My name is Maxim Andreev, I am 36 years old, live in Dresden, am an engineer and work in a software company where I specialise in the creation of simulation models.
I am originally from Russia, from Moscow. I studied mechanical engineering there at the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, wrote my PhD thesis and worked as a docent. In 2015, my wife Lena and I moved to Germany because after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea, it was clear that our home country was on the way to a dictatorship.
After the total invasion started in February 2022, I joined a group of volunteers who helped refugees from Ukraine with translation at the main railway station in Dresden. When the city then opened the arrival centre in the Messe, we of course offered our help there too. I took over the coordination and put together a group of translators. We organised a shift system so that around 300 people were able to sign up and help out.
In the same year, I joined the BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN party. My main focus there is on local transport policy. I am also a member of the working group in my neighbourhood of Pieschen.
In 2024, together with other people, we started the integration project ” Attention: Politics!” in the Ukrainian House. We familiarise Ukrainians with the German political system and politicians. We also offer argumentation training and discussion clubs.
My decision to run for the Foreigners’ Advisory Council in Dresden is a very natural development for me. In my work as an engineer, I have learnt to take a structured approach and to solve complex problems. When I moved to Germany and volunteered to help refugees, I realised how important it is to help people find their way in a new life. I realised that I needed to get actively involved in political and social projects in order to help shape the processes that affect our community.
Only together can we make Dresden a city where everyone finds their place and feels at home. Democracy does not sustain itself.