Örebro University donated furniture to war-torn Sumy State University in Ukraine

Just before Easter in 2025, two Russian missiles hit the city of Sumy in Ukraine, killing more than 30 people and injuring over 100, according to Swedish media. Several buildings of the University of Sumy were destroyed, including the university's congress centre, the building housing the Institute of Business Administration, Economics and Law, and the Office of International Relations.

“Nothing was left - no equipment, no furniture, not even a single pen,” said Tetyana Mayboroda, Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of International Affairs at Sumy State University, in a message to Örebro University shortly after the attack.

Over 5,500 square meters will need to be rebuilt at an estimated cost of €4.5 million.  

Sumy State University is an associate partner of NEOLAiA, a European university alliance led by Örebro University.

After the bombing, we asked how we could assist, and they offered us decommissioned furniture. Sumy University has chosen what they need from the inventory list,” says Ida Andersson-Norrie, internationalisation strategist at Örebro University. 

This week, a lorry carrying 120 chairs, 45 tables, and a dozen office sofas left Örebro University for Sumy State University.

Yurii Orzikh is a law researcher at Örebro University and has been in Sweden for about three years. He is originally from Ukraine and has helped to organise transportation logistics.

“For Sumy State University, this presents an opportunity to continue its academic mission with minimal disruption. For the university’s teachers and students, it sends a powerful message that ‘You are not alone - we are with you!’ For us, it’s of vital importance from a psychological perspective.”

Yurii Orzikh states that the initiative is also important for Örebro University because it fulfils the university’s mission of global engagement by transforming abstract values like academic freedom and sustainable development into tangible actions, such as reusing resources, supporting education during wartime, and strengthening international collaborations.

“I am deeply grateful to Örebro University for its willingness to support Ukraine during this tragic chapter in our history,” says Yurii Orzikh.

“Our thoughts are with our colleagues at Sumy State University – students, faculty, and staff – who have been affected by the attack and the war. We stand with them and continue working together for education and academic freedom,” says Ida Andersson-Norrie.