Where We Serve

Hart primarily operates in Ukraine but also collaborates with church partners in Moldova and Romania. Additionally, we have engaged with partner ministries in neighboring Eastern European nations and Central Asia.

Ukraine’s Post-Independence Journey (1991 – Present)

On August 24, 1991, Ukraine declared its independence from the collapsing Soviet Union, marking a pivotal moment in its long and tumultuous history. As the country embarked on this new chapter, it faced a daunting set of challenges – rebuilding its economy, establishing democratic institutions, and navigating complex geopolitical tensions.

The 1990s: Transition and Turmoil

The initial years of independence were marked by significant economic upheaval as Ukraine transitioned from a Soviet-style planned economy to a market-based system. This process was plagued by corruption, hyperinflation, and a steep decline in living standards for many Ukrainians. Politically, Ukraine struggled to consolidate its democracy, with power shifting between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions. The 1994 election of Leonid Kuchma as president ushered in a period of “multi-vector” foreign policy, as Ukraine sought to balance overtures to the West with maintaining ties to Russia. 

The Orange Revolution and Aftermath (2004-2010)

In 2004, widespread protests known as the “Orange Revolution” erupted in response to allegations of electoral fraud in the presidential election. This led to the victory of the pro-Western candidate, Viktor Yushchenko, and a renewed push for democratic reforms and European integration. However, the effects of the Orange Revolution were short-lived, as the country remained deeply divided along regional and ethnic lines. Yushchenko’s successor, Viktor Yanukovych, pursued a more Russia-friendly agenda, sparking renewed protests in 2013-2014. 

 The Euromaidan Revolution and Russian Aggression (2013-2014)

The 2013-2014 Euromaidan protests, also known as the “Revolution of Dignity,” culminated in the ousting of Yanukovych and the establishment of a new, pro-Western government. In response, Russia annexed Crimea and began supporting separatist forces in eastern Ukraine, leading to an ongoing conflict that has claimed over 14,000 lives. 

 Zelensky and the Russo-Ukrainian War (2019-Present)

In 2019, the political outsider Volodymyr Zelensky was elected president on a platform of anti-corruption and ending the conflict in the Donbas region. However, in February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sparking the Russo-Ukrainian War, which has displaced millions of Ukrainians and resulted in immense human suffering. Despite the immense challenges, Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. As the conflict continues, the country’s future remains uncertain, but its people’s unwavering spirit and desire for freedom have captured the world’s attention.