Themes by tag: Kyiv

On July 7, Media Center Ukraine will host the presentation of the analytical report “Loyalty Under Coercion.” Over the past year, lawyers from the Regional Center for Human Rights have examined one of the key instruments used to suppress dissent and maintain control in the occupied territories — the prosecution of people under articles on the “discrediting” of the russian army in Crimea and Sevastopol. Violations of these provisions are punishable by fines or prison sentences of up to 15 years. In practice, russia has created legal mechanisms that allow it to punish anyone deemed “disloyal” to the occupation authorities or opposed to their policies.

After analyzing more than 1,500 decisions issued by occupation authorities, the team concluded that russia has established a system in the occupied territories that suppresses freedom of expression and violates the right to a fair trial. On the one hand, these measures are intended to “legitimize” russian rule; on the other, they are designed to create a climate of constant fear and silence.

Speakers:

• Alina Hrihoras, Head of the Occupied Territories Unit at the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine;
• Olha Skrypnyk, Chair of the Board of the Crimean Human Rights Group;
• Kseniia Korniienko, Senior Lawyer at the Regional Center for Human Rights and co-author of the report;
• Volodymyr Viazovtsev, Lawyer at the Regional Center for Human Rights and co-author of the report.

Background: The project was implemented by the Regional Center for Human Rights with financial support from the National Endowment for Democracy. The content of the report does not necessarily reflect the views of the donor.

• occupation
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

While traveling to one of the communities where they were providing medical care in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, the FRIDA Ukraine medical team witnessed yet another russian attack on civilians. The doctors saw an enemy drone strike a combine harvester working in a field.

A 30-year-old man was injured in the attack. The combine caught fire, and the surrounding wheat field also ignited. FRIDA Ukraine doctors provided the victim with first aid before emergency responders arrived.

“We picked him up, moved to a safer location, and provided first aid. He had a blast injury, and his face and legs had been hit by shrapnel. We then waited for the emergency medical team to arrive and handed him over to the paramedics,” said Nataliia Domochkina, a pediatric dentist with FRIDA Ukraine.

By prior arrangement, journalists can interview the doctors in Kyiv and receive photos and video materials.

Background: FRIDA Ukraine’s medical volunteer missions are regular deployments of multidisciplinary medical teams to frontline and remote communities across Ukraine. Each mission brings together more than 20 specialists, including neurologists, surgeons, gynecologists, internists, dermatologists, and other healthcare professionals. During these visits, local residents receive free medical examinations, consultations, and laboratory tests. More recently, the team has also introduced cancer screening services.

• casualties
• doctors
• russian crimes
• volunteers
• 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