

‘USF is a big family with high values, big goals and grandiose ambitions. We act for the better future of Ukraine, we fight for justice and for the full realization of the concept of “freedom”. We fight – we win!’

Ivan is a USF activist. He grew up in the city of Rivne, where he graduated from high school. Since 2019, he has been studying at the National University “Ostroh Academy” in the field of “International Relations”. He joined the libertarian movement in the summer of 2022 when he participated in the USF Leadership Program.

‘It’s all about the freedom to do what you think is right, and the people who have banded together on these ideas for the greater.’

Bohdan is a USF activist. He grew up in the small town of Myrnohrad in Donetsk oblast, and later, in 2019, he started studying at Kharkiv Polytechnic University, majoring in Computer Science. But do not think that he is a technical composition of the mind.
All his life, besides programming, he was interested in design and tried himself in a bunch of its directions, but the greatest inspiration and motivation he saw in motion design and special effects. Currently he works as a full stack developer and creates art in his free time! Besides, he loves music and plays guitar and ukulele.
She has a feminist, masculist and LGBTQ+ position and actively promotes it.
He joined the ranks of the USF in 2022, when he formed himself as a libertarian.

‘I believe that the USF are those people, those ideas that will be able to improve our country and make Ukrainians truly free!’

Oleksandra is an ordinary girl from Poltava. She is studying to be a public administrator and a choreographer at the same time. Even she can’t understand how these two such different professions found a response in her heart. She takes up something new very easily, but at the same time gets scattered, trying to help everyone. From 2020 to 2021, she was the head of the student council of her university and also participated in the cultural exchange between Ukraine and Georgia. Indeed, she is never tired of volunteering and helping to organize events in her city. Despite everything, she remains a big and very naive child.

‘USF – this is a rather unexpected, but very thoughtful and important step for me. I realized that I want to work together with people whose eyes are shining with ideas, that I want to be useful and that I can definitely give something and get many times more in return. I always say that everyone has their own freedom, now I do not renounce these words, but I want to add that freedom is a choice, it is a struggle, it is hard work, it is a luxury. At USF everyone knows why they are here and that we are all our whole future.’

Yuliya – an activist of USF. She grew up in Pyatykhatky of Dnipro`s region, where she graduated from school. Since 2022 she have been studying languages in Volodymyr Vynnychenko Central Ukrainian State Pedagogical University located in Kropyvnytskyi. Became a part in USF in 2022 when she was in a process of searching for opportunities to realize all her ideas. Had been teaching English In private school for a year, then applied for a higher position in another company. Took part in a project “Psycology master-classes” in Kropyvnytskyi.

‘USF is about people, freedom and actions. Our youth promotes the ideas of freedom through their actions, which makes it possible to build the necessary foundation of development for the Ukraine. Economic and cultural development does not exist without freedom, so the goal of the USF is to continue the work of past generations and make corrections. What means conveying the ideas of freedom and relying on the present.’

Yurii is from Ivano-Frankivsk. He studied at the Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian University Master of political science, postgraduate student. Received a second higher education at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (European Communication). Currently he works in the Ivano-Frankivsk City Council. Co-coordinator of the “Youth and Power” project in Ivano-Frankivsk. Participant and co-organizer of youth exchange projects under the Erasmus+ program. His hobbies include playing kinds of sport, tourism,hiking and pub quizzes.

‘USF is a wonderful platform that unites people with common values. Among which the highest is freedom – individual and collective. This is a community that allows young people with a similar vision of the development of our society to work qualitatively for the benefit of a free Ukraine.’

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.

Mykhailo comes from sunny Transcarpathia, he was born in the village of Synevyr. After graduating from high school, he decided to continue his studies at the Transcarpathian Regional Boarding Lyceum with advanced military and physical training. And in 2018 he became a student of Vinnytsia National Medical University named after M. I. Pirogov, and is studying at the Faculty of Medicine. He participated in volunteer projects of such organizations as IJGD (2019) and UNICEF (2022). His acquaintance with the ideas of the libertarian movement began with the Leadership Program in 2022.

‘Very often, when people want to change something for the better, they stop because of lack of knowledge, lack of support or understanding. However, if you bring a few such people together and give them opportunities, the results can amaze the world. For me, the USF is exactly the environment that is able to bring out the best in everyone and do something useful for themselves, their friends and society.’

Oleg was born and grew up in the village of Kolinkivtsi, where he played an important role in the life of student self-government. In 2018, he attended the “BUM” youth summit. Since 2019, he has been a student at the Yuriy Fedkovich Chernivtsi National University, where he is studying “Management of Organizations and Administration”. In the same year, he became a member of the Student Parliament of the Faculty of Economics. Joined the libertarian movement in the summer of the 2022 Leadership Program.

In my opinion, USF is one of the all-Ukrainian platforms consisting of enterprising young people who strive to promote the ideas of libertarianism. Positive emotions, the necessary experience, activities and reflection on various topics are also, in my opinion, USF. Therefore, all the talk that the USF is a family and a circle of like-minded people turned out to be the pure truth.

Anastasia was born in the Ukrainian Venice – in the city of Vilkovo. From the age of two she lived with her parents in a small village Matroska, where she finished school. In the ninth grade, she joined the organization SOUP (Self-Organized Learning Space), where, together with other participants, she wrote her first environmental project.
After school, she entered the Izmail State University of Humanities, specialty 081 Law, weighed all the pros and cons in the third year and decided to transfer to another university, it was the Mechnikov Odesa National University. She is studying in the fourth year.
In the summer of 2022, her first Leadership Program took place, which began Anastasia’s path with the USF.

In my opinion, freedom is the most valuable thing a person has, it is a need, it is a tool. As Dzhokhar Dudayev said, “Freedom is too expensive to try to achieve it cheaply. It is better to die than to be unfree”.

Taras is an activist of the Ukrainian Students for Freedom. He comes from the city of Rivne, where he graduated from the Economic and Legal Lyceum. During his studies at the lyceum, he became interested in economics and politics. These interests resulted in the fact that in 2019 he entered the National University “Ostroh Academy” to major in “Political Science”. In his second year of studies, he joined the information center of the European Union, where he organized EU Career Days. In 2021, on the basis of the All-Ukrainian Initiative “Active Community” held an educational event “How does the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine influence the everyday life of a Ukrainian?”. At the beginning of 2022, he participated in the British Council’s Active Citizens program and completed an internship at the Rivne City Council. After the start of a full-scale war, he joined the cyber army. In August 2022, he joined the Ukrainian Students for Freedom, when he passed the selection process and entered the Leadership Program.

For me, the combination of the ideas of economics, political science and philosophy is a continuation of my life. I am convinced that the future of our world, and especially of our successful post-war Ukraine, is based on the ideas of freedom and libertarianism. And the USF is a team that reflects these ideas as much as possible, it is a team of powerful and free like-minded people who have already become, are becoming or will become in the future a driver of change.

Anna was born and grew up in the ancient and picturesque city of Odesa.
In 2021, she graduated from basic general secondary education with an average score of 11.7 and from art school with honors.
This year, she graduates from the 11th grade and plans to enter the “Odesa National Academy of Music named after A.V. Nezhdanova”. Since high school, she actively participated in various projects: social actions aimed at revealing environmental problems of Odessa and popularizing working professions, volunteer projects, organization of educational events. In 2021, she defended the work of the National Academy of Sciences among schoolchildren in the field of “Law”. In the period from 2020 to 2021, she was the vice president of school self-government. Since 2021, she has been a member of the Youth Council of the Odesa District Council and the NGO “Youth Council of the Odesa Region”.
With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, she became a volunteer from “SpivdiyaHab”.
And in 2022, she joined the NGO “Ukrainian Students for Freedom”.

” The idea of ​​freedom and equality has always been attractive to me. As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said: “Freedom exists only for those who go somewhere”, we in the USF are not just walking, we are running towards a free Ukraine. For me, the USF is one big family that is getting bigger and stronger every year. It is thanks to this organization that young people are able to defend their freedom. The future of our country depends on us, we choose our path and our surrounding. I am happy to be a part of this community that divides my views and wishes. We dream that a new generation will be born in a free and independent country that develops and lives on, and we will do everything that depends on us for this. Freedom for me is the right to become better and be happy, and I will fight for it together with the USF!”

Anastasiia was born and raised in Lutsk. In 2020, she graduated from school and entered the Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University at the Faculty of Foreign Philology. She studies German, English and French, and will become a teacher in the future.
She takes an active part in student self-government, heads the student trade union committee of his faculty. At the end of 2021, she became the coordinator of the Ukrainian Volunteer Service in Lutsk.
She learned about USF from a friend who was already a member of the organization. She first became an Adherent, and later took part in the 2022 Leadership Program.

‘You can endlessly watch what you don’t like in society, while simultaneously complaining about how bad our life is. Or take a proactive position and become a change yourself, and encourage others to do so by your own example. That’s why I joined USF – a community that is not only close to me in terms of values ​​and views, but also helped me better understand the basic principles of political science, economics and philosophy, and, of course, to find like- minded people from all over Ukraine. For me, freedom is a right, a duty, an honor, a responsibility, it is the value of a society that will never become slaves. Therefore, we, students, must stand up for what is important to us on all possible fronts.’

Ivanna comes from Rivne region. She first studied humanities in depth Aat the gymnasium, , and then switched to natural sciences, which helped her enter the medical university of TNMU. She is currently a 5th year student. She has known about the organization for a long time, but joined it in August 2022.

“USF is about people, about free, strong, able to create changes”

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.”

Darka is a USF activist. She was born and raised in the city of Zhytomyr, where she graduated from the specialized lyceum, faculty of linguistics, in 2020. Since 2020, she has been a student of Zhytomyr State University “Zhytomyr Polytechnic” majoring in “Management”. At the same time, she is a student of the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute. She joined USF in 2022 after the Leadership Program.

‘Freedom is the greatest value for every person. It is a vital need for every Ukrainian. At least once in our lives, each of us has heard something like “you are a lost generation.” Such organizations as USF gather around themselves people who do not agree with these words and are ready to prove the opposite every day. We, those who know the price of Freedom not in words, are the hope of Ukraine’s future. Once a sage was asked: “how long to wait for changes? if you wait, it will be a long time,” he answered. The USF community is not just waiting for change, we are the driving force behind change.’

Oleh is an activist of the USF. He grew up in Ternopil. He studied there and graduated from school. He studies at the Ternopil National Technical University named after I. Puluya in the field of “Finance, banking and insurance”. In 2018-2019, he studied at Wilbur Wright College in Chicago. Joined the libertarian movement in the summer of 2022 after entering the Leadership Program in Medzhibozh.

‘Our generation sees with its own eyes that freedom is ideas worth fighting for, ideas that are being fought for right now. It is difficult to fight alone, and USF united students in a common idea, a common goal, so that every step of ours leads us on the right path. It is the union that makes us stronger. And I am sure that with these people we will bring many changes – first of all in our own lives.’

Viktor was born in a small town Husiatyn, Ternopil oblast, where studied 11 years. There he learned to play reed pipe, and then trombone. After that he was absorbed into aeromodelling and later on into karting, where helped to assemble the very first cars for the circle. He chose Public Administrationat Kiyv-Mohyla Academy for the bachelor’s degree, where he is studying at the moment. Learned about the USF from his mate in university.

‘For me, liberty is the principle. Being free in every single area in my life is my aspiration and motivation to move forward. In USF I have found people with similar values, which will help even in the most complicated situation.’

Olesya comes from a small village in the Lviv region, but for the past 3 years she has been living in Ternopil, where she is studying political science. She began to show interest in political ideologies and public activism since her teenage years, volunteered on various projects and interacted with people who advocated different views on political life. She decided to join the organization because the idea of ​​freedom has always been the greatest value for her, and the USS unites such people.

“Freedom is joy. And as Zhadan wrote: “joy is what comes with a fight.” These words pop into my head every time I think about the idea of ​​freedom. USS makes me happy, because around me I see people who have similar values ​​and who are ready to fight for them. Ukrainian Students for Freedom is not only about the confidence that we have something to fight for, it is about the confidence that we have someone to fight for. USS is about the people of freedom.”

Leo was born in Vylkovo, but lived most of his life in Odesa. He joined the volunteer and activist movement in 2017. Since 2020, he has been a member of the Student Council of Karpenko-Karyi University. He took an active part in several organizations (in particular, CO “Sunflower of Peace”, “Hurry Up! Ukraine”, VC “Expedition” and others) with a social direction, has implemented and working projects in various fields. He joined USF after the 2022 Leadership Program.

The formation of the young generation depends on such lively and active initiatives as the USF. When there are freedom fighters, when the idea of ​​freedom is heard thanks to people like the members of the USF. The value of freedoms and appreciation of rights should be disseminated and implemented through such projects that are implemented and can be implemented within the framework of this organization.

Markiian — USF activist. He grew up in the village of Krukenichy, Yavoriv district, Lviv region, where he graduated from the lyceum-school. Since 2017, he has been studying general practitioner at Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University. Joined the libertarian movement in the summer of 2022 through the Leadership Program.

‘USF is about freedom in all its manifestations. What is freedom? It is the ability to be yourself. These are billions of people who are separate unique worlds-individuals. It is about happy and wealthy people who are satisfied with life.’

Serhiy is an activist of the USF. He grew up in the city of Poltava. Since 2020, he has been a student of the Faculty of Justice of the National Law University named after Yaroslav the Wise in Kharkiv, majoring in Law. Since childhood, he has been interested in the phenomenon of man and human nature, collecting information from all sciences related to these concepts. He came to USF as a participant in the 2022 Leadership Program.

‘USF is a beautifully constructed small society of beautiful people, who, thanks to their motives, implement a wide variety of great things, which in their first principles carry the ideals of a free and prosperous Ukraine. It is a great happiness for me to be a part of such a community and contribute to its development, thereby providing for my own.’

Daria is a creative activist of the USS. She was born in Kropyvnytskyi. In her school years, she began to develop her leadership potential through school self-government and political schools. Since 2019, she has been studying International Law at the Khmelnytskyi University of Management and Law, and is an active member of the scientific department of the university’s Stud Council.
Daria is interested in the ecological agenda and feminism. In her free time, she debates, visits Model UN, and studies foreign languages.

‘For me, freedom is about the desire to act according to one’s own beliefs, about the absence of fear.’

Adil — the only (so far) Crimean Tatar in USF. He was born in Yevpatoriia, but has lived his whole life in Kyiv. Before joining USF, Adil in 2020-2021 led the Kyiv branch of The European Law Students’ Association (ELSA), and then in 2021-2022 held office as President of Ukraine National Group of ELSA. Since 2022 works as Assistant for External Relations of President of ELSA International. Law Student of 2021 by version of Ukrainian Attorneys’ Association. Practices law for three years, specializes in intellectual property and data protection. Besides that, does gig photography and English translation/interpretation, writes poetry and does standup comedy.

‘I knew about USF for a while, since 2019, but joined only in 2022. It was a highly conscious choice for me, not unlike approaching a lady with a marriage proposal for me — however, instead of a lady there is a community of 400+ people. I am deeply in love with the values of this organization and with the vibe of the people that comprise it, and so would like to offer my effort and zeal towards making sure our organization is known by more young Ukrainians, ready to join us in the fight for the future of Ukraine.’

Arsentiy – spent most of his life in Lutsk. Even at school, he felt discomfort with his surroundings and his attitude towards himself. It became easier only when he got into the student activity of his university.There he was finally able to express himself, his thoughts, without fear that someone would not like it. In 2021, Arsentiy is elected as head of the student council of the Faculty of Geography, now his work permeates the entire faculty and sometimes even the university. He is elected for a second term in 2022. In June, he notices the advertisement of the Leadership Program from the USF and decides why not. From this moment on, he becomes part of a big family where he finally felt himself in the place where he should be.

“Freedom is your spark that ignites your life’s fire”

Olena is a USF activist who grew up in the picturesque city of Chernihiv, where she graduated from school with a gold medal. Since 2021, she has been studying at the National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, majoring in Medicine. She has been dancing for 9 years, travels a lot and likes to read books (especially detective stories and psychology). Joined the ranks of the USF after the “Leadership Program 2022”

‘USF is a family that will not abandon you and will help and support you even in such difficult times’.

Anastasiia is from Rozdilna, Odesa Region. She was born and finished school there. In 2019, she entered the Leonid Yuzkov Khmelnytskyi University of Management and Law, majoring in International Law, which is extremely relevant today. From 2021, she is an expert at the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance. In the summer of 2022, Anastasiia joined the ranks of Ukrainian Students for Freedom, becoming an activist. She is passionate about reading and choreography.

For me, Ukrainian Students for Freedom is a case of a unique combination of diversity and unity. No matter how different we may be, but the key for us is the desire for Freedom and the understanding that Freedom is the most valuable thing a person can have. Everything else depends on it to a great extent. And also, here is a combination of wonderful people, and everyone is ready to share their experience with others.

Yevhen is USF activist. He was born in Kyiv and lived here for his whole life, but his family is partly from Crimea (father was born there). From middle school, he has been interested in international relations and international politics. As a result – now Yevhen studies international relations in Kyiv-Mohyla academy. He was a participant and organizer of numerous MUN conferences and debate tournaments.

‘Ukrainian Students for Freedom are based.’

Vadim is a small cog in the USF. He grew up in Derazhnye, Khmelnytskyi region, in 2018 he entered the Regional Lyceum of Khmelnytskyi, studying physics-mathematics. After graduation, studies at LNU, majoring in “Finance, Banking and Insurance”.

The free rule over the slaves.  For me, the ideas of libertarianism are the ideas of a free individual.  Free from his own bedroom to political views.  The USF is the embodiment of the classical liberal ideology that built the modern world but, unfortunately, gave way to more populist ideologies.  USF is a new breath of freedom in Ukrainian society.

Oles have graduated from the best faculty of the best university of Ukraine. For those who don’t know what we are talking about, it is the Faculty of History of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. As a result, a specially trained and authorized person gave him a diploma (and even two) in a red cover, as evidence that this piece of paper is with honors. After that, such things never been given, so Oles is the owner of a limited edition of the best diploma, of the best faculty, of the best university. Oles is currently completing his first year of PhD studies at the Institute of History of Ukraine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. During the period of his creative activity, Oles managed to reach adulthood and even forget about it, as well as to get a master’s degree in law at the Leonid Yuzkov Khmelnytskiy University of Management and Law (how it happened is still unknown).

Oles got into USF by a simple coincidence. The reason is that the Leadership Program was held not far from his home. Oles do not regret that he was a part of this event, and joined to the USF. According to him, where else but here you can realize the truth that freedom is the ability to own your time. Because at the Leadership Program this thesis determines whether you will take a warm shower in the morning.

Maria is an activist of the USF. She was born in Kryvyi Rih, but later moved to Kharkiv with her family. She has been actively involved in public life since her school days. She is a student of Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, specialty 021 “Audiovisual Art and Production”, where she participates in student parliament. She considers freedom the highest value, so she became an adherent (and soon an activist) of USF after the debates in Kharkiv (February of 2022). She dreams of creating a competitive Ukrainian film market and independent film production.

‘USF is a community that unites people for whom Liberty is a factor of the successful future of Ukraine. I believe in the supremacy of individual Freedom over anything and the inalienability of the Human Rights to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness (Rights that have been repeatedly taken away from our people).’

Volodymyr was born and grew up in the city Dnipro. After graduation from a local school in 2021, he entered the Alfred Nobel University, specialty “Political Science”, but a year later he transferred to the same specialty at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Joined USF in the summer of 2022 after completing the Leadership Program. He is a valid member of the international youth organization European Democracy Youth Network (EDYN).

For me, USF is a motivation to act for the development of myself and society. This community of incredible people leaves no doubt that the activists movement in Ukraine is in good hands.

Khrystyna grew up in Krystynopil (the current name is Chervonograd, but the girl believes that the city will get the first name back). In 2020 entered UCU. Since the school days she was interested in academic activities, which continues to do: with small steps she goes through a vast literature layer. Joined USF in the summer of 2022.

‘USF constitutes freedom values. Being with people of similar views is even touching…That’s why I fell in love with USF. With them you want to do something, because you know that together you can.’

Lyuba grew up in the city of Brovary and studied in a class with a philological focus. In 2016, she started her studying in Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, majoring in international relations. At the same time, she engaged in volunteer activities, in particular, she participated and helped in the organization of popular science events 15×4.
From 2021, start taking an active position and research the cultural heritage of the Soviet Union, including decommunization, and take an active part in the events of the USF.
Instead of simply becoming a supporter, Lyubov decided to join the USF and become an activist.

‘For me, the topic of freedom has been relevant since the teenage years, when my parents dragged me to the The Orange Revolution (Ukrainian: Помаранчева революція, romanized: Pomarancheva revoliutsiia), but I viewed the very concept of freedom narrowly. The moment of moving to Bukovyna and separation from my parents opened up for me many cultural factors thanks to which I learned more about the history of the oppression of our people. From that fateful moment of my life, I learned about the USF, but did not plan to join. However, after getting to know many activists of the USF, I felt comfortable and in a circle of like-minded people. I realized that I am among people who also have a broad understanding of freedom and that it is especially important for each of them. They inspired me to move even more in the direction of leadership and the promotion of personal freedoms! For me, USF is about a special community!’

Daria was born in Poltava city and since childhood, she has developed a fondness for dance, painting and writing. Creating beauty has always been one of her passions. Since 2018, she has become a member of the International Academy of Literature and Journalism.
In high school, she began to study hard mathematics, got interested in programming, and studied environmental issues. In 2021, she became a student of Yuriy Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic National University, her major is Computer Science. This girl believes that her environment is one of the components of harmonious development, so in 2022, after winning the place in the Leadership Program, she became an activist of the organization.

USF is an opportunity to develop Ukraine, where Freedom is the main value and a component of a progressive future and a happy life. The organization unites individuals with a variety of interesting thoughts and with big heart full of freedom. People paint the world together, and when they have common values, they are able to create a miracle.

Stepan is a student of Yuriy Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic National University, his major is Computer Science. He was born and raised in Poltava, after finishing school he decided to enter the Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics. He studied there only for two years and then he returned to Poltava because of his personal reasons. At school, he took part in history competitions and became a member of the Junior Academy of Science of Ukraine. After the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he became a volunteer of the Poltava Regional Charitable Foundation “Public Health”. This summer, he took part in the Leadership Program and became a part of USF.

‘For me, USF is a team of truly free and inspiring people. Young people, who were born in independent Ukraine. They are motivated to create, to implement their ambitions, to change our country for the better right now.’

This is Yana, she is 19 years old and is studying Ukrainian philology at NaUKMA. Born and raised in Rivne. Currently, she is an activist of the USF. After the first course, she took a break from her studies and entered ULA. Therefore, for the last 5 months before the start of a full-scale war, she lived and studied in Mariupol. She danced for 11 years and graduated from the school of modern choreography in her hometown. It is also important for her to be useful and help society, that is why she was a volunteer of BUR, Brave to Rebuild and other volunteer projects.

Ukraine is a haven of freedom. And our task is to make it not the distant future, but the realities of today.

Maria is an activist of the USS. She was born, studied and grew up until the age of 10 in the village of Novopavlivka in the city of Krasnyi Luch (now Khrustalnyi), where she gave bribes to all those who stereotypically encroached on her rights and prepared to enter Kharkiv. Outside of school in Kharkiv, she was engaged in geology and local history for 7 years, there she was imbued with respect for the country and Kharkiv, and their little-known depths. In the 10th grade, Maria read Ayn Rand’s The Source and began studying Objectivism. Entered in 2015 at KhNU named after V.N. Karazina started volunteering at OHCHR out of curiosity, and was there for the first event in October 2015. Then there were training and volunteer events out of curiosity. While sitting in the bomb shelters, Maria thought about why all her attention was only on herself, libertarian issues or volunteering without deep questions about modern activity and its intersection with utopia, and in the summer of 2022 she applied for PL-2022. What path will she take next? Let’s see.

‘USF is people. And the gathering of these people, like the stars in the sky, shines very brightly. Because that is the radiance of will. Freedom is not only about doing whatever you want. This is an understanding of the essence of each step. The ability to burn for one’s own purpose and pass the flame like a baton until the imaginary picture is pressed into physical reality. Now my fire is your fire.’

Vladyslav is an activist of the Ukrainian Students for Freedom. He grew up in the city of Dnipro, where he graduated from school. Since 2019, he has been studying at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, majoring in Law, and since 2021, he has been studying at the Dnipro State Academy of Construction and Architecture, majoring in Management and Administration. Joined USS in August 2022, when he got into the 2022 Leadership Program in Medzhibozh. The future lawyer, who is constantly progressing in this field, completed an internship at the LMR in the City Security Department, also interned at the “Anti-Corruption School” program at NABU, and in 2021 participated in “Szkoly Prawa Polskiego”.

‘Freedom is a familiar concept for me personally because I was born in free Ukraine. But I understand that freedom is a variable that must be valued. Changeable because it can be taken away from you at any moment. The USF teaches appreciating freedom and shows that young people should seek its guarantees in everything: freedom of thought, freedom of expression of will, freedom of religion and many other variations of freedom. It is interesting that the USF bets on the young generation because to be honest, young people are the engine of the progress of the country and the world as a whole!’

Lisa is an activist of the USF. She was born in Kryvyi Rih. At the age of 16, she graduated from an art school, actively participating in international competitions. At the age of 17, she started a graphic design course and taught it at an art school. Helped win the “Public Budget” and create a graphic design class. She started working actively at the age of 17 and did not immediately go to University. In 2020, she went to ULA. After graduation, she became more active in the public life of the country, proactive and interested in politics and her country. Took part in youth projects. From 2020-2022, she had 2 Gap years, in the second she devoted it to researching herself. Self-development, understanding what she wants from life, and also tried herself at 5 jobs. After that, in 2022, she entered KPI for the 126th specialty.

‘USF is an opportunity for people with common values to unite for the sake of development and cooperation.’

Maryana has been a USS activist since 2022. She was born and raised in the city of Ternopil. Studied and graduated from school in 2020 and entered Volodymyr Hnatyuk Ternopil National Pedagogical University in the same year. Mastering the specialty “history (secondary education)”. Takes an active part in the student life of the university and in the scouting organization. She joined the Libertarian movement in the summer of 2022, when she attended the USF congress in Medzhibyzh.

What is “Ukrainian Students for Freedom”? Firstly, this is a community where you can find a circle of like-minded people who support the most important value – freedom-loving and rebelliousness to break the oppression that the Russian Federation is trying to drive us into. Secondly, the opportunity to become an active and conscious citizen of Ukraine and defend the right path to freedom and democracy.

Freedom is a luxury that not everyone can afford. (O. Bismarck)

Polina is an activist of the USF. She grew up in the seaside town of Berdyansk. She was an active participant in student self-government. Now he is studying in the city of Chernihiv. Engaged in volunteering.

I learned about the leadership program by accidentally coming across an advertisement. Having no idea about the organization, she applied and passed. But after entering the program, I realized that this is what I was looking for. Intelligent, interesting young people, whose eyes are burning. Students who want and can change the country for the better.

Anton is a USF activist, grew up in the picturesque town of Yarmolyntsi in the Khmelnytskyi region, where he graduated from school. Since 2020, Anton has been studying at the Khmelnytskyi National University, majoring in Computer Science. He has always been interested in programming and self-development, since 2016 he became interested in politics, economics, military affairs, namely operational art, the person who first showed him the ideas of libertarianism and a free society became a history teacher who taught the beginnings of politics and economics using historical examples. Since 2019, Anton has been engaged in educational activities in his town, breaking the stereotypes of his friends and acquaintances about capitalism and libertarianism. In 2022, he learned about USF from his friend – Roman Grabkov, after which he passed the selection and became a participant in the leadership program.

For me, USF is more than an organization, it is a community of people, free people who are united by the spirit of freedom, each person here is unique, ambitious, free and ready to fight for freedom. These people are the foundation of positive changes in our country. They are engaged in important things, namely actively creating cool projects and building a free civil society of Ukraine. After learning about USF and having completed the leadership program, I am very happy to be a part of this movement and share these ideas and values.

Oleksandr is an activist of the Kyiv branch of the USF. He was born and raised in Zaporizhzhia, where in 2017 he graduated from a gymnasium with advanced study of foreign languages. In 2021, he received a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Currently, he is a Master’s degree candidate for the same specialty. Since his first years as a student, he has been actively involved in social and political life by promoting the winning project of the public budget for his native faculty, volunteering and participating in protests. Being familiar with and professing the ideas of libertarianism since high school, he was glad to join the community of like-minded people during the Leadership Program 2022.

‘I believe that society can live in harmony and wealth only if each individual understands and takes responsibility for their own happiness. The idea that someone else can decide for a person what is better for him seems to me criminal and immoral. I believe that the organization Ukrainian Students for Freedom is the light that will kindle the fire of the idea of individual freedom as the highest value in the hearts of millions of Ukrainians and will help to completely understand this value.’

Lesia graduated from lyceum “Polit”, she is a big boss in the volunteer project and the master of acquiring new skills in short time.

This organisation provides an opportunity to express yourself, find like-minded people and defend what we believe in. And we believe in people and their ability to change. That’s why I’m here.

Maria was born and lives in Kyiv. In 2020, after graduating from school, she became a student at Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University, Faculty of History, where she studies the history of Ukrainian and world diasporas.
Since school, she has been interested in the history, culture, traditions, and mythology of different countries of the world.
She learned about the libertarian movement in the summer of 2022 and immediately decided to join the “Ukrainian Students for Freedom” after completing the Leadership Program.

“USF is a community united by the idea of ​​freedom in all aspects of life and the goals they strive to implement. Also, “Ukrainian Students for Freedom” is about conscious, active, and friendly people who are interested in the development of Ukraine and creating a better future. For me, the journey with USF is just beginning, but I already understand that it will be something incredible! “

Daniil was born in a large Ukrainian city – Donetsk, and lived there until 2014. Then he moved to Zaporizhzhia, where he still lives. He began to engage in public activity in 2017. With his team, he organized Model UN and events dedicated to the comprehensive development of our country’s youth.

Daniil is interested in psychology, and entrepreneurship. He learned about libertarianism in the summer of 2022. Passed the Leadership Program and joined “Ukrainian Students for Freedom”. Now he is an activist of this incredible organization.

“USF is networking with exceptionally educated and intelligent people who literally live in the same breath as you. As soon as you become a part of this community, you feel a strange feeling that you and the interlocutor have a unique understanding that can only be felt with close people. USF is about freedom, its people, its young strong leaders who need our state, who are united by a common idea I believe that together, as a whole, we will be able to develop our country and change it for the better.

Hordii was born and grew up in Lviv, where he graduated from the Physics and Mathematics Lyceum, becoming the winner of the International Chemistry Olympiad. Twice laureate of the Lviv Gifted Youth Support Program award. Since 2019, he is a student of the Faculty of Chemistry of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. In 2022, in search of a community of active youth, he became an activist of the Ukrainian Students for Freedom.

For me, individual freedom is the highest value, and responsibility for one’s own individual freedom is the highest responsibility. USF is an incredible community of people who not only share these views, but are also ready to systematically defend such ideas in Ukrainian society. I am happy to join this community and hope to contribute to this work!

She was born and grew up in the picturesque village of Kozatske, Odesa region. In 2020, she graduated from the lyceum in the city of Bilgorod-Dnistrovskyi, after that she entered the National University “Odesa Law Academy” to major in law. She became an activist of the USF after the Leadership Program in 2022.

Freedom is a difficult and deep concept, for many it is undefined, USF – helps to understand freedom, and then to act – to fight for your freedom and the freedom of your country. This is a family united by one goal – the creation of a free society of prosperous Ukraine.

Nazarii – was born and grew up in the city of Khmelnytskyi. After the 9th grade of Khmelnytskyi Gymnasium No. 1, he entered Khmelnytskyi Polytechnic College, where he received basic technical knowledge. After 3 years of college, due to the desire to study in Kyiv, he took the documents and entered the National Aviation University, majoring in computer science. During his stay in Kyiv, he attended the maximum number of social and cultural events, but the quarantine took its toll and he returned to Khmelnytskyi. In 2022, he filled out an application for passing the Leadership Program and, later, got into the ranks of the USF, where he plans to take an active part in the life of the organization.

I went to the Leadership Program with the idea that today a conscious Ukrainian must know political science, history, culture, and law – and all this is provided by LP. And, as it turned out, USF provides even more – an incredible number of extraordinary people in your life who share your views and together you can do anything!

A simple guy Ilya, from a small town in the Donetsk region, entered the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv as a Software Engineer, he is very glad that at the age of 17 he found such an organization as USF, which gives hope for a bright future for Ukraine. Since childhood, he started programming and now he is a good developer of telegram bots

USF is a place with fantastic people who will help you in a difficult moment of life, because we are all a big libertarian (mostly) family!

Iryna was born and grew up in Kovel, she finished school in 2021. Now she is a student of National university “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy”, studies Economics.

‘I believe that USF will help me to make people fall in love with ideas and ideals of freedom.’

Helen is an activist of the USF. She comes from the small village of Kozatske in Odesa. In 2020, after graduating from the eleventh grade, Helen entered the Faculty of Journalism, the State University of Intellectual Technologies and Communications in the city of Odesa. In the summer of 2022, she joined the Odesa branch of the USF after completing the Leadership Program.

“Freedom is the highest value. Each of us must popularize the idea of ​​freedom, fight for it and protect it. USF is inspiration, it is opportunities, it is a bunch of like-minded people who support and value you, USF is motivation and a fight for a bright future. USF – this is freedom.

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.

Taras is an activist of the Ukrainian Students for Freedom. He grew up in the Ternopil region, where, after graduating from school, he entered the Faculty of History of the Ternopil National Pedagogical University in 2019., where he acquires knowledge in the field of historian-archaeologist. He is actively engaged in researching the archaeological heritage of Ukraine. In 2022, as a volunteer, he took part in the expedition of the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, which investigated an archaeological site in the Chernivtsi region. Public organizations, according to Taras, are the key to the development of democracy, so he decided to try the Leadership Program 2022 from the Ukrainian Students for Freedom, as a result of which he joined an organization close to his values.

‘USF is a community of active young people who strive to change Ukraine for the better. It is an honor to be part of such a community. The foundations on which the organization stands are common to all developed countries, which are considered exemplary for us. Thanks to this community, Ukraine will become a model for others in the future.’

Vadim is an activist of the Ukrainian Students for Freedom. He was born in the Chernivtsi region, where from childhood he was involved in the development of the family household and learned the necessity to know as many things as possible in order to be better both mentally and physically. Since 2019, he has been studying International Relations at Chernivtsi National University. In 2022, after long self-reflection, reading the stoics, and tempering himself, he realized that the values of Freedom are higher for him than many other things. In the same year, he became an activist of Ukrainian Students for Freedom. He believes that Ukraine will have a great geopolitical future as a state that is a great stronghold of Freedom in Europe, where everyone has the right to live as he wants (within the law). Currently, he combines studies and works on his farm.

USF is an example of an organization that can create a new generation of Ukrainians who will strive for the freedom to live as they want. It is an organization that creates strong people who are given to be the smiths of their own happiness and that Torch of Light that will inspire others to become like them – Free, Strong and Great.

Alina was born in Dnipro and liked to spend time at the computer, and eventually this clearly defined her future job as a programmer. After 5 years of living in Lviv, she enrolled in Kyiv Polytechnic Institute with the best faculty (starts with I, ends with ASA), and that is one of her biggest successes. However, she wasn’t enough, so now she is moving to Japan and is going to continue developing her programming skills and hopes she will be able to use them in big and important projects.

USF is about people, who believe in themselves, in others, and in the future, which they can create. USF doesn’t only encourage people to fight together for liberty, but it also unites regions, and people from very different parts of our country in one big powerful energy, which rules the world. However, inside this energy is cozy and comfortable, kind and sincere. People, being united, don’t only fight back to the system, but also form one big family.

Solomiia is an activist of USF. She was born and grew up in Turka, Lviv region. She is studying to be a translator at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. In 2022 she joined USF.

‘USF is a great opportunity to put any ideas into action to make your country a better place, having people with a burning desire for changes by your side. Besides, everyone here will be with you through thick and thin and will always have your back.’

Oleksandr is an activist of the Ukrainian Students for Freedom. He grew up in the village of Khonkivtsi, Mohyliv-Podilsky district, Vinnytsia region. After graduating from school, he entered the National University “Lviv Polytechnic” majoring in “Entrepreneurship, stock market activity, and trade”. He is most interested in economics, business, history, ecology, and psychology. Already in his second year, he had an idea for the start-up “Spilnyk”, which goal was to create a platform to help students find roommates for an apartment. So Oleksandr assembled a team and started working, he was responsible for building a business model, partially UI/UX design, and finding funding sources. For investment, his team applied to the startup competition supported by the British Council “Creative Spark Big Idea Challenge” where you could win up to 3000 pounds. They passed the first selection, but did not win at the national level. However, their team continued their work and plans to launch as of September 12, 2022. Joined the Libertarian Movement in the summer of 2022 during the Leadership Program.

‘For me, Ukrainian Students for Freedom are people who value independence and freedom above all else. People who are capable of anything in order to defend their values. People in whom I see changes, changes that are so necessary for the prosperity of our Ukraine.’

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)’.

Kateryna is an activist of the USF. She was born in the small town of Slovyansk (Donetsk region). Since her school years, she started volunteering in the “Greenhouse” initiative platform, wrote literary works, applied to the National Academy of Arts, where she took 2nd place in the regional stage. Now he is studying at the college of NAU, where he also leads an active social life (historical and cultural circle, participation in international conferences, etc.). Because of the war, she had to move to Kropyvnytskyi, where she lives temporarily. She got into the ranks of the USS, but now she is very happy about that advertisement in social media).

“I believe that people are a limitless resource. USF provides ideal opportunities for finding like-minded people, development, gaining new knowledge. I believe in the future of Ukraine and know that we will be able to overcome everything, because we are the same future”.

Vlada is an activist of the UKRAINIAN STUDENTS FOR FREEDOM.
She grew up in Kherson, where she graduated from the lyceum.
In 2019-2020, she volunteered at the NGO “Kherson Voluntary Club”.
Since 2020, he has been studying at the Zaporizhia National University, majoring in Journalism.
From 2020-2021, she was the head of the social direction of the student council of the Faculty of Journalism. In 2021, she became a member of the ZNU Student Council, where she was responsible for the external communications of the university, and in 2022 she received the position of the head of the household department of the ZNU.
On behalf of the Student Council of the ZNU, she participated in the campaign to vote for the project at the public budget competition “For the sixth. A place for recreation”, the purpose of which was to arrange a bgalo device behind the sixth building of the ZNU.
Organized lectures for students with psychologists and activists of the LGBT community.
She was a volunteer at the Ziff 2021 film festival.
Before the full-scale war, she worked for a month as a journalist in the “gorozhanin.info” editorial office.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, she actively volunteered in the humanitarian headquarterson the basis of the NGO “SVOI” and ZOCM. Wrote news on the website of the NGO “SVOI”. Vela kept records of hygiene and clothing humanitarians.
In the spring of 2022, a mural was created on the sports building of the university in cooperation with the Zaporizhzhya BUR.
She volunteered in the summer of 2022: at the UNICEF project – “Together. Meeting points”, at the camp for children of internally displaced persons – “Restart”, at the BUR camp. She created the project “ZNU Volunteering” on the “ZNU TV” channel on YouTube where they filmed stories about ZNU students who volunteer in various headquarters of Zaporizhzhia.
At the end of the summer of 2022, at the leadership program, she became an activist of the USF.

‘Your fire is my fire’ (Semen Oblomei).

Sophie was born in Poltava, where she grew up and graduated from school. Later, she moved to Kharkiv, as soon as she became a student of the Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University and started studying Law. There, in Kharkiv, life began to change itself. Values, thoughts and ideals began to reform and led her to the fact that in 2022 she became an activist of Ukrainian Students for Freedom. She has just begun her path to freedom, but her thirst for freedom drives her to develop in the right direction.

Freedom has always been something sacred for me, something that I must always defend and protect. So when I learned about USF from my closest friend, I immediately understood what I should be moving towards and where I should be. USF is not just people who profess the same ideas, it is something more – it is a family in which you are accepted by amazing people, it is friends who will help you at any second, it is a path that opens for you, as soon as you became an activist. USF is a new breath, a new generation of Ukraine, it is the future. I believe that each of us, who are interested in the development of society in a positive direction, will achieve their goals together with the great team of USF

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.

Oleksandr is an activist of USF. Was born and grew up in Zaporizhzhia. From the very young age was interested in music, so that was the reason of getting a music degree as a fortepiano player and academic, choral and variety singer. At school, he held the title of the President of the gymnasium student council. Since 2020 he have been a cadet of Kharkiv State University of Internal Affairs. In 2021 became a head of university cadet-student self-government. Since 2022 have been the member of the commission on culture development and a deputy of the Youth Council.

When I first joined the USF team, I was amazed by the number of like-minded people in the team, where everyone, through the prism of their personality, want to give this world a piece of themselves. It is incredibly motivating to work, and besides, it gives the necessary feeling of a laid-back atmosphere. There is no such thing almost anywhere – total strangers will always come to help and support. This is the uniqueness of USF — in a team.

Oleksandr is an activist of the USS. He grew up in the city of Chernivtsi, where he graduated from school. After that, he entered Kyiv, at Vadym Hetman KNEU University, where he is a 2nd year student.

‘USS is the future’.

Denis is a participant of the USF. He was born in Alchevsk, Lugansk region. Since his childhood he have been fond of mathematics and computers. He entered the best technical university of Ukraine on a specialty of computer sciences in 2021, and next year he passed to Kyoto University on a program of exchange.

‘For me, freedom is the highest value in life, because without it there is no sense in everything else. God created a man and gave him a huge gift and curse – the ability to make a choice. This is freedom. I want to protect it all over the world, and the most – in my native country. Finally, there is an organization that shares these values.’

Shall we meet?

This is Nastya, Nastyushka, Nastunya or Anastasia, it all depends on the context).
Now she is 20, and they are, as if not to lie, full of active life, saturated, and interesting. All conscious life, she remembers herself, constantly learns and searches for herself. But now university, work and relationships are helping with that (yes, yes, her time has finally come). She was born in a small village in Khmelchyn, where she graduated from school, attended all possible clubs and graduated from a music school. Later, university admission and if you are interested, it is a technical specialty in the food industry. The fourth year is pounding this rock to wear the title of bachelor (engineer-technological food industry). Therefore, if you have any questions while buying products in the store, you are guaranteed consultations with her. He is engaged in science at the university, everything possible at work, is interested in politics, business, the development of a personal brand and lives by the principle: “For everything good, against everything bad” – period.

Everyone has one’s own path.

Rena comes from Lysychansk. Her life is connected with music, she is a pianist. After finishing the 9th grade of the general education and music school, she studied at the Severodonetsk College of Culture and Arts. Now she is a student of the Kyiv Municipal Academy of Music named after R. Gliera, studying his majesty jazz! Rena is also engaged in animal protection activities. She joined USS in 2022, where she found motivation for comprehensive development.

‘The people who are the USS are a real example of striving for positive changes, development and achieving true independence!’

Tymofii is a member of the USS. Born in 2002, grew up and graduated from school in 2019. During this period, he was engaged in school and public activism. Since 2019, he has been studying at ONEU. He joined USS in 2022 after passing the selection for the PL. Engaged in student self-government and volunteering.

Taking responsibility for yourself is incredibly difficult. Taking responsibility for nation in difficult times is true madness. By passing the miles of development in small steps, the USS carries the ideas of freedom and love for its own people.

Ostap is an activist of the USS. He grew up in Lviv, where he graduated from high school. Since 2019, he has been studying at the Ivan Franko National University, majoring in “Law”, also studying part-time at the same university, majoring in “History and Archeology”. Joined the USS in 2022, on the advice of his friends, who is members of USF. An active student who takes part in the student life of his native university. He is a member of the legal organization “ELSA Ukraine”. He is also a member of the Club of Authors of “The Last Capitalist”.

‘For me, USF is an organization that unites young people from all over Ukraine. Freedom is a value for me, as it is for every member of the organization. I believe that the generation that will grow up on the values of freedom can become those citizens who will be able to build their ‘Politiа’.

Bozhena was born in Kherson, but she lived almost all of her life in small Nikopol, where she realized how important freedom was to her. Kyiv became the space for this person, where she moved to study in 2019. The decision to choose English philology seemed to her the best, because it gave her time to understand and find herself and at the same time learn the language at a sufficiently good level. I took an active part in the first year of study at the university, literally enjoyed the first events. I first found my community in 2021, when I moved to Vilnyy, it was he who gave me the impetus for an active social life. And so, when I saw recruitment for the Leadership Program in 2022, I couldn’t pass by and was pleasantly surprised by the concentration of cool people and information.

‘USF is something you have to try, even the circumstances will tell you that.’

Anastasiia is an Activist at the USF. She was born and grew up in the city of Zaporizhzhia. From 2017 to 2020, she studied at the college, majoring in Publishing and Printing. Since 2019, she has been a member of the Charitable Foundation and held the position of graphic designer. In 2020, she participated in projects aimed at combating gender-based violence, as a graphic designer, animator and screenwriter. In 2021, she became a co-founder of the volunteer movement in the city of Zaporizhzhia, engaged in project management.

‘Freedom is given to us from birth, but to be truly independent, you need to make an effort. People in this organization know the taste and price of freedom. And the most important thing is that they are ready to help you feel it too. The path to mental freedom and physical independence can lie through many steps, failures and difficulties. But I’d rather regret what I did than what I couldn’t do when I had the chance.’

Yulia is an activist of the USF. During her school years, she was engaged in student self-government, participated in contests and competitions. He is studying at Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, taking International communications major. Since 2021, she has been actively engaged in social activities: she was a member of the AIESEC and FRI youth organizations. Currently she is a member of the European Youth of Ukraine youth organization, engaging in smm-management and representing the organization at international events. Passionate about SMM, psychology and analytics. Since 2021, she has been working as a communication manager in the NGO Ukrainian Institute for International Politics. She joined USF in 2022 after the Leadership Program.

‘For me, USF is about free people who are ready to change the country right now. Freedom has always been a key value for me. And I am happy that I have the opportunity to belong to such a community of like-minded people.’

Mykhailo is a USF activist. He was born and grew up in the city of Zaporizhzhia, where he graduated from school. In 2021, he entered the Vadym Hetman Kyiv National University of Economics (KNEU) majoring in Economic Analytics. From the end of 2021 until February 24, the selection for the Leadership Academy took place, but due to the beginning of a full-scale invasion, he left this idea. Joined the libertarians in the summer of 2022, accidentally hearing about the USF from a friend. From the same year, he became an activist of the USF and a member of the Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia branches.

‘For me personally, Freedom is the most important component of a human’s life. And the struggle for it is a priority. USF is a space for young people who understand this! This is the place of your emotional and mental refreshment, When you are there, you understand that our country has a future, you understand that you are not alone.’

Maria Voitovych graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in 2022 with a degree in art history. During her 4 years of study, she realized two things: knowledge is worthless if you are not ready to apply it in the future; and the fact that higher education in Ukraine should be private. She first learned about libertarianism in the first year of university. And then she became more familiar with its theoretical and practical components at the “Objectivist Thoughts Leaders Program” training program from the Ayn Rand Center Ukraine.

‘I am convinced that freedom and its ideals are the natural right of every person. We are born free, so freedom belongs to us as much as our own life. Here, at USF – a center of the most creative, active and talented youth – I can follow my values, fight for our and your freedom, and together build a society of worthy people who pave the way to happiness.’

Maksym is an USF activist. Grew up in Zhytomyr. From 2019 to 2020 studied at KNEU, since 2021 is a student of NaUKMA.

‘I am a Ukrainian, a student, for freedom. Actually, I’m here.’

Daryna is a conscious Ukrainian citizen. She successfully graduated from the Linguistic Lyceum in the city of Kremenchuk. However, she always aspired to bigger scales. In 2021, she was faced with a choice between the Karpenko-Kary film directing faculty and the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. The girl chose the extreme option. As a result, today she is a 2nd year student majoring in Public Relations. The girl has meaningful knowledge in the field of political science, history, sociology. In 2020, she was a member of the UCC in the Kremenchug branch. In 2022, after the Leadership Program, she became a full-fledged activist of the USS. Considers the trend of libertarianism as the cornerstone of successful and active development of Ukrainian small and medium-sized businesses.

‘USF are representatives of cool modern Ukrainian youth, who actively and at the same time constructively express disobedience to former standards, stereotypes that have no place in the new world, in the renewed Ukraine. USS is about people who not only want to change something in Ukraine, but actually do and change it. They take an active part in public projects, create their own, fight at the front, volunteer, discover new talents and opportunities in myself and others. It is a real honor for me to be a part of this powerful action.’

Anastasiia was born in Kovel, Volyn region. In 2020 she became a History student of National University ‘Kyiv-Mohyla Academy’. In 2022 she participated in Leadership Programme and became a member of USF.

USF gives an opportunity to take a deep breath because understanding that your values are totally felt through and shared cannot be compared to any other organization in Ukraine

Anastasia is an activist born in Kyiv. She grew up there and now she keeps studying and working in the capital of Ukraine. Anastasia has been studying international relations since 2020 in Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. She gains some new expectations through the educational and human-rights activism in NGOs.

‘Freedom is a responsibility. I’m glad to be in the society, where everyone understands what is responsibility, so that freedom.’

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.

Nastia was brought up in a small town Zbarazh of Ternopil region. In 2020 she started studying Law at Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University. She joined libertarian movement in 2022 after completing the Leadership Program. She is interested in economics, political science and sociology.

‘USF is community of young progressive people, inspired and ready to change our society. USF connects like-minded people with readiness to continue building up Ukraine. A lot of topics can be discussed with members of this community for a long time : from make up trends to tax reforms!’

Oleksandra was born and raised in Zhytomyr. In 2016, she published her first poetry collection. In 2018, she entered the VNMU named after M.I. Pirogov. to the Faculty of Dentistry. In 2021, Oleksandra organized and held her first independent creative event. In the spring of 2022, she created her own project “SUM” – modern Ukrainian youth. The essence of the project is to give young people the opportunity to present their creativity: poems, songs, paintings, photographs, prose works. In the same period, the girl created a team to translate manga into Ukrainian.
In July 2022, Oleksandra conducted the first flight of the SUM in the city of Zhytomyr. The event included: an exhibition of paintings, photographs and a creative evening. In the same year, the girl accidentally learned about the Leadership Program from her friends and decided to submit an application.
In the fall of 2022, Oleksandra organized the second take-off of SUM, but this time in the city of Vinnytsia, which was assisted by the Vinnytsia branch of the USF.

‘USS — it’s freedom’s family.’

Anna is an USF activist. Since childhood, she knew that her purpose was to help people and her country. That is why in 2021 she entered the National University “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” at the Faculty of Political Science. Currently, she is active in five organizations of her university: Association of Political Science Students, Spudeyske Bratstvo, Spudeyskyi Visnyk, White Space, Ukrainian Student. Together, they conduct educational events, spread Ukrainian traditions, instill love for culture, and involve young people. Also, this girl was one of the activists at the rallies against the Minister of Education Serhii Shkarlet, who exceeded his authority and did not recognize the student-elected president of NaUKMA. The song she recorded was played during the protest on Bankova near the president’s office. This girl is not indifferent to her country. She is active and purposeful. He motivates everyone around him to take actions aimed at improving social life and, of course, believes in the best future of Ukraine.

‘USF is an organization of free, happy people whose hearts beat in one rhythm, because they have a common goal, they fight together for freedom. These young people are not indifferent to their country and their society. They are the ones who create the present and the future.’

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.’

Tamara is a student at West Ukrainian National University, where she study journalism. Also, she’s a student at Tavrida National University at the Philology faculty (Hebrew language). She loves the East culture since her childhood, so Tamara is also studying Japanese and is a member of a Korean cover dance team. But, of course, there is nothing that can exceed her love for Ukraine, that’s how she joined USF in 2022 after completing the “Leadership Program”. Tamara is a part of the Ternopil center, she’s actively participating in different international programs where she represents Ukraine and spreads people’s awareness of our country

“In the end, all our hearts United into one We will be together until the end When the day comes” – these words stayed in my mind for a long time after finishing the Leadership Program, because they so pithily describe USF. It’s about freedom, about people, about fighting for a free country. A big family, which will stand up for everyone»

Bohdan is a USF activist. He was born and raised in Sumy. In 2017, he entered Sumy State University, majoring in Computer Science. At the moment, he is studying in the 2nd year of the master’s degree. Bohdan joined USF after Leadership Program 2022. He likes dancing, traveling, learning and trying new things.

‘For me, USF is the confidence that Ukraine has a wonderful future generation. Active, intelligent, caring and freedom-loving people gather here. And our country needs exactly such people. Having got acquainted with USF very recently, I realized that it is not just a public organization, it is a real family.’

Artem is an activist of USF. He grew up in small village, Liman, where he finished school. In 2021 he began studying in Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv on “Country studies” specialization. In December 2021 he took part in “Anticorruption debates 2021”, which were organized with help of USAID. He joined libertarian movement in summer 2022, when he got on “Leadership program 2022”.

‘For me, freedom isn’t something ephemeral. It’s a complex of practical ideals which make society thrive. Because of this, USF as an organization that develops knowledge about freedom is so important for Ukraine’s future. USF makes an accent on young people because usually youth is ready for changes and moves progress forward. Good example of this is Euromaidan when students were first to go out and fight for our freedom and a European future for our country and elder people followed them in their ambitions.’

Vlad is a USF activist. Born and raised in the pearl of southern Ukraine, Odesa. He is currently studying “Economics” at the National University “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy”. He adores the economy, although he has not yet achieved much in it; engages in debates; loves to play chess. Joined USF in 2022.

“USF is about an active, caring community and, of course, about the idea of freedom, if you like at least one of the two, you’ll definitely find a place for yourself here.”

Olga is aN USF activist. She grew up in Kherson, where she graduated from a specialized school with in-depth study of foreign languages. In 2021, she entered to Kherson State University. In the summer of 2022, she saw an offer to go to Medzhibyzh in the Telegram channel of the university group. Before that, she had not heard anything about USF. She hesitated, but decided to fill out the form and was able to pass the selection. Became a USF activist at 2022. Now she is currently studying at the University of Klagenfurt by the Joint-Study program. Specialty is Anglistik und Amerikanistik. Actively studies English and German.

‘My fire is your fire (Semen Oblomei)’

She was born in the small village of Zamishchyna, Dubensky district, Rivne region, where she finished 9th grade. In 2017-2021, she was a student of the Dubensky College of Culture and Arts of the RSHU, studying “Fine Art, Decorative Art, Restoration”. Participated in volunteering and various college activities. After that, she entered the Kharkiv Academy of Design and Arts. In the summer of 2022, she got into the Leadership Program from the USF, where she got to know the libertarian movement.

‘I sincerely believe in the indomitable strength of the Ukrainian students, which withstood the Revolution on Granite, the Revolution of Dignity and is defending the country during the full-scale invasion of Russia. We have known the taste of independence, we will build a free Ukraine. Because each of us is responsible for what kind of country our descendants will get.’

Vladyslav is from Varа́sh, city-sattelite of Rivne Nuclear Power Plant. He is studying in Vinnytsia National Pirogov memorial Medical University from the 2021. From that he is holding an ipodeacon obedience. During studying in school Vladyslav was taking part in different activities, for example in student’s turnirs, acting and polemic groups. He propagated ideals of freedom and nationalism since studying at high school.
In summer 2022 he joined the Ukrainian Students for Freedom organization.

‘The most important value for me is the freedom of a person – it is freedom that distinguishes a person from the whole visible world and gives us the right to be who we want to be. Of course, we are not completely perfect, but we are called to strive for it, and freedom is the guide that can help us in this. Ukrainian Students for Freedom are fighting precisely for the recognition of the vital importance of freedom, so these are the people with whom I am not afraid and not alone to defend a person (humans were created completely free) and our most beloved Ukraine.’

Dmytro is an activist in the Ukrainian Students for Freedom. He grew up in Fastiv, Kyiv region, where he ended school. In 2021 this guy entered the Kyiv capital Borys’ Grinchenko university, to the faculty of “Law and international relationships” by the specialisation of “Regional studios”. At the end of summer 2021, he joined USF through the Program of leadership 2022. He doesn’t have some great achievements neither before society nor before USF yet. The only interesting about him is that he is interested in politics and did folk dance for three years.

‘In my short life, I only know about three things I love: freedom, Ukraine and books. I don’t see how the USF is doing with books, especially since I love fantasy cultivators, but there are two other things that the USF also loves, so basically because of that I’m here.’

Oleksandr is an activist of the USF. He was born and spent his childhood in the Crimea. In 2012, he moved to Vinnytsia, where he graduated from the lyceum. Since 2019, he has been studying at KNEU named after V. Hetman on the specialty “Economic Analytics”. He became interested in the libertarian movement during the Revolution of Dignity. A good friend, a cool organizer, and just a person who is interesting to talk on any topic.

‘USF is a very strong and well-structured public organization. We are young people who seek changes in our country and we are united by the ideas of Freedom.’

Oleksandr is an activist of the USF. In 2020, he graduated from the Lviv Polytechnic in absentia and has been living and working in Lviv for over 7 years. For the past 3 years, he has been developing his own marketing agency INSIGHT AGENCY. In 2022, he entered the Leadership Program from USF and decided to join the libertarian movement.

‘The USF is a cross between a sect and a family. These are people united by one great idea of FREEDOM and these people do not just discuss this idea, they jointly and effectively interact with the world for the free future of all Ukrainians and the whole world.’

Maksym – activist in USF. He was born in Ivano-Frankivsk, finished local lyceum and now he’s a student of Prykarpathian national university on Tourism speciality. Loves graphic design and sometimes completes simple orders. In November 2021 joins “Solidarna Molod'” youth organization, where he’s mainly focused on social media work and taking a part in different events offline. When the russian invasion at February started, Max became a volunteer. At summer he joins another organization “Mizh Inshym”, which is engaged in volunteering and education. In August 2022 he finds out about Leadership Program from USF and passes the member selection, becomes USF activist soon.

‘Liberty is a key to the free society. For me liberty is the one of the most valuable things, same as for USF. It’s not ok to fool yourself that we are just small people with no influence – everything is possible in a free country if you are educated and enthusiastic enough. The main thing is to understand it and work hard on yourself, and USF is the organisation that is going to help you with this.’

Anastasia is an USF activist. She was born and raised in Kyiv. Since 2021, she is studying at DNU in the educational program “Historical Ukrainian Studies and Applied History”. The choice of a university so far from the native city was due to the absence of Ukrainian studies in other universities. In autumn of 2021, she took part in the organization and holding of discussion clubs on the Day of Dignity and Freedom in the territory of Dnipropetrovsk region. She joined USF in the summer of 2022.

‘For me, USF is an inspiration. Seeing all these people burning with their work and ideas, you feel a fire start burning inside you. There is an overwhelming desire to join, to burn together. And I could not resist this fire.’

Illya Koval is an activist of the USS. He was born and raised in the city of Mykolaiv, Mykolaiv region. After graduating from the Mykolaiv Gymnasium No. 3 in 2019, he entered the history faculty of Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University for the educational program World Ukrainianism in the Progress of Civilization. Ilya is already in the 4th year of his bachelor’s degree. In the same year 2019, he joined the ranks of the NGO Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine, and in 2022 he became an activist for the Ukrainian Students for Freedom. He also takes an active part in the cultural work of his faculty: he played in the KVK and the Liga Smihu, participates in the Historical Debate League and as a volunteer helps the “Night at the University” project. Regularly he participates in scientific conferences.

‘Freedom is an idea for which people have died with honor throughout human history. This is our basic need and the main dream of generations of fighters against totalitarian regimes of the last two centuries. Because of such a great price of freedom for the individual, I consider freedom, first of all, a responsibility. Responsibility to ancestors, society and oneself. Since a free man cannot blame anyone but himself for his defeats, freedom gives him all the opportunities to achieve success, just as a free man is responsible to his society for the choice of power, and he has to prove to his ancestors with his free life that their struggle for free was not in vain. That’s why I’m proud of my freedom and ready to fight for it, that’s why I joined the USF – a community of fighters of free people who value freedom most of all.’

Yulia is an USF activist.
She was born in a small village near the city of Kryvyi Rih, but moved after entering Taras Schevchenko University of Kiev. She still studying here at specialty “Marketing”.
Since childhood, she was engaged in art and dance, took part in various contests and competitions.
She joined USF from the Leadership Program in 2022.

‘USF is about opportunities for young people. The opportunity to grow freely as a person. The opportunity to freely work, study, communicate, be inspired, sing the hymn and honor the memory. This is a place where the most active representatives from different regions gather, with different appearance, talents, religion… But with the common value of freedom.’

Maxim was born and raised in Zhytomyr. He gratuated physical-mathematical lyceum in 2019. He decided to drop out of university after studying applied mathematics at NAU for two years. Now he is studying physiotherapy and ergotherapy at Borys Grinchenko university. By the way, he is also highly interested in biomechanics and kinesiology. Max became an USF member in 2022 after accomplishing a leadership program.

What does USF mean to me? In my opinion, USF is a community of bald and self-consicious people whose core values are Ukraine and freedom. These people are not afraid of being responsible in tough situations. I feel like we have become a true family after such a short period of time. It’s an honour for me to be a part of USF.

He was born in the city of Odesa, but lived in the region for 17 years of his life, later returning to his native port. He is studying at K. D. Ushinsky State University, where he is mastering the specialty of pedagogue-historian. Since 2019, he has been engaged in public activities in the field of local self-government and youth policy. During this time, he managed to head the youth council of his community, work in the educational youth organization “Improv”, where he was engaged in informal education. Joined the Ukrainian Students for Freedom during the 2022 Leadership Program, having learned about it from activists I knew.

‘Freedom is action. Only by active actions can we win our freedom in these difficult times for the Ukrainian state. USF is the community that carries the torch of Freedom in dark times.’

VitalII is a schoolboy who got into the public sector. Since 2021, a member of the NGO “League of Students of Ternopil”, holds the position of vice president of the SMM department.

You call yourself free. Free from what, or free for what?

He grew up in the city of Zaporizhzhia, where he graduated from school. After his father went to war in 2015, he began to think about the reasons for this war, about politics and the economy. In 2019, he entered NTU “KhPI” for specialty 151, after which he began to think about the need for reforms in the field of education. Since 2020, he has been actively studying libertarian ideas and what Ukraine needs for its prosperity. In 2022, after the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, he began to look for a community of like-minded people, and found the USF.

‘I believe that freedom is the most important value in human life. And if a person is in a circle of like-minded people, then he blossoms. Therefore, USF is a blossom for me. Both me and Ukrainian society.’

Sofia is a USF activist. She grew up in the picturesque village of Novodanilivka in Mykolaivshyn. In 2020, she graduated from school and entered the university at the department of English translation. Versatile personality and open to new experiences. Since 2022, a USF activist.

“USF is about freedom, complete freedom. The organization is a device for achieving my goals of changing the state structure.”

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»

Ulіana is an activist of the USF. She was born and raised in the city of Zaporizhzhia. In high school, Uliana became deeply interested in history and political science, participated in two republican-level history olympiads, and also presented her research papers in the Junior Academy of Sciences. In 2021, she graduated from the grammar school with honors and entered the National University «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy» to study on the Bachelor program, «Political Science». Education helps her to comprehensively answer questions about the surrounding reality, and also provides a toolkit for researching Ukrainian society. Also, for a long time, Ulyana was in search of her value compass, but at the age of 16 she came across Friedrich von Hayek’s work “The Road to Slavery” and became imbued with the ideas of individual and economic freedom. Also, for a long time, Uliana had been in search of her value system, but at the age of 16 she came across F. A. Hayek’s work “The Road to Serfdom” and became imbued with the ideas of individual and economic freedom.
Uliana is now striving to develop in the field of political reporting and journalism, because she has had a desire to write since childhood. She is the co-founder and co-editor-in-chief of the «Responsibility Zone» telegram channel, which, together with the team, aims to develop into an online edition that promotes the ideas of the individual freedom and responsibility.

My best friend introduced me to USF back in the autumn of 2021. When I heard about a libertarian initiative in Ukraine, I immediately wanted to join it, because for a long time I felt lonely due to the lack of like-minded people, those for whom the sacred word “Freedom” is not an empty sound. USF has cemented my opinion that students are the driving force behind changes in society and the country, and that is why I feel highly inspired and want to work for the realization of my ideals. I hope this inner fire never fades out.

Evgenia – she was born in the military town of Desna, where she graduated from the 11th grade of the gymnasium. In 2020, she entered the Sumy National University of Science and Technology, majoring in Law. At the end of the 1st year, she took part in the “Agropolitical Debate -2020”. At the university level, she became the best debater and went to the All-Ukrainian level, where the team took 3rd place. During the 1st year, she participated in the faculty’s activities, and at the end of the second year, she is still the student dean of the Faculty of Law. In the winter of 2021, she took part in the All-Ukrainian Forum “Youth Here”, after which she began to actively participate in the life of the city of Sumy.

USF has three priorities in its activities – to unite, educate and mobilize. At the center of these priorities are people. And this is exactly what I like about the organization, because people are the basis of anything and everywhere, and therefore USF is on the right track. And I want to be a part of it! The path to freedom is already being paved by these people, who are already taking my hand with a smile so that I can reach it together with them – Freedom.

Mykola is a USF’s activist. He lived all of his live in Kyiv, where he has graduated the middle school and now study in Kyiv National I. K. Karpenko-Kary Theatre, Cinema and Television University.
Has a minarchistic (don’t confuse with mOnarchistic!!!) views.
Actively take part in promoting the Ukrainian culture by membering in musical band “MYR” (“МУР”).

USF is a freedom. And freedom is almost always an opportunities. And I don’t mean it only in mercantile way. During The Leadership Program I’ve received an opportunity to be in a circle of like-minded people and not be ashamed being myself. And I’ll realize this opportunity with maximum capacity, not only by improving myself, but also by helping the organization to promote the idea of desire of liberty, which is for me means freedom.

Angelina is a USF activist. She was born in the city of Poltava, where she graduated from school. Later, Angelina entered Vasyl Stefanyk Prykarpattia National University, majoring in “Accounting and Taxation”, where she is still studying. Joined USF in 2022 after the leadership program.

Freedom for me is not only about the physical, but also about the spiritual. It is about the free expression of thoughts, ideas and desires. It’s about free choice. It is at USF that I feel the freedom that does not occur in everyday life. USF is about the youth who long for freedom. It is about students who are eager for change, but also ready to change.

Ivan is an activist of the USF. He was born at the town of Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, where he finished 11th grade 3 schools. In 2020, having entered the Kharkiv National University, the internal certificate for the specialty “jurisprudence 081” At August 2021, the rock is going with successful leadership programs, joining the Ukrainian Students for Freedom. He is engaged in cycling tourism and writing scientific statistics about law and history, also he likes volunteering, and he’s especially delighted with children at different rates.

«In philosophy, freedom is independence, the absence of oppression and restrictions that link the socio-political life and activities of any class, society as a whole or its members. But for me it is freedom of choice. A person must choose where to study and work, where to live. A person should have the right to think and say what he thinks. Every opinion, even a false one, deserves respect. No bad thoughts, no bad tastes. But some states, forgetting about freedom, restrict access to information, prohibit expression, monitor individuals, and prohibit free movement in the world. And how many economic relations are limited by the state! Only by moving to full economic freedom can we forget about stagnation and restore the country’s economic development. That is why I believe that without will we cannot feel safe, we cannot find our place in a world where our rights are constantly restricted.»

He was born in a nice place, Kherson region.
I’ve been doing sports all my life, but sometimes I spend more time sleeping. I love to lie down with “crumbs” and watch cartoons)

«USF is a big and fun family.»

Alex is a USF activist. He grew up in Uzhhorod, where he graduated from school. From 2017 to 2021 he studied at the Uzhhorod National University in the field of “Geodesy and land management”, from 2021 he changed his specialty to International Business. He joined the libertarian movement in the summer of 2021 at the USS Congress on the Kyiv Sea. In his early student years, in addition to studying, he traveled a lot and discovered how other nations live and tried it on himself, which developed an objective vision on the standard of living of many nations. Which inspired him to change something in his own country for the better.

 «The idea of ​​freedom is not just a concept, it is a lifestyle. Freedom is the most important value today and I like that USF sees and values ​​it no less than I do. USF is free youth and youth who strive for freedom. This organization understands how important it is to coordinate a fresh and progressive young brain for things that will rebuild this country for the better. There is an extremely large potential that cannot be missed.»

Vladyslav was born in Cherkasy, since 2018 is a student of Cherkasy State Technology University, Speciality “Political philosophy”. From that moment he became interested in public activity and political life of Ukraine. In 2021 he joined the USF in order to find a force that could change the future of Ukraine.

«During my, not so long life, I had the opportunity to try life in other countries but decided not to look for a better life, but to create it. Since then, I have been looking for people with whom I can make changes, protect and restore civil rights. I see my future together with USF because I see in these people the potential for making changes. Often, it is students who become the driving force of the country’s development, and therefore such a combination of young people united by the ideals of freedom is a powerful tool for creating the future.»

Anastasia is a USF activist. She was born in the city of Nikopol, but for greater opportunities moved to relatives in the Dnipro at the age of 9, still lives here. In 2020 she entered the Alfred Nobel University in Dnipro, specialty “Political Science”. She has always been at the school for comprehensive development and participated in all competitions and contests. 2018-2020 was the winner of the regional Olympiad in Spanish. 2018-2019 was the winner of the regional competition of scientific works in the Academy of Sciences. At the university in the first year (2020-2021) she took part in 4 conferences and the All-Ukrainian Olympiad in e-democracy. In the spring of 2021 she passed an internship at the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration. When choosing a specialty, she decided that she wanted to further develop not only herself, but also her state and its citizens. Therefore, she chose political science and from the first year began her career in community service and volunteering. In 2021, she became a member of “Duit” and an activist in the USF. In addition, she practices aerial gymnastics and has been playing chess since she was 6 years old.

«USF is about a large scale. The scale of opportunities for public figures, the scale of the number of like-minded people, the scale of the desire to develop and to be developed. Every night in the company of the members of USF is accompanied by breathlessness and ants on the skin from incredible success stories and dreams. For me, USF is motivation and inspiration.»

Lesya is the youngest USF activist. She was born in the beautiful city – Chernihiv, where she studies and graduates. From an early age she was interested in political life and volunteered. Already at the age of 14 she began to lead an active political life, joining pro-Ukrainian organizations that share her views on the development and future of Ukraine in general.

«I have known about USF for a long time, and from time to time I traveled with them at various actions and rallies. However, she was able to become a member only this summer, in the Leadership Program. Why did I choose this organization? Because they share with me the idea of ​​freedom, which is very important to me. After all, as the great Nelson Mandela said: “Freedom is indivisible; the chains on any one of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me.” After the Leadership Program, I realized that I want to change the country for the better with this team, with these people, side by side to build our country.»

Tatiana is a USF activist. He lives and studies in Dnipro. She entered the specialty “Political Science” in 2020. He is also the head of the press service of the public organization “Duit”, which deals with youth development in the Dnipropetrovsk region. She joined USS from the Leadership Program in 2021 in the summer.

«USF, in my opinion, is a very cool organization, thanks to which you can develop firstly yourself, and secondly spread it to others. You are very charged when your environment is always striving for something new and modern. There is always some progress that always pushes you to fantastically steep steps. I am very glad that I came across these sunny and relevant people.»

Irina grew up in the city of Kalush, where she took an active part in the life of student government. Since 2019 she has been a student of the Cherkasy Educational and Scientific Institute of the University of Banking of the educational program “Management”, where in 2020 she was elected the head of the student government. Attended the largest youth summit “BOM”. She joined the libertarian movement in the summer of the 2021 Leadership Program.

«Ukrainian Students for Freedom» associate me with the fact that: This is young people who create change in the state; -is an environment of like-minded people who protect and embody the ideas of Freedom; This is the opportunity to be who you want to be.»

Sofiia was born and bred in Kyiv. For some time she used to be a professional athlete; she also has a title of Master of Sports of Ukraine in synchronized swimming (or artistic swimming). At the present time, she is a forth-year student at the National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” (NaUKMA) with a specialization in “International Relations, Social Communications and Regional Studies.” In addition, she`s doing her Bachelor’s degree in Management in sports activities at the National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport. Sofiia is a member of the International Relations Club (IRC) at NaUKMA, which was founded by her aspiring group-mates. In the coming year, she will volunteer for the LevelUP project working in a non-governmental organization in Iași, Romania. She hopes that in the future she would be engaged in cultural diplomacy. Sofiia joined the USF after completing a leadership program in 2021.

«Long story short: fire holds no terror for this brood» (рядок із балади Шевченка “Гамалія”; переклад Дж. Віра)

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.»

Olexandra is an activist of the USF. She was born and lived in Kryvyi Rih until she was 17 years old. After school, she entered the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv for the program “Cultural studies”. She joined the USF Lviv branch in August 2021, when she entered the Leadership Program.

«For me, freedom is the highest human value. USF allows me to promote this idea among Ukrainians in the community of my like-minded people. I am sure that the very people who fill the USF are the driving force of our country. These active, progressive, talented and unrestrained young people are changing our homeland for the better every day. Freedom, and as a result a happy successful society, is what I strive for together with the USF.»

Vitalii. He lived in Zdolbuniv, near Rivne. Student of Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadim Hetman since 2019, Economic Cybernetics. In Zdolbuniv, the deputy chairman of the youth council. In Kyiv, the chairman of the social and cultural committee of student self-government of his own university. Likes to joke.

«USF [ukrainian: УСС] is not only Legion of Ukrainian Sich Riflemen [ukrainian: УСС too]. 🙂 It is a modern student movement that seeks to integrate the ideas of freedom into everyday life. They are united by the fact that they are ready to do everything for Ukraine, to make the maximum effort that they have.»‎

Yuliia Nazar has been an active member of Ukrainian Students for Freedom (USF) NGO since 2021. She was born and raised in the picturesque and beautiful city of Ternopil. She studied at the elementary school with in-depth study of the foundations of economics and I.Franko Ternopil Ukrainian Gymnasium. At present, she is mastering the occupation of “Design” at Ternopil Cooperative Vocational College. She takes an active part in the student life of the college and she is the chairman of the Student Government. Studying problems young people are faced with urged her to search for information and like-minded people, whom she found among the active members of the «Ukrainian Students for Freedom»‎ (USF) NGO. Participation in the Leadership Program 2021 shaped a clear vision of the future and made her realize that students and young people are the driving force of our country.

«Young people, students, in particular, have always been the driving force and have taken leading parts in all the most important events in the turbulent history of our nation. I am convinced that it is the conscious youth, coming from all over the country and united in one team, will be able to change the situation in Ukraine for the better. Freedom is the most valuable thing we possess, it is something we have been fighting for throughout centuries, and still, we limit ourselves within some boundaries, restricting our freedoms, losing the opportunity to be free through illiteracy and our own ignorance. Therefore, I believe that young people should unite and defend their freedoms together, improving their own positions, ensuring a secure future for themselves and their country.»‎

Olexandra is an activist of the USF. She was born in Rivne, where she studied at a school with in-depth study of foreign languages, then moved to Kamianets-Podilskyi, where she graduated from the historical profile of the lyceum. Since 2017 he has been studying at the Ternopil National Medical University in the field of “Medicine”. She joined the libertarian movement in the summer of 2021, when she became a member of the Leadership Program on the shores of the Kiev Sea.

«”USF – is about people.” You will hear about it constantly and from everyone who is in this organization. And it really is. It is about those conscious students who have an irresistible desire to change something for the better, to defend freedom and build a country. It’s about those people with whom you understand, they are so close, about those who are always ready to help and support you. It is about those who will give you the sincerest hugs, their warmth and energy. These are insanely inspired people who are constantly working to make us all comfortable living in the country we call home. USF is about freedom. Everyone’s freedom to be themselves, to be individual and independent. USF – about opportunities. Opportunities to create, implement their ideas and promote them in the lives of Ukrainians. USF is about lifestyle, home and people.»‎

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.»

Dmytro was born in Zhytomyr. He started working as a designer when he was in high school. Now he works at getmoni.io, a startup that makes the best cryptocurrency tracking app, as well as at BWN Group, which is focused on the improvement of Ukrainian electronic services.

I have been interested in libertarianism for a long time, and since 2020 I have been helping the USF center in my city.

«Among the USF I found wonderful and free people, with whom I can do a lot of cool projects. USF for me is the opportunity to improve my country and, someday, the whole world =)»

Kateryna is an activist of the USF. She was born and raised in Severodonetsk. From 2019 to 2021 she studied at the National University of Pharmacy as a pharmacist-cosmetologist, but took a sabbatical. Now she is developing his own business. Tattoo master. She joined the libertarian movement in the summer of 2021

«I believe the USF will come to what everyone needs: a free society with a minimal role of the state in all processes.»

Bohdan is a USF activist. He grew up in Kyiv, where he finished school. He has been studying Law at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy since 2020. He takes an active part in student life: a member of the student organization “KYT” and “Buddy”. He devotes his free time to self-development, participates in various scientific conferences and he is interested in the possibilities of non-formal education. An active member of ELSA and EYP. Conducts active public activities. He became interested in the libertarian movement at the end of August 2021, when he joined the Leadership Program.

«Once I heard from His Beatitude Liubomyr Husar the following statement: “Your freedom ends where the freedom of another person begins”. This seemingly simple statement stuck in my memory. Since then, I began to assemble the puzzle of the concept of “Freedom”. For me, freedom is an opportunity. Opportunity to choose, to use the rights we have. It is tolerance and respect for others. But this is not the end of «Freedom» — it is something much more, something that I will learn with USF.»

Julia is a student, activist in the USF and in life. She was born and raised in the village Bila near Ternopil, although she spent most of her time in Ternopil, where she finished school. In 2020, she joined UCU for the Ethics-Politics-Economics program. In addition to studying, she is a member of the student organization POLITclub UCU, where she writes and voices podcasts, writes achievements for social events, organizes various events. She did an internship at the Vox Ukraine think tank. Now she’s having an internship in the consulting organization Hromada UA.

«The USF organization was a revelation for me. And I am sure that one day it will become such a discovery for many young people who will change our country for the better – in the direction of the ideas of freedom and justice. The values of freedom have always been close to me, so I am very glad that I was able to join an organization whose value base is freedom. Although our state is going through many trials, if there are such organizations as USF, there is definitely hope for the better days we are making today.»

Lisa was born and raised in Kramatorsk. She is a second-year student at the Faculty of Economics of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. She is studying International Economics. She loves math, drawing, screenwriting, dreams of an acting career, in her free time likes to make toys, play the ukulele and read books about Statistics and The Witcher. Lisa knows how to organize any event, and she will love to create decorations for it. Everyone close to her says that she is a sincere and empathetic girl.

«‎USF is an incredibly friendly team united by a common idea – to change Ukraine for the better. These are people with whom you can communicate with any of those. These are people you can contact with any request. USF is about sincerity, help, warm hugs and smart people. When I got here, I finally realized what I needed in life.»

Tatiana was born and continues to live in Zhytomyr, where she graduated from english gymnasium. She is currently a 3rd-year student at the Zhytomyr Technological College, majoring in Software Engineering. The events of the Revolution of Dignity and their consequences strongly influenced her views and ideas and, having become better acquainted with libertarian ideas at the course “Svoboda 101” and at the Program of leadership 2021, she joined the organization. She is currently part of a small (yet) Zhytomyr center.

«‎USF is really a family that is not connected by blood, but by common ideas and spirit, what links all of us even more. It is an organization that unites people who can change our country for the better. Also there are people with whom you can laugh, relax and spend hours discussing various topics.»

Kyrylo is an USF activist. He grew up in Severodonetsk, where he graduated from school and is currently a fourth-year student at the Volodymyr Dahl East Ukranian National University, majoring in International Relations, Public Communications and Regional Studies. He was imbued with the ideas of libertarianism back in 2018, because according to him, these are the very ideas that reflect his inner convictions and attitude to the world. He joined USF when he went through selection for the Leadership Program in 2021

«Ukrainian Students for Freedom is one of the few organizations in Ukraine that promotes changes in society and the state for the better through the ideas of individual freedoms and minimal state intervention in all spheres of life. It is an organization that promotes the idea that the happiness of each individual is the most important value and that really implements these ideas. That’s why I’m with USF.»

Nazarii is a rational person with an optimistic outlook on life. He graduated from 179 gymnasium in Kyiv with a bunch of unnecessary diplomas and entered KPI to understand what ‘computer science’ is. At the same time, he studied journalism, where he received a diploma with honors, and his parents are very proud of this fact. Most of the conscious life is associated with the desire to travel and entrepreneurship. That’s why he regularly gets involved in dubious startups because the experience of failure is much better than its absence. As of 2021, he continues to study at KPI.

«Sooner or later, people begin to ask existential questions. What is the meaning of all this? What is my role? And no matter how tempting the idea of copying the answer from someone may seem, you have to look for the answer for yourself. When these questions came into my life through long reflection, I found the values that I now consider to be the benchmarks for myself: freedom and justice. Fortunately, I am not alone in these aspirations, I have found a circle of like-minded people who are ready to support and ready to act. That’s why I’m in USF.»

Bohdan is an activist of the USF. Born and ended school in Kyiv, where in 2021 he entered KNUTE, specialty of “International Economics”. In the period from 2018 to 2020 took an active part in organizing “Model United Nations” conferences in Kyiv. He learned about USF in 2020 from the “Stop Shkarlet” protests. After participating in the “Leadership Program 2021”, he joined the «Ukrainian Students for Freedom».

«Since childhood, I dreamed of changing life in Ukraine for the better. While I was growing up, I became interested in rhetoric, politics, economics, history, philosophy, and over time, my aspirations and ideas took shape. Freedom, as the highest value, the ideas of libertarianism and later the USF played a major role in shaping my worldview. I see the path that Ukraine must follow and in the USF I’ve found a community that shares my aspirations and ideals. Ukrainian Students for Freedom is a family of like-minded people. Our views may not coincide in everything, But we all dream of one thing – to change Ukraine for the better. And we will do it.

Olga was born in Kryvyi Rih, where she graduated from a lyceum with honors. In 2020 she moved to Kharkiv, where she is currently studying at the VN Karazin Kharkiv National University at the Faculty of Foreign Languages. She learned about the libertarian movement from a friend and, interested in its ideas, joined it in mid-2021 when she decided to join the Leadership Program 2021.

«For me, Ukrainian Students for Freedom is a very wide range of opportunities and a community where people inspire and charge to act; it is a special atmosphere, invaluable experience and new acquaintances; a place where you will always find support and are not afraid to be yourself.»

Anton is an activist of the USF. He was born and raised in the small town — Oleshky, near Kherson. He graduated from Oleshkivska gymnasium №1 in 2019. In the same year he entered the Kherson National Technical University, majoring in 121 ‘Software Engineering’. He is the head of the student rights protection sector in the student parliament and leads an active lifestyle at the university. He learned about USS through a friend and joined the libertarian movement in August 2021 at the Leadership Program in Kyiv.

«USF are people who inspire and push you to change in the country. People who know what can make Ukraine economically free from other states. These people know that everyone has their own rights and is a free person. It is in USF that there is an atmosphere of protection and love. Together with these people, I can change the country and do better. USS is a family I found and I don’t want to lose!!!»

Volodymyr is an activist, political scientist and just a good person. He grew up in Odessa, but it is not entirely clear where he was born. At the end of the ninth grade of school, he was faced with a choice: to develop spiritually, to carry the light of science into the darkness of ignorance, or to become useful to society. In 2018 he became an electrician. Then he changed his mind and in 2020 he entered the National University “Odesa Law Academy” in the direction of “Political Science”. Co-founder of the public organization Center for Political and Legal Studies.

«To me, freedom is not a suspicious abstraction from academic walls, but rather a practical principle for achieving happiness that rests on two pillars: tolerance and responsibility. The most successful societies are free societies, and they are not known for unity, but for diversity and tolerance of cultures and worldviews that are not destructive. And only in such a society does a person bear responsibility for his life, for the decisions he makes, he values the fruits of his labor and is responsible for the consequences of his actions for those around him. It was in the “Ukrainian Students for Freedom” that I found myself in full agreement with these beliefs. It was as if the “Ukrainian Students for Freedom” saying: «Do you like this future? Take it and do it! We’ll help you, just take it and do it!»»‎

Max was born in Dubno, Rivne region, but grew up in Lutsk. There he graduated from high school (studied in three schools, by the way). In 2019-2020 he carried out active project activities in the Youth Center of Volyn, together with youth NGO “FRI Lutsk”. In 2021 he graduated from the Ukrainian Leadership Academy (Kharkiv). He studied at Lutsk National Technical University in the field of “Management”. He also participates in the Erasmus + exchange program in Lithuania. He joined the libertarian movement on the Leadership Program 2021.

«I have always defined freedom as one of my core values, without even understanding the reason, I accepted freedom as an axiom, as a given, as what should be, and what you cannot get rid of. But, as people say, only those who have been deprived of it can feel true freedom. I was lucky to be born after the Soviet Union, and it would seem like why should I complain? But the Maidan, the Russian aggression in the eastern region of Ukraine have shown me that freedom is not really such an ephemeral, flying value in the air. It is absolutely tangible, and it really becomes much more tangible, just when someone are trying to take it away. I’m an exchange student in Lithuania, I have traveled to many countries, but I had no desire to stay there, I had a different thought in my head: “I want Ukraine to be even better.” And I am ready to work and work, and now I have another great team – USF.»

One day, 9th-grader Anya bought a Netflix subscription and turned on the series “Suits” – from now on her life will never be the same… Now she is studying at NaUKMA Law School, fighting for human rights, filming moments in photos, collecting vinyl and continuing to dream of becoming the Harvey Spectrum one day.

«For now, for me, USF is an enterprising youth that promotes the ideas of libertarianism, but I hope that someday USF will become a family and a circle of like-minded people for me.»

Oleksandra is a student of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Studying at the Faculty of Economics for the specialty “International Economics”. She was born in Kyiv. In the past she was a professional karate athlete, holds such titles as Europe and world champion. She took part at MUN conferences on repeated occasion, in 2018 was the best delegate.
Also, she takes part in volunteer activities and the organization of forums on a regular basis. Love art house movies, techno festivals and daddy Freud. Got acquainted with the concepts of Liberalism in 2021 at the summer leadership program of the “USF”.

«For me, USF is one of the opportunities for the realization of creative ideas and thoughts. And at the same way, a place where you can not only find friends who you will spam memes, but also to form the right outlook on life.»

Max is an activist of the USF. He grew up in Chernivtsi, where he graduated from the Lyceum of Philosophy and Law № 2. Since 2020 he has been studying at Chernivtsi National University in the field of “Geodesy and Land Management”. He joined the libertarian movement in 2021 after completing the Leadership Program.

«For me, Ukrainian Students for Freedom is first and foremost a community and environment in which I can move, people and my country to a free and prosperous life together with like-minded people.»

She was born and grown in Chornomorsk , where she has done some volunteer projects which help of the “School of Leaders”. Now she studies film directing in Kyiv University of culture, and she is dreaming to convey ideas of freedom with help of art

«For me, It is a place where I found like-minded people , It is an opportunity to improve myself and make the world a better place.»

Pavlo – student of political science in Kyiv Mohyla Academy, graduated from military lyceum in Kyiv, born in Lviv. He’s co-founder of Responsibility zone media, key-values of which are Liberty and Responsibility.

«The future of USF depends on all of us. The benefit to the world that we do by developing this movement for Freedom and its community is impossible to comprehend because the more human effort was invested in this community, the more drastic changes for the better it can bring to a person and society.»

Julia is a girl from the beautiful city of Ukraine, Cherkasy, where she lives, studies and works. Her specialty is a teacher of foreign languages, she’s fond of dance and art. Since 2021 she has been an activist of the USF.

«USF are people who want a better future. USF are the events that bring together Ukrainians and people from all over the world. This is an association that can change Ukraine for the better!»

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.

Kateryna studies at “History and archeology” faculty, Grinchenko Kyiv University. She had lived in Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi and Vinnytsia cities, but after that she moved to Kyiv.
Kateryna studied at Ukrainian Leadership Academy at 2019-20 years.
She is interested in the topic of education in Ukraine, educational activities for children and youth.

«I’m not sure if I fully felt what USF is in practice. At the same time, at the start I can say for sure about: values and commitment to ideas in all actions; love and inspiring atmosphere within the community.I feel sincerity in USF and actions “not for a tick”. And according to this, that actions have the impact on the output 🙂 Glad to join!»

Kateryna was born and raised in Kropyvnytskyi. During 2002-2015 she professionally danced in the folk choreographic ensemble “Snowdrop”. A graduate of the Central Ukrainian Scientific Boarding Lyceum of the Kirovohrad Regional Council. She graduated in political science at the Volodymyr Vynnychenko Central Ukrainian State Pedagogical University (2019) and in public administration and administration at the National Academy of Public Administration, under the President of Ukraine (2020). The main interest is youth and educational policy. She was an active member of the branches of public organizations “Let’s do it, Ukraine!” (coordinator of the eco-festival CHISTOFEST), “FRI” (activist), “Ukrainian Association of Students” ( the creation and head of the regional department 2018-2019, president of the organization December 2019 – April 2020). Her achievements include the revival of the city’s youth council and the creation of a regional youth council. She studies memes as a political technology and a tool for influencing the consciousness of the electorate. Believes that the public sector needs to implement an institutional approach in its activities, as well as adhere to the values ​​declared by them.

«I knew about USF since its inception, but joined in 2021. What is this organization about? I will answer in the words of W. Churchill: “Hawks fly higher if they fly against the wind.” USF is really like that because the desire to live in freedom and be free is strengthened in the actions they take. I know for sure that joining the USF is a significant period of my life.»

Bogdan is studying law. But he did not make this choice on his own – he was helped by dozens of people from different organizations, generations and fields of activity. And he is proud of it, because he values ​​people and communication the most and tries to take the most from it.

And Bogdan is a perfectionist. He likes to do everything perfectly and not give up, even if he has to go around a hundred roads).

But because self-esteem is most valuable to him, he wants to talk about this path: he wanted to win sponsorship for an environmental project from Unicef, did not win, so he passed several academies and organized World Cleaning Day in his area.

«For me, USF is three months of subconscious understanding that you have finally found YOUR NGO that will ACCEPT and SUPPORT you. And then, 6 days of COMMUNICATION with people from ALL OVER Ukraine, from different specialties, but with an easy origin of conversation, because you are united by a common idea of FREEDOM. But all the members say that USF is a family, and although I feel that USS is only the relatives, I TRUST that I will also become a member of this family.»

Victoria is a USF activist. She was born and raised in Lviv. In 2018, she began to actively engage in volunteering and activism in the field of ecology, urban planning and politics. In 2021, she became a co-founder of the Pustomyty Youth Council, where she worked on the creation of the Youth Center, entered the UAP at the Faculty of Journalism, and became an activist of the USF

«I first learned about USF when I was looking for like-minded people who were ready to support Serhiy Sternenko. Then I realized that USF is a community that is united not only by an idea, but also by real actions. USF is those students who are united by the same thirst for freedom and future that united students on granite in 1990 and on the Maidan in 2004 and 2014. USS is about hot hearts and cold minds»

Ksenia is a USF activist.
She was born and lives in Chernivtsi, where she has been studying at the Chernivtsi National University Professional College of Yuriy Fedkovych since 2020.
After the Leadership Program 2021 joined to the libertarian movement.

After entering college, she is actively involved in public activities. In addition to USS, she is a deputy of the Youth Council at the Chernivtsi Regional State Administration, she is delighted art and SMM.

«USF for her are people who are ready to change themselves and the world around them. These are gatherings of like-minded people who always turn and are ready to help at any moment. USF is a powerful team that strives to make our country better and free.»

Danylo is a USF activist. He grew up in Chernivtsi, where he graduated from the Physics and Mathematics Lyceum. Since 2020 he has lived in Kyiv, where he studied at the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute at the Faculty of Information and Computer Engineering. He joined the libertarian movement after the Leadership Program 2021, although he had been interested in libertarian ideas before, thanks to friends. He found out about USF through the meeting “Freedom to Sternenko” organized by them in Chernivtsi.

«USF is first and foremost about the people who fill it. And the filling of USF is really great. An organization that has gathered so many ambitious, smart and active people together cannot be bad.»

Lidiia was born and raised in Kharkiv, where she now studies in V. N. Karazin University. Her major is history and archeology. Since February 2018 she started to volunteer as a member of the youth organization AIESEC. She graduated from the Mariupol branch of Ukrainian Leadership Academy in 2020. Lidiia joined «Ukrainian Students for Freedom» in August 2021 during Leadership Program.

«For me freedom is one of the core values. It’s something that in my opinion unites all Ukrainians. That’s why I’m glad to be with people who share my ideas and explore together the ideas of freedom.»

Vsevolod adheres to three basic rules:
1. Keep learning all the time. The world never stands still, so self-education allows me to keep up with the times.
2. Do it well. Perfectionism helps maintain quality. If you study, then for the maximum score. If you participate in a competition, then win. If you take on a project, then make it perfect.
3. Inspire others. Teamwork is one of the most effective working methods. Therefore, the ability to maintain a team spirit is important.

«Ukrainian Students for Freedom is a team of incredible people who pay special attention to educational projects for young people, acquaint young people with the works of prominent philosophers and the works of great economists. Everyone has a choice: does he want to be free. Freedom of mind is exactly what makes us truly free. You can be free physically, but the mind is more important. Education is an essential foundation of this freedom. That is why my like-minded people and I pay so much attention to educational projects.»

Bohdan was born and grew up in Vinnytsia. Later he moved to Kyiv to study at Taras Shevchenko National University, majoring in Economic Cybernetics. During his student years he became actively interested in economics and libertarianism. In 2021 he became an activist of the USF. Runner, mountain climber and train lover.

«As for me, liberty is a key value. It is impossible to imagine my life without it and I want to defend and fight for the opportunity to feel free. In USF I found those people who share my ideas and beliefs. Together, we can make our dreams come true!»

Iryna is an activist of the USS. She grew up in the city of Sumy. In 2019 she took part in the project “School of Leaders of Change” which was aimed at improving the city. In 2020, she attended her first protest and a few months later learned about the USS after the “Stop Scarlet” action where she participated with the Sumy branch. In 2021 she graduated from art school. Lysenko and received the award as the best student.

«”Ukraine will be free or uninhabited”, these words mean a lot to me and in order to spread and defend the ideas of freedom, I joined the USF. But if we move away from pathos, USF is a cool community, vibe people with unreal life stories. USF is something more than just an NGO about freedom, USF is a family.»

Mykyta was born in Kryvyi Rig. After finishing school, entered lyceum, studying in the English department. After having passed ZNO, applied at KNLU with a degree in Marketing and advertising. “Saying frankly: that’s possible to try studying economics in the university of linguistics”. In 2021, Mykyta joined the USF.

«And slowly we moved to my opinion about USF. Everything has just started for me. That’s why I’m full of hopes. However, on USF, when I am listening to the others, saying “USF is a family”, I begin to agree with them. I see those friendly, caring people. There is a special atmosphere. And this is not only about love, but their willingness to act. Next to these people, you start being active, curious, motivated to further changes.»

Elvira is a representative of the active youth of Ukraine, who understands that helping others is her vocation and that the well-being of our country depends on the coordinated work and interaction of each of us. She lives in Kharkiv, a city that inspires and provides all opportunities for self-development. She is a 2nd-year student at Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics, majoring in International Economic Relations. She recently graduated from the Kharkiv School of Volunteers AVA (Active Volunteer Association), is currently a certified volunteer and is actively involved in organizing many events in the city of Kharkiv. An empathetic girl who is used to living at a crazy pace and doing a lot of important things at the same time.

«USF for her is the most sudden, but is the best decision in her life. USF is first of all about people, opportunities, self-improvement, travel, training, a realization of dreams and own ideas. This is something that will stay in the heart forever.»

Vitaliy is a student who, in the 5th year of his studies at the university, managed to jump into the last train and became an activist of the USS and never regretted it. He was born from Ternopil, and obtained a granite bachelor’s degree in law in Lviv. He loves to travel to Ukraine, because trip is, first of all, freedom, and for him it is the main value. During his student years, he actively participated in self-government at the university. From 2016 to 2020 he was a member of the Student Council and the Academic Council of the Faculty of Law of LNU. Ivan Franko. In addition, in 2019 he passed the competition and took part in the all-Ukrainian exchange of students between universities, which gave him the opportunity to be for 2 weeks at the Ostroh Academy.

«USF is first of all about people. People who love and respect their freedom and others. Freedom to everything: views, thoughts, actions, etc. These are people who do not care where they live and what happens in society. They have their values, principles, virtues and adhere to them. USF has united and unites cool, sincere people with whom you want to do great things. This organization is designed to shape the minds of young people, for whom it is important to develop their country and build a society of conscious, thinking people.»