Cultural Diplomacy Through Food: Olia Hercules and Razom’s Culinary Journey in Louisiana
Food transcends language—it brings people together, bridges cultures, and tells stories words cannot. In early March, the Razom Advocacy team, alongside renowned Ukrainian chef Olia Hercules, embarked on a journey through Louisiana—visiting Shreveport and New Orleans—to foster connections, celebrate Ukrainian culture, express gratitude to local first responders, and advocate for Ukraine.
Who is Olia Hercules?
Olia Hercules is not just a celebrated chef—she is a storyteller, a bridge-builder, and a passionate advocate for Ukrainian culture. Originally from Ukraine (born and raised in Kakhovka) and now living in the UK, Olia’s culinary career spans continents. She is known for her innovative approach to traditional Ukrainian dishes, bringing flavors and stories from her homeland to global kitchens. Her work is a testament to the resilience of Ukraine and its rich culinary heritage. By using food as a medium of advocacy, she helps bring Ukraine’s story to the world, making this journey with Razom a natural fit.
Why Louisiana and Shreveport?
Our trip to Louisiana, specifically Shreveport, was significant because it is the hometown of Mike Johnson, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. By bringing this mission to his community, we aimed to strengthen the connection between Shreveport and Ukraine, fostering solidarity and raising awareness in his home region.
A Journey of Unity and Flavor
Our journey began in Shreveport, where we partnered with Louisiana’s own celebrated chef Hardette Harris to host a cookout for first responders. The smell of sizzling food filled the air as we served Ukrainian and Louisiana-inspired dishes to local firefighters and emergency personnel, thanking them for their service while sharing the tastes of Ukraine. We also delivered food to ten Shreveport fire stations, ensuring that over 100 first responders had a warm meal and a moment of solidarity. A special thank you to chef Anthony Felan at Fat Calf Brasserie in Shreveport for donating the space for our special dinner and first responders event.
From the heart of Shreveport to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, our journey continued, uniting communities through food. As the week unfolded, we engaged with diverse audiences—from Louisiana’s top chefs to students, community leaders, and international groups. At every stop, we brought people together around the table, proving that food is a universal language of connection and resilience.
Louisiana Meets Ukraine
In New Orleans, we held a special Ukrainian-Louisiana dinner, where community leaders and advocates gathered to experience a fusion of cultures. As guests savored dishes that blended Ukrainian traditions with Louisiana flavors—including three unforgettable po’ boys infused with Ukrainian ingredients—conversations flowed about Ukraine’s rich history, its ongoing fight for freedom, and the importance of cultural diplomacy.
Between meals, Olia and the Razom team participated in impactful discussions, presentations, and media engagements. At the Uptown Jewish Community Center, we shared the deep ties between Jewish and Ukrainian culinary traditions. At the NOCCA Culinary Institute, students learned about Ukraine’s food heritage and the resilience it represents. And at Saba, a vibrant New Orleans restaurant known for its commitment to community and culture, we hosted a dinner where dialogue and understanding flourished over shared plates.
Advocating for Ukraine Through Food
Beyond the flavors, our journey carried a message. Each gathering became a platform to share Ukraine’s story with new audiences—through food, conversations, and media. We were honored to receive a proclamation from New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell, recognizing our cultural diplomacy efforts and reaffirming the city’s solidarity with Ukraine.
Throughout the trip, Olia also shared her insights on the power of food to connect people and preserve identity. In an exclusive interview with Razom in New York City, she reflected on her experiences in Louisiana and the importance of using culinary traditions as a form of advocacy.
Watch the full interview here:
Media Coverage
Our journey made headlines, amplifying Ukraine’s voice far beyond Louisiana. Major media outlets covered our efforts, including:
A Special Thanks
We are deeply grateful to all who joined us on this journey, from the chefs and community leaders to the media professionals and first responders who welcomed us so warmly. Special thanks to Agis Counter in NYC, where Olia hosted a special dinner, and all proceeds from the event went to support Razom’s mission.
This trip was a testament to the power of food—not just as sustenance, but as a tool for connection, understanding, and advocacy. Every plate served was a reminder that Ukraine’s story must be told, and every shared meal was a step toward stronger solidarity.
Join us in amplifying Ukraine’s voice. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are Razom.
Ukrainian Voices That Cannot Be Erased
This week, a Trump-appointed special envoy and a real estate developer Steven Witkoff claimed that Ukrainian regions currently occupied by Russia are “Russian-speaking, and there have been referendums where the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under Russian rule.”
This statement erases the realities of millions of Ukrainians who have been displaced, imprisoned, and killed as a result of Russia’s invasions and occupations. It ignores the brutal repression of Ukrainian identity, language, and culture in these regions. To counter such narratives, it is crucial to amplify the voices of those who have lived through these events.
Razom Literature is dedicated to bringing Ukrainian stories to readers worldwide—stories that document resilience, survival, and the truth of what Russia’s war has meant for Ukrainians. Below, we highlight books by authors from Luhansk and Donetsk who offer first hand perspectives on life before and after Russian occupation.
Olena Stiazhkina - Ukraine. War. Love. and Cecile the Lion Had to Die
Olena Stiazhkina, a historian and former Russian-speaking writer from Donetsk, explores the impact of Russia’s 2014 invasion on her hometown.
Ukraine. War. Love. chronicles daily life under occupation, while Cecile the Lion Had to Die traces the generational shift from Soviet to Ukrainian identities. The novel itself reflects this transformation, beginning in Russian and transitioning to Ukrainian—a powerful statement of resistance and self-determination in the face of war.
Buy Ukraine. War. Love. HERE
Buy Cecile the Lion Had to Die HERE
Stanislav Aseyev – The Torture Camp on Paradise Street
Stanislav Aseyev, a Ukrainian journalist and writer, was imprisoned from 2015 to 2017 in a Russian-controlled concentration camp in Donetsk. His memoir documents the torture, psychological and physical abuse, and inhumane conditions endured by prisoners under the Russian occupation, offering an unfiltered account of Russia’s war crimes.
Buy The Torture Camp on Paradise Street HERE
Volodymyr Rafeyenko – Mondegreen and The Length of Days
Rafeyenko, a writer originally from Donetsk, explores displacement and identity in Mondegreen, the story of a refugee who flees the war and chooses to adopt the Ukrainian language. In The Length of Days, he crafts a fictionalized portrait of occupied Donbas, filled with dark humor, irony, and the painful absurdity of war.
Serhiy Zhadan – The Orphanage
Zhadan, one of Ukraine’s most acclaimed authors, was born in the currently occupied Luhansk region. His novel The Orphanage follows a Ukrainian language teacher navigating an occupied city to rescue his nephew, a journey that forces him to confront his own identity and loyalties.
These books are more than literature; they are testimonies of survival and resistance.Buy The Orphanage HERE
Read. Share. Advocate.
Literature is a tool for amplifying Ukrainian voices and ensuring that stories like these are not forgotten. Read these books, share them, and use them in your advocacy.
Learn more about Ukrainian books at razomforukraine.org/razom-literature
Now More Than Ever: Tell Congress Americans Support Ukraine
On Friday, many Americans watched in horror as Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over Ukraine’s “attitude” toward the United States after three grueling years of war. Their hostility demonstrated a growing disconnect between American leaders and the popular will.
The fact is that most Americans know Ukraine’s cause is just. Ukrainians are defending themselves against a ruthless aggressor who rapes, plunders, and murders countless innocents. Most Americans know that Putin is evil. And most Americans will not remain neutral.
Amid these alarming signals of wavering U.S. support for Ukraine and growing diplomatic overtures toward Putin’s Russia, Americans are coming together to demand principled foreign policy and continued support for Ukraine and other key U.S. allies. Please contact your Senators and Representatives today to emphasize that Ukraine is our ally.
The Truth About Republican Voter Support for Ukraine
Not only are the White House’s views on Ukraine out of step with the country as a whole, but with Republican voters as well. In a recent Wall Street Journal Op-Ed, Razom revealed the result of our recent poll that backs this up:
✅ 69% of Trump supporters agree that Russia is the aggressor.
✅ 5 times more Trump supporters have a favorable opinion of President Zelenskyy than Vladimir Putin.
✅ 71% of Trump supporters are more likely to back Ukraine aid when they learn that Russia has kidnapped more than 19,000 Ukrainian children.
This poll is significant because it reveals that Republican voters hold more nuanced and supportive views on Ukraine than the White House’s stance suggests.
Why This Moment Matters
Bipartisan lawmakers have provided Ukraine with vital moral and material support over the years. But now, some leaders are reconsidering their positions and asking whether supporting Ukraine is a winning political issue. The answer is yes.
📢 Every Republican House member who voted for Ukraine aid won their primary election. The American people see supporting Ukraine as the right—and winning—choice.
That’s why it’s so important to act now.
“The failed negotiations on Friday were not a win for America or Ukraine. The only beneficiaries were Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea. Supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom is not just about European security—it’s about U.S. national security. Russia has collaborated with Iran to attack American infrastructure, paid the Taliban for killing American soldiers, and traded military technologies with North Korea. America must send a clear message to all dictators: This is not what we stand for. Seventy percent of Republican voters say Russia is the aggressor, and 83% disapprove of Putin. It’s time to remind Washington what Americans truly care about,” – Mykola Murskyj, Director of Advocacy at Razom.
Take Action: You Can Make a Difference
America stands for freedom. Our leaders should, too. Here’s how you can help:
• Call or write your Representatives – Demand that they continue supporting Ukraine and reject any effort to cave to Putin. Surrender is not an option. Take Action Now: www.votervoice.net/RAZOMFORUKRAINE
• Donate to support Razom’s work – Help fund the crucial efforts that keep Ukraine’s cause front and center in Washington: razomforukraine.org/donate
• Join a rally – Show up, speak out, and demonstrate that Americans stand with Ukraine: EMERGENCY RALLY IN NYC 📢 Stand for American Values — Stand for Ukraine
The time is now. Tell Congress: Americans stand with Ukraine.
Ukraine at Davos 2025: Innovation, Resilience, and the Global Stage
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Razom for Ukraine, alongside Nova Ukraine, stepped onto one of the world’s most influential platforms to ensure Ukraine’s voice was heard. As the world’s top leaders gathered to discuss the future of technology, sustainability, and global security, we made it clear: Ukraine is not just a country at war—it is a country building the future.
Taking Up Space, Shifting the Narrative
At Davos, we engaged with global influencers, policymakers, and investors, reinforcing our role as a trusted bridge between Ukraine and the world. Our participation wasn’t just about awareness—it was about action. We inserted Ukraine into the conversations that matter, showcasing how Ukrainian innovation and resilience are shaping global trends.
Key Highlights from Our Participation:
🔹 Davos Lodge Panel: The Power of Innovation—Ukraine’s Key to the Future
Razom and Nova Ukraine hosted a powerful discussion on Ukraine’s technological leadership and innovation. Moderated by Dora Chomiak (CEO of Razom for Ukraine), the panel featured Mariam Naiem (Independent Researcher & Author), Yaroslav Azhnuyk (Founder & CEO of TheFourthLaw.ai), and Nick Bilogorskiy (Founder of Nova Ukraine & Managing Partner of Dnipro VC), who highlighted Ukraine’s contributions to sectors like AI, cybersecurity, and drone technology.
🔹 Freedom & Democracy: More Than Just Words
Mariam Naiem delivered an inspiring reflection on the Ukrainian meaning of ‘freedom’, reinforcing why Ukraine’s struggle is a fight for democratic values worldwide.
🔹 Ukraine as an Innovation Hub
Yaroslav Azhnuyk presented Ukraine’s advancements in drone technology, illustrating how Ukrainian engineers are pioneering defense innovations at an unmatched scale. Nick Bilogosrskiy highlighted Ukraine’s tech ecosystem, citing global successes like Grammarly and MacPaw as evidence of the country’s resilience and talent.
Watch full panel here:
🔹 Ukraine House Davos Panel: Aligning Interests—The U.S., Ukraine, and a Path to a Just and Sustainable Peace
Dora Chomiak, CEO of Razom for Ukraine, joined a high-level panel discussion on Ukraine’s economic potential and geopolitical role. Participants included Daniel F. Runde (Senior Vice President at CSIS), Ambassador Kurt Volker (Founder of Alliance Strategic Advisors), RDML (Ret.) Michael Hewitt (Co-Founder & CEO of IP3 Corporation), and Andy Hunder (President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine). The conversation explored Ukraine’s role as a future economic powerhouse, its path to EU integration, and the investment opportunities that will shape the country’s recovery.
Watch full panel here:
🔹 Justice & Accountability: Seizing Russian Assets
Yuliya Ziskina, Razom Senior Legal Fellow, spoke on the crucial issue of seizing $350 billion in frozen Russian assets, arguing that the financial burden of war should shift from Western taxpayers to the aggressor. Her message was clear: the legal mechanisms that promote justice, accountability, and sustainable recovery for Ukraine are there, we just need the political will to use them.
Watch full panel here:
Why This Matters
Ukraine’s participation at Davos was more than symbolic—it was strategic.
• Together with our partners we made sure Ukraine was included in key discussions on global security, democracy, and economic development.
• We connected with decision-makers, investors, and media to advocate for concrete support for Ukraine’s future.
• We demonstrated that despite the war, Ukraine is actively contributing to solving some of the world’s greatest challenges.
What’s Next?
Razom together with our partners will continue to push Ukraine’s presence on the global stage, ensuring that its resilience, innovation, and leadership are recognized and supported. We invite you to join us in this mission—advocate, invest, and stand with Ukraine.
Key Messages for Pro-Ukraine Advocacy
Negotiate from a position of strength
President Donald Trump is preparing to open negotiations for a settlement to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. No one wants peace more than Ukrainians—but they need a permanent and just peace, which can only be accomplished with U.S. support and historic, bold leadership from President Trump. As allies, the U.S. and Ukraine must negotiate from a position of strength over Russia. It’s time for President Trump to put Maximum Pressure on Russia through sanctions, unleashing American energy, and stopping Russia’s battlefield advances in order to force Putin to the table.
• Arm Ukraine so it can stabilize the front line, stop Russia’s bombardment of civilians, and start pushing Russian forces back again.
• Russia is under pressure—it’s running out of manpower to fight, it’s about to run out of tanks and cannons, and the economy is at risk of a recession. Putin is under tremendous pressure at home and abroad—just look at how he couldn’t save his client Bashar al-Assad in Syria—it’s time for the U.S. to squeeze Putin to force him to make peace, not give him a reprieve.
• The Biden administration refused to properly sanction Russia’s energy or financial sectors. It’s time for President Trump to unleash sanctions and American energy exports to break Russia’s war economy and force Putin to the table to end his war.
President Trump has signaled that he’s open to economic pressure on Russia, but Maximum Pressure won’t work without military assistance to Ukraine. Thanks to U.S. weapons, Russia has suffered record casualties on the battlefield—if this battlefield pressure lets up, Trump’s economic pressure will fail.
Joe Biden failed to properly arm Ukraine to succeed on the battlefield—it’s on Trump to act decisively and fix this mistake to achieve peace. Congress has equipped the Trump administration with a $3.8 billion dollar Presidential Drawdown Authority for Ukraine. President Trump must immediately make a new Presidential Drawdown to give Ukraine leverage for peace.
Security guarantees for Ukraine are the key to peace
The only way to achieve real peace in Europe is for Ukraine to receive credible security guarantees such as NATO membership. NATO is a defensive alliance that will never attack Russia—the only threat it poses to Putin is it stops him from trying to conquer more free countries. Without security guarantees, Ukraine won’t be able to rebuild itself. The only way to assure Ukrainians that Russia won’t restart its war in a few years is by boldly acting and finally allowing them to join NATO. Barack Obama and Joe Biden both left Ukraine in NATO’s waiting room—President-elect Trump must fix this by letting the strongest military in Europe be a U.S. ally.
• When Ukraine joins NATO, it will automatically make the alliance stronger and make Europe more secure. President Zelenskyy has suggested that once Ukraine joins NATO, Ukrainian forces could help reinforce bases in Europe to give the U.S. the necessary flexibility to meet security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Vladimir Putin is trying to trick President Trump into thinking that Ukrainian neutrality will end the war—it’s just another Moscow hoax. Putin wants Trump to make the same mistakes that Obama and Biden made and leave Ukraine in no-man’s-land so that Russia can rearm and restart the war in a few years. Trump must fix Obama and Biden’s mistake and finally let Ukraine help the U.S. as its strongest ally.
• Europe must step up and take ownership of security on the continent as President Trump has called for. In addition to buying American arms, it can do this by providing an intermediate security guarantee while Ukraine joins NATO to end the war. At Ukraine’s invitation and with enablement from the U.S., European troops should help enforce a ceasefire and European fighter jets should stop Russia’s bombardment of Ukrainian cities.
Make Russia pay for Ukraine aid
Congress passed the REPO Act last year, giving President Trump the power to transfer the more than $5 billion in Russian state assets in the U.S. to help Ukraine. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said it would be “pure poetry” for Russia to be the first to pay for aid to Ukraine, and President Trump should do what Joe Biden refused to—use Russia’s own money to pay for aid to Ukraine.
The Biden administration also violated the REPO Act by failing to disclose a report on the true value of Russian state assets in U.S. jurisdiction, which experts believe are worth tens of billions of dollars. Once President Trump acts decisively on this issue, Europe will follow his leadership and make use of the hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Russian state assets in European jurisdiction.
Pass the Ukrainian Genocide Resolution in Congress
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) reintroduced a resolution recognizing Russia’s war against Ukraine as genocide (H.Res.16). It’s time for the House of Representatives to pass this resolution and rightly recognize Russia’s barbaric invasion, annihilation of Ukrainian cities, and mass abduction of Ukrainian children as genocide.
Razom Volunteers Targeted in Airstrikes While Delivering Aid in Sumy Region
On the morning of September 13, Razom’s volunteers came under heavy airstrikes while delivering humanitarian aid to Yampil Hospital in the Sumy region. As they were unloading supplies, two air-dropped bombs (KABs) exploded just 100 meters from the hospital. Thankfully, the volunteers and hospital staff escaped serious injury. However, the hospital’s windows were shattered, and vehicles, along with the much-needed aid, were damaged by shrapnel.
Immediately after the attack, the hospital began receiving injured civilians, mainly women, children, and the elderly. Under extremely difficult conditions, the medical staff provided urgent care, even relocating to the hospital’s basement for safety.
Yampil, located just 7 miles from the Russian border, has been enduring nearly daily airstrikes, according to local residents.
In response to the worsening situation in Sumy and nearby regions, Razom for Ukraine launched an emergency program to supply hospitals in Sumy with essential medications, orthopedic equipment, and other critical materials. With today’s delivery to Yampil and previous deliveries to Sumy, Khotin, Shostka, and Hlukhiv, Razom has now provided nearly 10 tons of humanitarian aid, valued at $200,000.
Razom needs your help!
Innocent Ukrainians and volunteers are being targeted while delivering humanitarian aid. Let’s also remember the recent Red Cross tragedy on September 12, where three workers lost their lives in a similar attack.
Support Razom for Ukraine to replace the damaged vehicle and continue delivering life-saving aid across Ukraine. Every contribution saves lives!
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