Media Center Ukraine Producer Department

Zoia Kovalets was in Vysokopillia, Kherson oblast, when the full-scale invasion began. When russian soldiers occupied her home, she started sharing information about enemy movements with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. She was betrayed to the occupiers by her neighbor. Zoia hid with her fellow villagers for two months, living in basements to avoid capture by the russians. She eventually managed to escape the occupation.

Once in Ukrainian-controlled territory, Zoia began working immediately as a nurse in a hospital and later joined the Ukrainian army. She currently serves as an operating room nurse in the 47th Mechanized Brigade “Magura”.

Zoia remembers everything she endured under occupation and seeks revenge against the enemy.

Zoia Kovalets is available for interviews online and in person by prior arrangement with the press officer.

• doctors
• military
• women

If you are interested in this topic, you can obtain the subjects’ contacts from the Producer Department of Media Center Ukraine.

Veterans from the 3rd Assault Corps traveled to areas experiencing power outages to support the people during this difficult time. From a special food truck, they served residents hot broth, tea, and uzvar, a traditional drink. The veterans also provided a mobile phone and power bank charging station so people could stay in contact with their loved ones.

According to the ex-soldiers, these outreach trips allow them to continue being useful to society and support those enduring severe hardship.

Journalists have the opportunity to obtain video materials from the trip and cover the food truck’s next deployment, as well as speak with the veterans.

• blackout
• Kyiv

If you are interested in this topic, you can obtain the subjects’ contacts from the Producer Department of Media Center Ukraine.

On January 22, Unity Day, the Khartiia Patronage Service will open the photo exhibition “The Path to Healing”, dedicated to wounded soldiers, in cooperation with the Kyiv Khartiia Hub, the cultural space KultMotyv, and the Pryncyp Legal Aid Center for Military Personnel.

Event participants:

• Mariia Kobzaruk, Deputy Head of the Khartiia Patronage Service;
• Oksana Yavorska, lawyer at the Pryncyp Legal Aid Center for Military Personnel;
• Khartiia servicemembers;
• Alina Karban, Head of the Khartiia Hub in Kyiv.

The exhibition, which runs from January 22 to February 5, features eight portraits by Roman Pashkovskyi, a portrait photographer and Khartiia serviceman. Each photograph tells the story of soldiers’ courage and resilience at various stages of their journeys from injury through rehabilitation and back to service or civilian life. Each photograph is accompanied by the soldier’s recorded story, covering their motivation to serve, their injury, the challenges of treatment and rehabilitation, their dreams and plans, and the support and strength that help them overcome these challenges.

This photo project aims to highlight the dignity, strength, and invincibility of our defenders and to raise funds for the Khartiia Patronage Service.

Background: This initiative supports the Patronage Service of the 13th Khartiia Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine. The Patronage Service’s goal is to support soldiers in difficult situations, help them recover from injuries, assist their families, and honor fallen heroes.

• culture
• Kyiv

If you are interested in this topic, you can obtain the subjects’ contacts from the Producer Department of Media Center Ukraine.