Akhmetov gifts injured young musician a custom Italian accordion

Rinat Akhmetov is funding a custom-made PIGINI accordion for Roman Oleksiv, a young survivor of the 2022 Vinnytsia missile strike who has returned to music after severe injuries. The gift adds to earlier support, including an apartment in Lviv, as Oleksiv pursues a professional accordion career.

Why it matters: - Roman Oleksiv’s recovery and return to music show how long-term support can help children injured by war rebuild their studies, mobility and career path. - The custom instrument is meant to give the young musician a professional-level tool for training and performing at an international standard. - Akhmetov’s earlier gift of an apartment in Lviv also supports Oleksiv’s access to study and rehabilitation.

What happened: - Rinat Akhmetov is giving Roman Oleksiv an exclusive PIGINI accordion made in Italy. - The announcement came Oct. 30, 2026, from Kyiv. - Oleksiv survived a russian missile strike on Vinnytsia in 2022 and returned to music after serious injuries. - The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation said the instrument will be made especially for Oleksiv. - Oleksiv visited the factory, watched artisans handcraft professional accordions and met PIGINI representatives.

The details: - The accordion is described as a professional instrument and the best accordion in the world in the release. - The manufacturing process is expected to take about a year. - Ksenia Sukhova, director general of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, said Akhmetov personally decided to support Oleksiv. - Sukhova said Oleksiv has extraordinary talent, works hard and has shown that it is possible to keep pursuing a dream after severe hardship. - The foundation said Akhmetov wants children affected by the war to have opportunities to realize their potential, reach new heights and build their future. - Oleksiv was born into a family of accordionists and has been surrounded by music since childhood. - His mother, Halyna, was killed in the 2022 strike on Vinnytsia. - His father, Yaroslav Olexiv, is a professor, a Candidate of Art History and a Merited Artist of Ukraine. - Oleksiv suffered burns over 45% of his body and underwent several operations after the strike. - Doctors were especially concerned about his hands. - Lengthy rehabilitation and steady practice helped Oleksiv regain mobility and return to music. - In 2025, Oleksiv won the international bayan and accordion competition InterSvitiaz Accomusic. - Oleksiv now wants to improve his skills, perform on leading stages and become a world-class accordionist.

Between the lines: - The gift underscores a broader philanthropic strategy focused on children affected by war, not just emergency aid. - The custom accordion and the earlier apartment suggest support that targets both recovery and long-term development. - The factory visit also works as a symbolic milestone for Oleksiv, linking his personal recovery to his professional ambitions.

What's next: - PIGINI is expected to build the custom accordion over roughly the next year. - Oleksiv will continue studying, rehabilitating and preparing for higher-level performances. - The instrument is expected to become a key step toward his goal of reaching the world stage. - Akhmetov’s support may continue to shape Oleksiv’s training and access to opportunities as his career develops.