Themes by tag: Kyiv

Before the full-scale invasion, Ruslan Ivanov worked as a production designer in the film industry. On the first day of the full-scale war, he joined the Ukrainian military. Initially, he fought near Kyiv, later defending eastern Ukraine alongside his brothers-in-arms. In the fall of 2023, Ruslan was severely injured and lost his arm.

During evacuation, Ruslan lost a critical amount of blood. Medics could not find a pulse and presumed he had died. Ruslan was about to be taken to the morgue when he groaned. This is what saved him.

After receiving treatment and undergoing rehabilitation, the veteran was fitted with a prosthesis and adaptive training straps. He later returned to his work in film. Ruslan is currently employed and training for a new record: performing a one-armed push-up with 100 kilograms. He has already set another record: he and seven other amputees pulled two buses full of passengers.

You can contact Ruslan Ivanov online or in person in Kyiv by prior arrangement.

• casualties
• military
• Kyiv

The session, titled “Guidelines for the General Public on Staying Safe in Record Low Temperatures from the State Emergency Service,” is scheduled for January 13 at the Media Center Ukraine in Kyiv.

Participants:

–  Viktor Vitovetskyi, Director of the Department for Organization of Civil Protection Measures at the State Emergency Service of Ukraine;

–  Nataliia Yashan, Head of the Medical Support Department at the State Emergency Service. 

Key topics:

–  Recommended behavior and precautions during dangerously low sub-zero temperatures;

–  Recognizing the signs of hypothermia and providing immediate first aid;

–  Safe operation of heaters, generators, electric heating devices, and other power equipment;

–  Proper use of ‘points of invincibility’ established to help residents cope with the cold.

• Kyiv

On January 14, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, working closely with the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine and the national mine action platform Demine Ukraine, will launch a countrywide public information campaign to highlight humanitarian demining as a key national priority.

The campaign opens with the debut of an interactive installation titled “The Earth – a Carrier of Memory,” featuring audiovisual narratives that symbolize the safe return of cleared lands to communities. The installation will be unveiled at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, renowned for its production of “The Land,” adapted from Olha Kobylianska’s novel and directed by David Petrosyan.

Invited speakers at the launch event include:

– Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative to Ukraine. 

– Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine;

– Yevhen Nyshchuk, General Director and Artistic Director of the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater. 

Journalists wishing to attend must complete accreditation by 4 p.m. on January 13, and should bring a passport or national ID along with an editorial certificate from their outlet.

For reference: The initiative is carried out by the United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, with financial backing from the Ukraine Community Recovery Fund. More details on the effort are available on the UNDP website.

• culture
• Kyiv
• demining

The first seven ‘invincibility train cars’ have begun operating in the Kyiv region, where rolling blackouts continue to disrupt daily life. Three are stationed in Brovary, two in Boryspil, and two in Vasylkiv. Each car can comfortably accommodate up to about 40 people at a time.

Inside these ‘invincibility’ carriages, residents can warm up, charge their devices, connect to the internet via Starlink, and enjoy a cup of tea.

The cars are also equipped with child-friendly amenities, including cartoons, games, coloring books, reading materials, and board games. A separate pet-friendly area offers treats for animals accompanying their owners.

For referenceThe initiative is a joint effort between Ukrzaliznytsia and Ukraine’s Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, with support from the Kyiv Regional State Administration to expand these mobile heating and charging hubs across the region.

• blackout
• Kyiv

Peaceful events are planned in 28 cities across Ukraine to raise awareness of the defenders of Azovstal and other soldiers still in enemy captivity.

On January 10, events will be held in Okhtyrka, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Vinnytsia, Dnipro, Shpola, Volochysk, Pavlohrad, and Lviv.

On January 11, events are planned in Kyiv, Krolevets, Pivdennoukrainsk, Kremenchuk, Mykolaiv, Korop, Korosten, Obukhiv, Ovruch, Dolynska, Cherkasy, Kharkiv, Lozova, Uzhhorod, Berdychiv, Kropyvnytskyi, Rivne, Chernivtsi, and Odesa.

The events are organized by families of prisoners of war from the Mariupol garrison. Recently released Ukrainian captives also often join these actions.

• military
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

The art installation “Window of Memory” will be presented in Kyiv from January 11 to 13. The project is being carried out by the Vshanui NGO in collaboration with the artist Veronika Mol. The installation is dedicated to the Minute of Silence and the memory of fallen soldiers. It also explores how Ukrainians live with this memory during the war.

The two-part installation (visual and audio) will occupy open public spaces, inviting contemplation. Its visual form evokes windows, framing views of the sky above soldiers’ graves, with names inscribed on the back of each frame. The audio component is a composition created from real people’s responses reflecting on the Minute of Silence, memory, exhaustion, and the tension between honest and hollow public tributes to the fallen.

Media accreditation is required.

• dead
• Kyiv

On January 12, the Media Center Ukraine will host a briefing titled “History, Honor, People” marking the third anniversary of Ukraine’s 37th Marine Brigade

Participants:

– Serhii Shatalov, Colonel, Commander of the 37th Separate Marine Brigade; 

– Vitalii Izhovskyi, Major, Deputy Brigade Commander for Mental Health Support of Personnel;

– Viacheslav Vorovchenko, Brigade Chaplain;

– Denys Bobkov, Senior Lieutenant, Head of the Brigade Communications Department;

– Anatolii Malemien, Major, Commander of the 2nd Marine Battalion. 

Key topics:

– The priority placed on the sergeant corps, the professionalism of young soldiers, and the experience of veterans;

– Pivotal stages in the brigade’s development and the adaptation of NATO standards under real combat conditions, including the use of unique weapons on the battlefield;

– The role of public support, volunteers, and military families in maintaining the unit’s combat readiness;

– Why the slogan “Always Faithful” serves as the cornerstone for every Marine.

Registration is required for media representatives.

Background: The event marks the third anniversary of the unit’s formation, which has emerged as a key symbol of Ukraine’s modern Marine Corps. Brigade leaders and troops will share insights into their path from initial setup to tackling the toughest missions on the front lines, highlighting marine values and the impact of advanced weaponry wielded by skilled professionals.

• Kyiv

On January 9, the Media Center Ukraine will hold a briefing in Kyiv titled “Ukraine’s strained power grid: Risk of widespread blackouts in freezing weather.”

Participants:

– Oleksandr Kharchenko, Director of the Energy Industry Research Center (in person). 

Key topics:

– Progress in restoring energy infrastructure after repeated russian missile and drone strikes;

– Outlook for ongoing repairs;

– Whether consumers should expect stepped-up power outages when extreme cold hits;

– A recent government move to prioritize electricity for critical infrastructure in Lviv, and the takeaways for local officials across the country.

• Kyiv

Serhii Herasymenko had spent 15 years immersed in martial arts before russia’s full-scale invasion. An international master of sports in kickboxing and a European champion, he stepped away from his professional career in 2019, unable to earn a living from the ring.

When the war erupted, Herasymenko and his wife threw themselves into volunteering in Kyiv. He tried to enlist right away, but his documents were stuck in Chernihiv, then under heavy russian assault.

Once the city became accessible, he made his way there and joined the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade. In early 2024, the soldier transitioned to infantry, assuming the role of platoon commander. On July 28 that year, Herasymenko suffered devastating injuries: advancing on a position in the Lyman sector with his unit, an enemy drone strike shattered a bone in his arm and cost him his leg.

After a grueling series of operations, treatment, and rehabilitation, Herasymenko turned his focus to preparing for a veterans’ boxing tournament. He went on to compete in the event, held at Kyiv’s Palace of Sports. Today, he coaches boxing while continuing to train on his own.

You can reach out to Serhii Herasymenko for an interview, either online or in person in Kyiv, by arrangement.

• casualties
• military
• Kyiv

Quantum Systems and Frontline Robotics have announced the formation of Quantum Frontline Industries, a German-Ukrainian joint venture that will launch Europe’s first fully automated industrial drone production line for Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

The new enterprise will mass-produce the Zoom and Linza drones, which were developed by Frontline Robotics. One hundred percent of the robotic systems manufactured in Germany will be supplied to the Ukrainian Defense Forces, with delivery volumes to be determined by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

The production line aims to merge combat-proven Ukrainian technology with German industrial automation, establishing a new model for transnational defense manufacturing. The company also plans to create employment opportunities for Ukrainians in Germany.

You can speak with the Ukrainian Frontline Robotics team online or in Kyiv by prior arrangement.

Background: Quantum Systems is a European leader in developing intelligent unmanned systems. Frontline Robotics is a Ukrainian defense technology company founded in August 2023 by four Ukrainians.

• Kyiv