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Yana Rudenko
Yana Rudenko (Ukrainian: Яна Руденко; born 1999) is a Ukrainian student, activist, and survivor of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Her work focuses on promoting justice, accountability for war crimes, and cultural awareness of Eastern Europe. Early life and educationRudenko was born and raised in Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine. She pursued a bachelor's degree in economics and management at Lviv Polytechnic. During the initial stages of the 2022 Russian invasion, she was in Bucha, where she experienced weeks under Russian occupation, witnessing war crimes and enduring harsh conditions without basic necessities.[1] Career and activismIn mid-2022, in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Rudenko relocated to the Netherlands as a refugee. Her experiences shaped her decision to study public administration at Leiden University Campus The Hague to contribute to global peace and justice. She has spoken at international events, including the Cleveringa Meeting in The Hague, where she shared her personal experiences and highlighted the importance of accountability for Russia's aggression.[2][3] Yana Rudenko is the founder and president of the Adriatic-Baltic-Black-Azov (ABBA) Student Association. ABBA aims to foster understanding of Eastern European cultures and politics while addressing the ongoing effects of the conflict in Ukraine. Events organized by ABBA include a Q&A session with Crimean Tatar leader Refat Chubarov.[4][5] Ms. Rudenko is also a co-founder of the DroneAid Collective, an initiative based in the Netherlands that engages displaced Ukrainians and rehabilitating veterans in building drones for use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Through workshops held in cities across the Netherlands, participants learn technical skills such as electronics and soldering while assembling drones used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence missions. In the first year of its existence, the initiative has raised over €150,000 in funds and produced almost 300 drones and plays a dual role in supporting Ukraine's defence efforts and fostering the rehabilitation of participants. DroneAid Collective collaborates with the nonprofit Eyes on Ukraine, which supplies drones and other humanitarian resources to the frontlines of the conflict.[6][5][7] On 13 May 2024 Rudenko participated, as one of the ten winners of the NATO Summit Challenge, in the fourth NATO Youth Summit, which was held in Stockholm.[8] Social media and advocacyRudenko uses social media to raise awareness of war crimes and combat misinformation.[9] She has organised fundraising campaigns, raising more than €8,000 for humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Her activism also highlights the oppression of minority groups, such as Crimean Tatars and Circassians, and the need for global accountability against aggression.[4][2] Yana Rudenko's work has been recognised for its contributions to raising awareness about the effects of war and the importance of justice. She continues to advocate for global solidarity and cultural understanding through her academic and activist efforts. References
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