Thirty-five-year-old Ruben Treurniet was born and raised in Amsterdam, where he now runs his own tech company, Civinc. He also has a diplomatic background: he previously worked at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the UN representation in New York. His interest in Ukraine has deep roots, having written his master’s thesis on Russian and Soviet military tactics back in 2014. Ruben always clearly understood the scale of the threat the Russian invasion posed to all of Europe, closely following the news from the first days of the full-scale war.
Reading the alarming headlines, he felt the situation consuming his attention. Eventually, he realised: this war has direct consequences for everyone, and the privilege of thinking of it as something distant belongs in the past. Instead of passive observation, Ruben decided to get closer to the events and make a practical contribution.
He organized a fundraiser among his network. The result exceeded all expectations: the collected funds allowed them to purchase a large van equipped with generators, charging stations, and other essential supplies. Ruben got behind the wheel himself to deliver this aid to Ukraine. During the handover, he heard many words of gratitude. In response, Ruben noted that the world had turned upside down: it is actually the people of the Netherlands who are infinitely grateful to Ukrainians for their bravery, considering it a true privilege to be able to help.
Volunteering with the Yashchenko Foundation
During his stay in Ukraine, Ruben joined the mobile teams of our foundation. Working alongside local volunteers, he participated in the distribution of vital medicines to remote hospitals and clinics. The geography of his trips covered a vast part of the country, spanning from the Chernihiv region to Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipro.
According to him, it is hard to imagine a better way to volunteer. Speaking with doctors and patients on the ground, he witnessed their profound gratitude for the delivered medications. This direct fieldwork allowed him to truly get to know the country, hear personal stories, and see firsthand the real impact of the war on people’s lives.
Life During the War
Travelling through frontline regions, Ruben observed two parallel truths of Ukrainian reality. On one hand, there is a constant and very concrete threat: massive attacks, regular sirens, and the need to take cover in shelters close to the front line. On the other hand, people refuse to succumb to paralysing fear.
They continue to go to work in grocery stores, offices, or post offices, visit restaurants, and try to live fully. Ruben emphasises that this right to a normal life is exactly what Ukrainians are now defending with weapons in hand. He was deeply struck by how welcoming and positive people remain, despite the colossal mental toll of the ongoing conflict.
A Message to Europe and Ukraine
Upon returning home, Ruben actively urges his fellow citizens to turn their thoughts into actions. He is convinced that help is still critically needed, and a personal visit to Ukraine provides the deepest understanding of what exactly is at stake for all of Europe. For him, this trip became the best way to shake off abstract news-induced pessimism and find hope through meeting real people.
To Ukrainians, Ruben leaves words of sincere support. He is endlessly impressed by how, against all odds, the nation continues to resist, innovate, and stay strong. According to him, Ukraine has become a source of inspiration for the world: the Ukrainian mentality can teach the Netherlands a lot about resilience in the face of aggression.
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