Participant of the Regional Competition "Young Person of the Year – 2025" in the Nomination "Public Figure of the Year" Valeriy Volskyi
My name is Valeriy Volskyi. I was born in 1993 in the mining town of Ukrainsk in the Donetsk region—a region that taught me to take a hit, to be true to myself, and to always look for the light even in the darkest of times.
I am a public figure, a volunteer, a youth worker, a facilitator, and a serviceman. My path is a story of love for my region, a fight for justice, and faith in the power of community.
In 2014, I was only 20 years old. I had just received my master's degree in "Finance and Credit" and was planning my future. But instead of realizing my plans, war broke out. The Russian aggression turned my life upside down. I returned to Ukrainsk and became a volunteer. Not out of duty, but from a calling of the heart. Volunteering became my breath. We created an initiative group that helped people fleeing from temporarily occupied territories. We supported the military and stopped attempts at destabilization in the city. It was a time when identity became a challenge. To be Ukrainian in the Donetsk region meant to be brave. It was painful to see friends go "to the other side." But I did not betray. Sometimes it was scary—hostile looks, betrayal from acquaintances, the referendum. But I did not stay silent. My love for Ukraine goes back to first grade—my mother deliberately sent me to school a year later so that I could be taught in Ukrainian—that was the first step towards my conscious Ukrainian identity.
In 2016, I became a co-founder and head of the public organization "Kraina Vilnoi Hromady" ("Country of a Free Community"), whose main goal is to activate community members through the implementation of social action projects. Our team focused on the development of youth initiatives in small communities, forming an active civil society, and promoting ideas of environmental awareness, culture, sports, and youth participation in decision-making. I became the head of the organization. My role is not to command, but to unite, inspire, and build bridges. We started small—with training and finding ideas. One of the main directions is working with youth in small communities. In places where there is a lack of resources, we create spaces of strength.
I underwent training with the British Council and became a facilitator for the "Active Citizens" program. Over several years, our organization held more than two dozen events: environmental campaigns, festivals, cultural days, youth tournaments, and educational events. Our mobile space "Hilka" ("Branch") became a symbol of growth, change, and moving forward. It had music studios, clubs, and integration meetings. We didn't just help with words—during the COVID-19 pandemic, we sewed masks, delivered groceries, and supported those who needed it most.
In 2022, we planned to open a youth space "Hilka," hold a festival, build a new basketball court, and create murals... But February 24 changed everything again. The war had come to the entire territory of Ukraine. We didn't run—we acted. Part of the team evacuated, but we didn't stop. Some stayed in the city, some left, but we were still a team and we worked. On February 26, 2022, we opened the volunteer center "Ukrainska Ruka Dopomohy" ("Ukrainian Hand of Help"). There, we provided assistance to IDPs from hot spots—medicine, food, clothes, hygiene. We divided the work areas, and everyone coordinated their branch. The overall picture of the work was on me. I coordinated the interaction with donors, submitted applications, and searched for equipment for the military. We held on. We were a team. We were a light in the darkness. The center operated until March 2024.
Unfortunately, my hometown is currently under temporary occupation. Part of our team, including me, was forced to evacuate to the Chernivtsi region. But our activities did not stop—in December 2022, we opened the "Hilka" youth space in a new city, where we continued to hold events, integrate youth from different regions, support communities, and build new partnerships. In 2024, we opened another "Hilka" youth space in the Chernihiv region. These initiatives have become a symbol of unity, mutual support, and the permanence of our movement.
We don't just create premises—we form communities, expand horizons of opportunity, and give young people a voice. At every event, I talk about my Donetsk region—about the people who did not give up, who create good despite the pain.
From 2022 until today, our team has held more than 140 events in various cities of Ukraine, and during this time, it has grown significantly—new active participants and partner organizations have joined us.
In 2025, I completed my studies by correspondence and received a second higher education—a master's degree in social work, because I know that both now and after the Victory, the country needs those who will help heal the wounds—not only physical but also spiritual.
Now I am a serviceman, a volunteer. But I have not stopped being a public figure. The war did not destroy our idea; it only added depth to it. I continue to coordinate the organization, support the team, develop the network, and inspire others. Because I know that true leadership is not about status, but about the ability to lead forward when everyone is struggling.
My goal is for every city in Ukraine to have its own "Hilka," as a symbol of strength, unity, and hope. So that every boy or girl from a small community knows that they are important and that their voice matters. I was born in the Donetsk region—and I believe that it will become an example for the whole country. Because the Donetsk region is not just about mines, wars, and losses. It is about invincibility, dignity, and people who stick together and create the future.
Together—to Victory.