Themes by tag: Kyiv

NGO “Zemliachky” together with the Easy Drive driving school have launched a free training program for female service members and veterans. The initiative was created to help defenders gain new knowledge, master a profession, and expand opportunities for further employment. Within the framework of the program, participants can choose one of three directions:

• free training in traffic laws (5 spots for an offline course in Kyiv and 5 spots for an online course monthly). After successfully passing the theoretical exam, participants also receive a 2,000 UAH discount on practical training;
• free training as a traffic law instructor with subsequent internship and employment opportunities;
• free training as a driving instructor with the possibility of acquiring a new profession.

Reference: The program is part of the systematic work of NGO Zemliachky, aimed at supporting defenders not only during their service, but also in matters of professional development, adaptation, and creating new career opportunities.

• military
• women
• Kyiv

Daria Chorna is a co-founder of the “Kyiv Bats” volunteer community. In early 2024, as a volunteer, she joined the debris clearance efforts following another russian missile strike. On February 7 of the same year, Daria returned to clear debris with friends, and within a few days, formed a small team, which gave start to the “Kyiv Bats.” The community also began helping victims with processing documents and receiving assistance. Young people mostly join the “Bats.” Their main goal is to show by their own example how one can help and support those in need. 

Daria Chorna is available for interviews, either online or in person in Kyiv, by prior arrangement.

• volunteers
• Kyiv

As a result of russian shelling of Kyiv, the capital’s zoo was damaged. Turtles and crocodiles sustained injuries. Zoo staff, who provide round-the-clock care for the animals, immediately provided them with the necessary assistance. Fortunately, no animals died. Buildings of the primate and bird departments, the winter garden dome, the aquaterrarium, the hay storage facility, and the northern entrance group were also damaged on the premises.

The zoo is open to media requests to document its current operations.

• animals
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

The program of this year’s festival includes discussions and public conversations, excursions and musical performances, theatrical and music-poetic performances. The festival participants and speakers are Oksana Zabuzhko, Serhiy Zhadan, Yuliia “Taira” Paievska, Pavlo Kazarin, Vakhtang Kipiani, Kateryna Kalytko, Mariana Sadovska, Svitlana Povaliayeva, Sasha Koltsova, Valeriy Puzik, Anton Slepakov, The Harmyder Theater, and the band Zhadan i Sobaky.

On the opening day of the festival, July 3, a press briefing for the media will take place on the lawn of Protasiv Yar with the participation of organizers and guests. Immediately after the briefing, the official opening will take place with an introductory speech by Oksana Zabuzhko.

Media accreditation is required.

Reference: The Protasiv Yar festival was founded in memory of public activist and scout of the 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Brigade, Roman Ratushnyi (call sign Seneka).

• culture
• dead
• military
• Kyiv

As part of sports-rehabilitation activities, the Kyiv Military Hub invites you to a sailing masterclass at the Kyiv City Cruising Yacht Club. It will be a full-fledged two-hour training session on a crewed boat under the guidance of an experienced trainer. Participants will learn to work in a team and master the basics of yachting.

The masterclass will take place on July 3.

• culture
• Kyiv

On July 5, a tournament in memory of Maksym Kahal — Hero of Ukraine and platoon commander in the “Azov” Regiment (now the 12th Special Purpose Brigade of the NGU “Azov”) — will take place in Kyiv. Maksym was a world kickboxing champion. The soldier died during the defense of Mariupol and “Azovstal” as a result of a russian aerial bomb. Maksym lived for sports and the Ukrainian military — the soldier joined “Azov” in 2015. He taught his fellow soldiers kickboxing and CrossFit. 

The tournament is timed to the soldier’s birthday. Everyone interested can join the event. 

The mother of the fallen serviceman will be present at the tournament.

• dead
• military
• Kyiv

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.

• culture
• Kyiv

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.

• culture
• Kyiv

Ukrainian and international experts, together with government officials, will examine how security in the Black Sea is changing today, which de-occupation scenarios appear realistic under the new geopolitics, and how to further strengthen the mechanisms for holding russia accountable for its war crimes.

The event will bring together government officials, independent experts, representatives of international think tanks, non-governmental organizations, human rights defenders, and members of the diplomatic corps.

The operation to isolate Crimea has moved from a strategic concept to active execution. Ukrainian drones are severing the russian army’s logistical routes in occupied Crimea. At the same time, the geopolitical environment is shifting just as rapidly. The positions of partners, the security architecture, and the negotiating process are all in motion. In response to that shift and to new challenges, the Crimea Platform Expert Network is convening its Fifth International Forum.

The working languages of the forum are Ukrainian and English. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided for participants.

Background: The forum is organized by the Crimea Platform Expert Network, with the support of the Crimea Platform Office, the Permanent Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, and the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People.

The forum’s media partner is Media Center Ukraine.

• occupation
• Kyiv

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.

• culture
• Kyiv