Media Center Ukraine Producer Department

On February 24, 2022, Olha Shtern found herself without identification documents. A day before russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she had submitted her passport to change her surname following a divorce. At the time, she was living and working in Mykolaiv, a southern Ukrainian city.

After the invasion began, volunteers helped Olha and her child evacuate abroad.

A host family on Portugal’s Azores Islands took them in. But neither the islands’ natural beauty, nor the support of those who had helped her, nor her volunteer activities there could persuade Olha to remain outside Ukraine. With war continuing at home, she felt she was not doing enough.

She soon returned to Ukraine. In Odesa, Olha enlisted and became a combat medic in a combat unit, where she continues to serve.

She has served in some of the war’s fiercest battle zones, including Bakhmut, Soledar and Blahodatne. She recalls how, during another shelling attack, the blast wave threw her back, and her only concern was that she had lost her radio. Although she has suffered four concussions during her service, only one has been officially documented.

Olha has also faced sexism within the military. She says she managed to overcome that difficult period thanks to the support of her fellow service members.

From time to time, she considers returning to civilian life. But she dismisses those thoughts after saving another wounded person.

Her son is waiting for her at home and is being cared for by his godmother.

Journalists interested in speaking with Olha Shtern may arrange interviews either online or in person in Kharkiv region by prior appointment.

• doctors
• military
• women
• Kharkiv

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

Adam, 28, was born in Miami, United States. At the age of 17, he moved to Austria, where he completed high school, before later studying in Germany. It was in Austria that he first became friends with Ukrainians. In 2021, Adam visited Kyiv and Odesa for the first time.

After russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Adam travelled to Warsaw, where he volunteered to assist Ukrainian refugees. In early 2023, he moved to Ukraine permanently.

He later came across the charitable organisation Brave to Rebuild (Smilyvi Vidnovliuvaty) online and decided to join its volunteer efforts. Adam took part in the demolition of damaged structures and carried out minor repairs to homes hit by shelling. He also worked in Kherson shortly after russian forces destroyed the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam in 2023.
Adam is currently involved in emergency response work, boarding up windows in residential buildings damaged by russian strikes. He recently became a staff member of Brave to Rebuild. Adam has also learned the Ukrainian language.

By prior arrangement, journalists will have an opportunity to interview Adam in Kyiv after June 15.

• reconstruction
• volunteers
• Kyiv

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

At the beginning of June, 22 dolphins washed ashore in the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park. Scientists later found another 15 dead animals. The information was reported by Ivan Rusev, Doctor of Biological Sciences and head of the research department of the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park.

The biologist stresses that the ecosystem is suffering from ongoing hostilities, including mine explosions, bombardments, missile launches and the use of powerful sonars by military vessels. Together with his team, Ivan Rusev documents and records every case of ecocide on a daily basis.

Ivan Rusev is available for interviews both online and in person by prior arrangement.

• animals
• ecology
• russian crimes

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