Sumy National Agrarian University participated in the VNAU & UVMF 2026 International Congress of Veterinary Medicine, which took place on June 18–20 in Vinnytsia and brought together leading experts in the veterinary field from Ukraine and around the world. For SNAU, participation in the forum provided an opportunity not only to learn about current trends in veterinary medicine but also to take stock of its long-standing cooperation with international partners.
The university was represented at the congress by Olesia Kisterna, Candidate of Veterinary Sciences and Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Pharmacy, and Biochemistry. For the past four years, she has been coordinating the “Cat” charity project, which is carried out at the SNAU veterinary clinic with the support of “Four Paws Ukraine” LLC. As part of the project, pets receive free surgical procedures, providing necessary veterinary care to residents of the Sumy region near the border.
Since the project began, veterinary specialists from SNAU have performed more than 5,500 free surgeries on pets. The project has proven its effectiveness and social significance, so it will continue—the next phase begins on August 1.
One of the key events of the congress was a meeting with Oleksandra Lischyshyna, director of FOUR PAWS Ukraine LLC. During the meeting, the parties reviewed the results of their four-year collaboration, discussed prospects for the project’s further development, and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to jointly implement charitable initiatives in the field of veterinary medicine.
On behalf of SNAU Rector Ihor Kovalenko, Olesia Kisterna presented Oleksandra Lischyshyna and the FOUR PAWS Ukraine team with letters of appreciation for their long-standing partnership, support of the university, and significant contribution to the implementation of the “Cat” charitable project.
“This collaboration is particularly valuable to our university. For four years in a row, the project has been successfully operating at SNAU, helping pets and supporting their owners. More than 5,500 surgeries performed mean thousands of animals saved and tangible support for residents of the Sumy region near the border. We are delighted that the project will continue,” said Olesia Kisterna.
The VNAU & UVMF 2026 International Congress brought together 19 experts from seven countries, who presented modern approaches to surgery, oncology, endocrinology, exotic animal medicine, shelter medicine, public health, and other areas of veterinary practice.
Sumy National Agrarian University will continue to develop international partnerships and charitable initiatives aimed at improving the quality of veterinary care, enhancing the practical training of future specialists, and supporting communities in Ukraine’s border regions.
