Themes by tag: culture
On July 2, Kyiv will host the opening of the photo exhibition “United by Liberty.” The exhibition has been created by the War Museum in cooperation with the Embassy of the United States of America in Ukraine and the U.S. National Park Service.
“United by Liberty” presents the 140-year history of the world-renowned symbol of fundamental democratic values for America and the entire free world – the Statue of Liberty in New York.
The exhibition gains special symbolism thanks to its location: it is arranged at the pedestal of its Ukrainian “sister,” the Motherland Monument, the tallest sculpture in Europe, which today embodies Ukrainian resilience and unbreakable spirit.
The synergy of these two iconic monuments within a single space figuratively emphasizes the steadfast and close ties between Ukraine and the United States of America, which share a common foundation — the pursuit of freedom, the affirmation of democratic values, and the defense of sovereignty.
The event will be attended by representatives of the Ukrainian government, the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine, diplomats, and cultural figures.
Musical accompaniment will be provided by the “Alliance Brass Quintet” of The United States Army Europe and Africa Band & Chorus.
Entry for media representatives is granted upon prior accreditation confirmation.
The NGO “Titans Under Sails”, an initiative that organizes adaptive and rehabilitative sailing expeditions for defenders with amputations and survivors of russian captivity, invites participants to the Fourth Lviv Sailing Meetup. The event will take place on July 4–5 near Lviv.
For the first time, this year’s gathering will span two days, bringing together over 100 veterans (the “titans”), volunteers, families, and friends—all those who have taken part in rehabilitative sailing voyages to the Canary Islands, Greece, and Croatia over the past 18 months.
The Lviv Sailing Meetup is an annual tradition for the “Titans Under Sails” community. It offers participants of the rehabilitation voyages an opportunity to reconnect on home soil, share their experiences, and map out future maritime expeditions.
Participants can look forward to:
- Sailing boats, kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards on the lake;
- Beach activities and games;
- Traditional kulish (porridge) and fish appetizers;
- An evening DJ set;
- A campsite right on the shore;
- The announcement of the next rehabilitative sailing voyage and its participation criteria.
Background: “Titans Under Sails” is a non-governmental organization that runs free, seven-day rehabilitative sailing voyages for Ukrainian defenders who suffered injuries or endured russian captivity. The program combines seamanship training, onboard teamwork, and psycho-emotional recovery within the unique environment of a sea voyage. Here, there is no division between “those who help” and “those who receive help”—there is only a single, united crew. Since the project’s inception, more than 100 veterans have participated in expeditions across the Canary Islands (2025–2026), Greece (2025–2026), and Croatia (2025).
On July 2, Kyiv will host the opening of the photo exhibition “United by Liberty.” The exhibition has been created by the War Museum in cooperation with the Embassy of the United States of America in Ukraine and the U.S. National Park Service.
“United by Liberty” presents the 140-year history of the world-renowned symbol of fundamental democratic values for America and the entire free world – the Statue of Liberty in New York.
The exhibition gains special symbolism thanks to its location: it is arranged at the pedestal of its Ukrainian “sister,” the Motherland Monument, the tallest sculpture in Europe, which today embodies Ukrainian resilience and unbreakable spirit.
The synergy of these two iconic monuments within a single space figuratively emphasizes the steadfast and close ties between Ukraine and the United States of America, which share a common foundation — the pursuit of freedom, the affirmation of democratic values, and the defense of sovereignty.
The event will be attended by representatives of the Ukrainian government, the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine, diplomats, and cultural figures.
Musical accompaniment will be provided by the “Alliance Brass Quintet” of The United States Army Europe and Africa Band & Chorus.
Entry for media representatives is granted upon prior accreditation confirmation.
On July 3–5, Kyiv will host the fourth “Protasiv Yar” Festival in memory of civil activist and scout of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade Kholodnyi Yar, Roman Ratushnyi (call sign Seneca). The focus theme of the fourth “Protasiv Yar” Festival is derived from the words of the Stoic philosopher Seneca, whom Roman deeply admired: “That words should carry weight, not just ring out.”
The event will traditionally take place at the Protasiv Yar meadow. On the eve of the festival, a literary and musical opening night will also be held at the Taras Shevchenko Literary and Memorial House-Museum.
Journalists can access the full program of the festival.
Reference information: The “Protasiv Yar” Festival in memory of Roman Ratushnyi is held with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation.
Festival partners: PEN Ukraine, NGO Save Protasiv Yar, Maksym Kryvtsov Foundation, VETERANKA Ukrainian Women’s Veteran Movement, Solomyanska Platforma, Heroes Memorial (Memory Platform), Ivan Honchar Museum, Tereny Agency, Algorithm dii Platform, Crimson House, and Rent4DJ technical team.
On June 28, Kyiv will host the “Honor Run in Memory of Rekrut 2026” charity event for the fifth time. The event, which unites active-duty military personnel, veterans, and civilians, is expected to gather over 3,500 participants.
The run originally began as a story about Oleksiy Chubashev (call sign Rekrut), a military journalist and Major of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR MOU). The event is organized by Run Ukraine in cooperation with Oleksiy’s wife, Yulia Chubasheva. Traditionally, 100% of the registration fees are directed toward the needs of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. This year, the proceeds will be distributed among five military units participating in the run.
During the “Honor Run in Memory of Rekrut 2026,” the “Alley of the Brave” will debut in Ukraine — a memorial zone along the running track inspired by the American Blue Mile tradition. Participants will run past hundreds of plaques featuring photos, names, and call signs of fallen Ukrainian defenders, paying tribute to their ultimate sacrifice. This section of the track will feature no music, hosts, or loudspeakers — only quiet footsteps, names, and remembrance, reflecting the core essence of the Honor Run: the honor of serving in the military, supporting the army, and remembering those who gave their lives for Ukraine.
Family members, volunteers, and brothers-in-arms will stand along the “Alley of the Brave” holding flags and ribbons inscribed with the names and call signs of the service members. The “Honor Run in Memory of Rekrut 2026” features distances of 10 km, 5 km, and children’s races, as well as an online format for participants joining from anywhere in the world.
The event will also include a traditional symbolic 100-meter distance for veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war and active-duty service members currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Reference information: Organizer — Run Ukraine. Ideological partner — Energoatom. Sports partner — PUMA.
From June 24 to July 5, Kyiv will host the “Path of Recovery” charity photo exhibition, highlighting the stories of Ukrainian veterans returning to active life after sustaining severe injuries.
The exhibition features veterans who are currently undergoing or have completed recovery and rehabilitation programs at Next Step Ukraine — neurorehabilitation centers for individuals with central nervous system injuries, established by the Revived Soldiers Ukraine charity fund.
Every day, wounded Ukrainian defenders overcome a challenging rehabilitation journey, demonstrating true strength — both physical and internal — to stay the course and never give up. Following severe injuries, including amputations, they find their own path to recovery through sports, arts, and various rehabilitation practices. Adaptive rowing, pottery, equine therapy, rock climbing, gym training, and many other activities have become essential parts of their journeys. These precise moments are captured in the exhibition’s photographs, and the veterans’ stories inspire through resilience of spirit and faith in their own strength.
The official opening of the “Path of Recovery” charity photo exhibition will take place on June 24. The event will be hosted by Marichka Padalko, a prominent Ukrainian TV presenter and journalist. Invited guests include the veterans whose stories form the core of the exhibition, alongside representatives from Next Step Ukraine centers, the Ministry for Veterans Affairs, the Kyiv City State Administration, and partner organizations.
A charity fundraiser to support veteran rehabilitation at Next Step Ukraine centers will run throughout the exhibition.
Background: Exhibition Photographer: Vasyl Shepella. Project Partners: Ministry for Veterans Affairs, Kyiv City State Administration, Kyiv Military Hub (a city space providing assistance, support, and reintegration for veterans and their families), Pryncyp Human Rights Center for Military Personnel, and the NGO Yuryduchna Sotnya.
The “Path of Recovery” exhibition is part of the “Will to Move Forward” social project, which aims to build a culture of coexistence with veterans in the new reality. The project was created on the initiative of the VOLIA brand by Morshynska in partnership with Next Step Ukraine medical and physical rehabilitation centers.
On June 25, the Historical Monument Maintenance Weeks will launch at Mykhailivska Square in Kyiv. This charitable social initiative will unveil iconic capital monuments after prolonged protective conservation. The project will involve professional cleaning of the monuments, restoration of their fencing, and tidying up the surrounding areas.
The initiative is organized by the Department of Culture of the Kyiv City State Administration and the Shevchenkivskyi District State Administration, with the support of INVITE LLC.
The goal of the initiative is to reopen iconic capital landmarks to Kyiv residents after long-term protective conservation, perform professional cleaning, and restore the recognizable appearance of the city’s favorite historical locations.
Objects and Dates:
- June 25, 2026 — Monument to Princess Olga on Mykhailivska Square.
- July 9, 2026 — Monument to Lesya Ukrainka on Lesya Ukrainka Square.
- July 23, 2026 — Monument to Mykola Lysenko near the National Opera of Ukraine.
All works will be carried out on a charitable basis, without utilizing funds from the city budget.
Media accreditation is required for journalists.
Background: Clean Day is a charitable social project by INVITE (INWHITE) aimed at the careful professional cleaning, maintenance, and upkeep of vital urban landmarks. The company has been implementing this initiative for over 10 years, originally launching it with projects in Kyiv.
Olha Rukavishnikova is a violinist and athlete. The veteran began studying music at the age of four, and by eighth grade she had taken up conducting. She performed, among other venues, at the Mykolaiv Philharmonic and the Grand Hall of the Kyiv Conservatory. Olha also dedicated 10 years of her life to sports, which earned her the military call sign “Karatyst”.
At 8 a.m. on Feb. 24, 2022, Olha was already standing in line at her local military enlistment office. By the evening, she had received a weapon, and the following day she used it against the enemy for the first time. Olha served in the ranks of Ukraine’s Armed Forces for four years. Her primary weapon was the RPG-7 rocket-propelled grenade launcher, although she is also trained to operate a sniper rifle, an automatic grenade launcher, a machine gun and a mortar.
During one combat mission, an explosion threw Olha several metres through the air, and one of the fragments, according to the servicewoman, fractured a cervical vertebra. As a result of the same injury, she lost her left eye.
Olha returned to her unit relatively quickly and continued her service. However, she recently left the military due to health reasons. She is now gradually readjusting to civilian life.
Olha Rukavishnikova is available for interviews with journalists, both online and in person, by prior arrangement.
On June 21, Kyiv will hold the KyivPride March—a peaceful march for equal rights for all, regardless of who they love or who they are. This year’s KyivPride March marks a jubilee, being the tenth one. The main demand of KyivPride this year is the recognition of LGBTIQ+ families, an issue that has become critically urgent for many during the full-scale war.
Right now, a new Civil Code is being adopted in Ukraine—and instead of finally recognizing same-sex families, it introduces new forms of discrimination.
Therefore, the KyivPride March will put forward four demands to the authorities:
- Reject the draft of the new Civil Code, as it contains discriminatory provisions and contradicts Ukraine’s European integration commitments. Instead, ensure the implementation of transformation roadmaps involving LGBTIQ+ organizations as full partners in the reform process.
- Recognize civil partnerships for both military personnel and civilians as a step toward marriage equality, alignment of legislation with European standards, and the fulfillment of Ukraine’s obligations under the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.
- Introduce fair criminal liability for hate crimes, specifically homophobia and transphobia, by amending the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
- Implement legal gender recognition based on self-determination, without mandatory hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or psychiatric diagnosis.
This year, the march will feature several organized blocs, including a transgender bloc, a KharkivPride bloc, and a bloc of LGBTIQ+ military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Invited guests include diplomats, ambassadors, representatives of international missions, and lawmakers. The KyivPride March will be the culmination of Pride Month, which has already gathered thousands of people at KyivPride Park.
The march will move through the center of the capital. At the final stop, the community will enjoy a dance performance by the ballroom community.
Media accreditation is required to attend the event.
Background: KyivPride is a non-governmental organization working to promote equality and human rights in Ukraine, and to strengthen the impact of civil society and the LGBTIQ+ community on the country’s path toward European Union integration.
On June 21, the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War (Museum of the War) will host a meeting with released prisoner of war Mykyta Markitanov, poet Oksana Stomina—the wife of Dmytro Paskalov, a released defender of Azovstal—and artist Maryna Sochenko, who depicts prisoners of war in her works.
Despite health issues, Mykyta volunteered for the war in July 2023. He fought in the Avdiivka direction and was captured in February 2024. According to the soldier, he and other POWs were “sold” to Chechnya for forced labor. Mykyta Markitanov spent nearly two years in captivity, finally returning home on April 24, 2026. During his time in russian dungeons, he wrote a series of poems dedicated to the war and captivity, which he managed to smuggle out by hiding them in his shoes.
Oksana Stomina is a poet and public activist from Mariupol, as well as the author and editor of numerous poetry collections about the war, which have been translated into German, Italian, English, Spanish, Lithuanian, and Czech. In May 2026, her husband Dmytro Paskalov, an Azovstal defender who had been held in captivity since May 2022, was finally released from russian captivity.
Maryna Sochenko is a well-known artist, volunteer, and Honored Artist of Ukraine, whose son Lyubomyr volunteered for the front line and was killed in action. She created a gallery of works, dedicating many of them to her sons—the defenders of Ukraine.
Since the beginning of the war, she has been active as a volunteer. She drew wounded soldiers in ATO hospitals and visited the front lines several times, bringing back more than a hundred portraits of Ukrainian heroes and defenders. Among her works, those dedicated to the captured defenders of Azovstal stand out significantly.
At the meeting, Mykyta Markitanov and his family will share the story of his life and military journey, and read his poetry written in captivity. Oksana Stomina and Maryna Sochenko will speak about their creative experiences inspired by the stories of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
