I rarely share personal stories. But today I made an exception for the young people who are just starting their professional and personal lives.
At Youth Vision 2026, I saw very young people — around 22–25 years old. They are doing an amazing job by participating in such events, taking leadership positions, and not standing aside from political and social processes. They propose ideas for the development and rebuilding of the country and win grants from the Poroshenko Foundation to implement them. Marina and I are happy to support the youth’s vision for our state’s development.
Of course, young people are curious about what I was doing at their age.
Not so long ago, I married Marina Poroshenko — I was 18 then. I have never regretted it for a single day. I served in the Armed Forces and returned home. I was the first in our town to enter the Institute of International Relations. Then — postgraduate studies and defending my dissertation. At that time, I made an unconventional step — I transferred to part-time studies and went independent.
In 1996, I founded the best company in Ukraine and Eastern Europe, and perhaps even in the world, “Roshen.” This year it turns 30 years old.
Then came state work, when we fought for language, for faith, and built up our army. We made the move to the European Union and NATO irreversible. With the full-scale invasion, our European Solidarity team stood to defend the country. Marina, the Poroshenko Foundation, and I are constantly supplying equipment to the front. Our party members serve in the hottest spots, and unfortunately, some have fallen on the front lines.
We managed to create the best youth organization, Solidarna Molod, chaired by Dinara Habibullaieva, who is now reporting on 10 years of work in youth movement development, political, and social activities. This is the youth that is already building our future.
And I sincerely believe: it is you — the generation that will not only continue our efforts but make Ukraine stronger, fairer, and more successful. Do not be afraid to take responsibility, do not delay your decisions, and do not doubt your own strength. The future of this state is already in your hands, — and it will definitely be victorious.
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Incredible atmosphere at Youth Vision 2026!
A record number of participants — over 500 young people with different political preferences representing all of Ukraine. Warriors, activists, local leaders, future politicians, scientists, and diplomats are here to unite their efforts.
This field for unity, discussion, and networking was created by our Solidarity Youth led by Dinara Habibullaieva. We were genuinely impressed when, very quickly, the number of applications exceeded 500 from the planned 200 participants. And these are very young people, with an average age of 22 to 25 years.
Personally, I am convinced: youth is how you feel yourself. Whether you are ready to change, learn, and act in new circumstances. That’s what we did today: sought solutions on how to adapt the country to the needs of veterans, what politics should be like in wartime, what Ukraine should become tomorrow. How to combat populism, which is spreading worldwide, and how to overcome it within the country? And we talked about national identity as the foundation of our victory.
Two of our nephews joined us, Marina and I — combat officers serving in the most challenging areas of the front. They managed to get permission to attend our event, for which we are very grateful to their commanders. There are many veterans here today, and it is very important to talk about their rehabilitation and life beyond the front.
Marina and I presented a grant program from the Poroshenko Foundation for human capital development. Our family has been funding programs for youth and the military for several years. Now, we also support the best ideas, people, and teams that are already changing Ukraine and will become the driving force of post-war reconstruction. This is our family’s contribution to the future of our country.
Now we all must remember that before us, before our country, there are three main tasks:
▪️preserve the people and win;
▪️preserve the state and win;
▪️lead Ukraine to EU membership.
A huge thank you to our unwavering partners — the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. To our amazing, patriotic, and professional “Youth” celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Thank you to every participant for the incredible atmosphere! I sincerely believe in the potential of each of you! Thanks to the Armed Forces, thanks to Ukrainians, thanks to the wonderful youth, we will definitely win!
