Mykhailo Vysotskyi, PhD in Physics and Mathematics and Associate Professor at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, has received the keys to a new apartment in Kyiv. His previous home was completely destroyed by fire in a russian attack in July 2026. The apartment was bought by the personal decision of Rinat Akhmetov. The home is fully furnished and includes separate workspaces, and the scientist also received modern equipment to resume his teaching and science communication work.
What happened to Mykhailo Vysotskyi?
In July 2026, the Kyiv apartment of Mykhailo Vysotskyi was completely destroyed by fire as a result of a russian attack. He lost his home, his equipment and even his clothes. Because of this, he had to suspend his educational activities and the work on his personal YouTube channel, where he explains science to a wide audience.
What has he received?
Mykhailo Vysotskyi has received a new, fully furnished apartment in Kyiv, with modern furniture and household appliances and separate workspaces for his professional work. He also received a powerful computer for recording and producing videos.
"Today, we gifted a powerful computer specifically so that Mykhailo could return to his YouTube channel and science communication as soon as possible. People who have followed his work all this time are eagerly awaiting his return. Unfortunately, after the strike, nothing survived in his apartment, not even his clothes. Mykhailo has to start his life all over again. But today, here in this apartment, he has everything he needs to start a new life," said Ksenia Sukhova, General Director of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation.
Why does this matter for Ukrainian science?
The support allows a working scientist and teacher to return to his profession within weeks rather than years. Natalya Yemchenko, SCM Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Head of the Supervisory Board of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, said the decision was a way of expressing gratitude to people who, through their work, contribute to Ukraine's development and shape its intellectual potential.
"Only a month has passed since this great tragedy occurred, and today Mykhailo already has a new apartment. An apartment is a foundation, and for Mykhailo, it is an opportunity to continue his scientific work," said Natalya Yemchenko.
Mykhailo Vysotskyi said: "I am very pleased to receive such a completely unexpected gift. To be honest, a month ago I could not even imagine that just four and a half weeks would pass and, from a person who had lost absolutely everything, I would become the owner of such a wonderful apartment. I am very grateful that the Foundation and Rinat Akhmetov responded to my plight."
What is the "At Home" programme?
Separate from this apartment purchase for a leading Ukrainian educator, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation "At Home" program is a targeted charitable housing programme for the defenders of Mariupol. Rinat Akhmetov has provided 405 apartments to defenders of Mariupol under the programme. It is open to defenders who took part in the defence of Mariupol between 24 February 2022 and 20 May 2022, who were released from captivity on or after 1 January 2025, who have a Group I or Group II disability resulting from combat injuries, and who own no residential or commercial property in the government-controlled territory of Ukraine. Applications can be made directly to the Foundation.
How does this fit into the wider approach?
Both the apartment for Mykhailo Vysotskyi and the "At Home" programme follow the same approach taken by our shareholder Rinat Akhmetov: practical, targeted support for the people Ukraine depends on, both those who defended the country during the war and those who build its knowledge and its future.
