An evening at Les Grands Chais Monégasque brought together Monaco’s Ukrainian community and supporters for the launch of Les Amis de l’Ukraine.
On an evening defined by unity and togetherness, Les Grands Chais Monégasque held the inaugural cocktail reception for Les Amis de l’Ukraine, a new association here in Monaco led by Alexandre Caracchini.
Caracchini shared that the association, along with events like this, plays an important role in giving Ukrainians opportunities to meet and learn more about ongoing projects within the community. He noted that “together we are stronger”, emphasising that everyone can come together to help – Ukrainian or not. With such a positive response and strong turnout, Caracchini expressed high aspirations for the association’s future.
Building connection within Monaco’s Ukrainian community
Although he noted that roughly only 20% of Ukrainians in Monaco are currently connected with Les Amis de l’Ukraine, that number continues to grow through events like these. They are eager to host larger gatherings, further integrate with the Monaco community, and help Ukrainians find a place to meet others, particularly for those who have not yet found that since arriving in Monaco.
In the four months since the association was initiated, Caracchini shared that he has been very pleased with its progress. He believes it is important to bring philanthropy to everything being done in Monaco and emphasises the value of continued collaboration in raising awareness.
The event provided the opportunity to meet many inspiring individuals leading their own initiatives in support of Ukraine.
Humanitarian initiatives supporting Ukraine
Nataliya Dubosq, President of Agir and Soutenir l’Ukraine, alongside her husband Gael Dubosq, shared the many ways their association is involved in humanitarian efforts supporting Ukraine. One example of this is their support of Le Boulanger Sans Frontières, an organisation that travels to Ukraine to provide bread to people in need while also boosting morale. Stabnet, another association they collaborate with, is a stabilisation network supporting mobile hospitals. They aid in funding this and ensuring sufficient doctors, surgeons, and resources are available near the front lines.
In December, they also collaborated with Cœurs d’Avenir to coordinate a fundraising event in Cannes, where international ballet performers raised money for Ukrainian children who have lost a parent due to the war. Cœurs d’Avenir founder, Iryna Komara, also present at the event, shared that the organisation has already supported around 60 children over the past two years, with plans to help many more.
The association also organises football teams and matches for individuals who are amputees because of the war, offering them the opportunity to continue participating in sport. Throughout these conversations, one thing was clear: these individuals are deeply committed to their work, and collaboration only strengthens their impact.
See also: Interview: How one woman is manufacturing bionic prosthetics for Ukraine from Monaco
Bridging cultures and supporting new arrivals
Anna Kazimir, founder, and Svetlana Berezovska, president of UMA (Ukraine Monaco Association) offer an opportunity for Ukrainian culture to be shared in Monaco. Through fundraisers, events, and other humanitarian efforts – they launched the organisation in 2022 with the aim of supporting Ukrainians arriving from war-affected regions. This included assisting with accommodations, offering advice, language courses, and even chess clubs for families.
Their main goal is to be a bridge between countries. They welcome people of all cultures as a very international organisation. These efforts, beyond Monaco, include volunteers involved in delivering medical equipment, supporting hospitals, and contributing to wider humanitarian initiatives. At the event, they are eager to meet the many people present and see how else they can unite to help.
Strengthening dialogue and international cooperation
Ukrainian legal expert Olha Drachevska is the founder of Incolanse Law Firm and a recognised specialist in commercial and administrative law. With a PhD in law, she has advised leading industrial enterprises and is also a frequent media commentator on legal and societal issues. Speaking during the evening, she described it as “an important symbol of a new stage in the development of relations between Ukraine and Monaco”, highlighting the growing importance of cooperation between the two countries. She added that the opening of the Honorary Consulate reflects “a strong commitment to strengthening mutual trust and partnership”, while also creating “a platform for constructive engagement” across legal, cultural and economic spheres.
Emphasising Monaco’s global positioning, she noted that “Ukraine’s presence here carries strategic significance”, expressing confidence that the initiative marks “the beginning of a long-term and fruitful dialogue”.
Alexandre Caracchini brought together a group of Ukrainians based in the region with aspirations of creating unity and opportunity for one another. This theme resonated across conversations throughout the evening. As Les Amis de l’Ukraine continues its initiatives, the evening reflected a growing sense of connection and collaboration within the community.
See also:
Interview: Monaco’s new Honorary Consul of Ukraine Alexandre Caracchini
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Photo credit: Alexandre Caracchini
