Media Center Ukraine Producer Department

Yehor Babenko is 27. After finishing school, he enrolled in a border guard officer training program and later signed a military contract. He was serving with a border guard unit in Mykolaiv Region when russia launched its full-scale invasion. On March 9, 2022, he was seriously wounded after a russian munition exploded nearby. Yehor sustained severe burns to his body and face. Due to the extent of his injuries, doctors had to amputate both of his hands at the wrists.

Yehor spent a long time undergoing treatment abroad before returning to Ukraine, where doctors were able to restore his voice. He then started sharing his story on social media.

His online presence led a theatre company for veterans to invite him to join its production of Eneida, directed by Akhtem Seitablaiev. Yehor now plans to take part in other theatre projects as well.

He also works as a psychologist at the TYTANOVI Rehab sports rehabilitation center for veterans, where he helps fellow veterans overcome the consequences of trauma and recover.

Journalists can arrange an interview with Yehor Babenko either online or in person in Kyiv by prior arrangement.

• casualties
• military
• Kyiv

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

On July 18, veterans from the Kyiv Military Hub will take part in the SUBARU TRIATMAN SERIES swimming race in Kyiv, where they will complete a 1-kilometer open-water swim.

Just a few months ago, many of the veterans never imagined they would be able to swim such a distance. Thanks to regular training in the pool and open water under the guidance of coaches from the K-TEAM swimming school, they succeeded.

A major milestone came during the international Oceanman Kyiv 2026 competition on Obolonskyi Island, where the Kyiv Military Hub veterans successfully completed a 1-kilometer open-water swim for the first time in their lives.

• culture
• Kyiv

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

On July 21, Kyiv will host the lecture and discussion Woman. War. Art. Oleksandra Ekster and the First World War, presented by Anna Lodyhina, author of a groundbreaking study of the renowned Futurist artist and creator of an original guided tour of places in Kyiv associated with Ekster.

The lecture will offer a glimpse into the creative process during a time of profound change, highlighting women’s resilience and sensitivity.

The discussion will also feature contemporary Ukrainian artist Polina Kuznietsova, who will speak about how the war has influenced her artistic practice and creative process, as well as share the experiences of fellow women artists.

The discussion will be moderated by Roman Kabachii, Head of the First World War Research Department at the War Museum.

• culture
• Kyiv

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