Themes by tag: Kyiv

A new free-of-charge training programme, “Humanitarian Demining Sapper,” will begin in Kyiv on July 20.

The programme is open to family members of veterans, currently serving military personnel, prisoners of war, those missing in action, and fallen Ukrainian defenders.

Participants will gain the knowledge and practical skills required to work in humanitarian demining. The programme covers mine safety, explosive ordnance identification, non-technical land survey methods, the use of specialized equipment, UAV operations, and international safety standards. Much of the course focuses on practical training in controlled conditions.

The programme lasts 10 weeks. Upon successful completion, participants receive a state-issued certificate awarding the qualification of “Sapper (Demining).” More than 40 veterans have already completed the programme.

By prior arrangement, journalists are welcome to attend practical training sessions in Kyiv and report on the programme.

Background: The programme was initiated and is organized by the Unconquered Foundation, founded by veteran Ihor Bezkaravainyi and psychologist Olena Vyshnevetska. The foundation works in three key areas: professional retraining for veterans, psychological support, and recovery through adaptive sports.

The project is implemented by the Unconquered Foundation with financial support from the Republic of Korea through ITF Enhancing Human Security.

• Kyiv
• demining

On July 19, the Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Drama Theatre will host a performance of the tragicomedy “The Elevator Director,” based on the real-life stories of Ukrainian defenders undergoing rehabilitation at the UNBROKEN Center.

The play offers an intimate look into life inside a rehabilitation center, capturing its rhythm and the warmth of the relationships between patients and staff. Every scene takes place inside an elevator, where chance encounters lead to moving and often humorous conversations.

“The Elevator Director” was created as part of the Theatre of the Unbroken initiative at UNBROKEN. The play was written by veterans Pylyp Khvorostiankin, Ruslan Pryhoda, and Roman Onuchko in collaboration with playwright Iryna Harets.

Journalists are invited to attend the premiere and share the stories of Ukrainian service members for whom theatre has become a way to cope with trauma and adapt to life in new circumstances.

Media accreditation is required.

• culture
• Kyiv

From July 19 to August 9, Kyiv will host “Guardians of Freedom,” an exhibition of large-scale paper cuttings by Ukrainian artist Daria Alyoshkina. The exhibition features seven monumental works, each measuring up to 2.5 meters, brought to life through light, shadow, and Ukrainian symbolism.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors will be able to support the “Lovchyky” project, which organizes educational and cultural trips for the children of Ukrainian defenders from the 46th Podilska Brigade whose parents were killed, are being held in captivity, or are listed as missing. In September, 20 children will travel to Disneyland Paris. Funds raised will cover transportation, accommodation, meals, and admission to museums and cultural sites.

• culture
• Kyiv

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

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

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

On July 15, Kyiv will host the presentation of the report “Beyond the Battlefield: russia’s Information War Against Ukraine’s European Future.”

The report, prepared jointly by analysts from the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) and the European External Action Service (EEAS), examines how russian information manipulation and interference seek to undermine Ukraine’s path to EU membership.

Participants:

– Andriy Kovalenko, Head of the Center for Public Diplomacy, officer of the Ukrainian Defense Forces;

– Anahit Khoperia, Deputy Head of the Center for Public Diplomacy;

– a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine;

– a representative of the Security Service of Ukraine;

– a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine;

– a representative of the European External Action Service (EEAS).

Media registration is open until 3:00 p.m. on July 14.

• russian crimes
• Kyiv

The Center for Civil Liberties invites journalists, representatives of civil society, government institutions, and international organizations to attend a briefing on a new draft law on accountability for international crimes. The event will take place in Kyiv on July 15.

Since the start of russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian law enforcement authorities have registered more than 240,000 international crimes related to russian aggression. Even if the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression becomes operational, it will deal with only a limited number of cases. The vast majority of cases will have to be investigated by Ukraine’s justice system. This is why Ukraine’s Criminal Code must be fully aligned with international criminal law, enabling the country to effectively investigate international crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.

Despite amendments adopted in 2024, Ukraine’s Criminal Code still contains significant gaps. To address them, the Office of the Prosecutor General established an Interagency Working Group that prepared a comprehensive draft law to harmonize Ukrainian legislation with international criminal law. Representatives of government institutions, civil society organizations, and Ukrainian and international experts contributed to its development.

During the briefing, participants will present the draft law’s key provisions for the first time. The draft law is important not only for ensuring accountability for international crimes but also for fulfilling Ukraine’s obligations in its European Union accession process.

Speakers:

• Kostiantyn Zadoia, Doctor of Law, Professor at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, expert at the Center for Civil Liberties;
• Stanislav Petrenko, Head of the Department for Combating Crimes Committed in the Context of Armed Conflict, Office of the Prosecutor General;
• Alina Pavliuk, Coordinator of the Lawyers’ Team and Analyst at Ukrainian Legal Advisory Group;
• Mykola Pashkovskyi, Senior Research Fellow at the V. V. Stashys Research Institute for the Study of Crime Problems of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Law, member of the Interagency Working Group on Harmonizing Legislation in the Context of Ukraine’s Ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Moderator: Oleksandra Romantsova, Executive Director of the Center for Civil Liberties.

Journalists are required to register in advance. The exact venue will be shared with registered participants one day before the event.

• russian crimes
• Kyiv

Over the course of eight days, the festival will present more than 30 new Ukrainian plays. The programme includes works by graduates of the theatre’s third cohort, plays by graduates of previous years, and plays written by Ukrainian service members who are currently serving on the front line.

The festival’s main events are staged readings of plays written by veterans who have just completed the Veterans’ Theatre educational programme and created their first literary works. This is how the festival got its name — the Festival of First Plays.

Over the past two years, a genuine community has formed around the Veterans’ Theatre. Artists who have taken part in the educational programme have become close partners, sharing the theatre’s mission and values, supporting emerging playwrights and encouraging veterans as they take their first steps in a new creative field. The festival has also seen the emergence of successful playwrights — graduates of the first cohorts who continued writing after their debut, developed as authors, and are now returning to the festival with new plays. Their experience is living proof that the Veterans’ Theatre is an effective pathway to a new profession and a place where veterans can pursue new aspirations.

Background: The festival is organised by TRO Media and the Veterans’ Theatre — a team that believes Ukraine’s war for independence should be told as truthfully as possible by those who directly participated in the historic events and battles.

• culture
• Kyiv

For dozens of veterans, KSE ProfTech (Kyiv School of Economics Professional Education) has become the place where a new professional chapter began after military service. Since the centre was established, 55 veterans have completed training in new technical professions.

In the summer of 2026, KSE ProfTech launched “Your Change”, a free professional retraining programme for veterans in Kyiv that combines vocational education with employment support. The programme’s distinctive feature is its comprehensive approach to veterans’ professional reintegration. In addition to training, participants receive individual career guidance, support for those planning to start their own businesses, mentoring, and assistance in securing grant funding. The programme also includes training in psychological resilience, communication, and teamwork.

The programme has already delivered its first results: two veterans have successfully completed the programme and are now entering the job market, while 15 more are currently training as CNC machine operators, electronics assemblers, and 3D modelling specialists.

The centre plans to continue expanding the “Your Change” programme so that more veterans can gain new professional skills, return to active civilian life, and find employment.

By prior arrangement, journalists can visit the “Your Change” vocational retraining programme in Kyiv and speak with participants and programme organisers.

Background: The “Your Change” programme is implemented by KSE ProfTech with the support of Chernovetskyi Investment Group, in partnership with KSE Foundation. Training takes place in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast.

• culture
• Kyiv