Themes by tag: Kyiv

On August 23, Bucha will host events to commemorate National Flag Day and Ukraine’s Independence Day.

• A formal ceremony in honor of National Flag Day.

• A memorial service to honor the memory of fallen Heroes, held in observance of both National Flag Day and Independence Day.

• A religious event. Prayer for Ukraine, led by the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine. The service will be followed by a laying of flowers at the Memorial.

• A formal ceremony (awards presentation) to mark National Flag Day and Independence Day, along with a concert by the National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Ukraine.

• culture
• Kyiv

The National Museum of the Revolution of Dignity and the Expert Corps NGO are organizing a discussion titled “Decolonization in Ukraine: From Decisions to Implementation” on August 21 in Kyiv. The primary goal of the event is to outline effective mechanisms for public oversight, standardization, communication, and accountability. These mechanisms are intended to guarantee lasting results and protect the policy of decolonization from being rolled back.

During the discussion, participants will explore what is hindering the decolonization processes in Ukraine, the state, symbolism, and relevance of World War II memorials, and compare the progress of decolonization in the eastern and southern regions of the country.

The event will feature:

– Oleh Slabospytskyi, civil activist

– Vadym Pozdniakov, head of the Svitanok NGO

– Oleksandr Alfiorov, head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance

– Artem Kartashov, head of the History.Culture.Democracy NGO

Registration is required to attend the event.

• Kyiv

The Media Center Ukraine to host briefing: “The Return of Ukrainian Children Abducted by russia as a Step Toward Peace: How the International Community Can Accelerate the Process”

Participants:

– Kateryna Rashevska, PhD in International Law, Expert at the Regional Center for Human Rights. 

Key topics:

– The current status of efforts to return Ukrainian children abducted by russia: statistics and progress;

– How has the repatriation process for Ukrainian children evolved today?

– Who is currently involved in returning Ukrainian children from russia and how?

• children
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

Kyiv will host the annual VIP ECOPICNIC on August 20, marking the start of Ukraine’s nationwide environmental campaign linked to World Cleanup Day, which runs through the end of September.

The event will bring together celebrities, journalists, public figures, partners, and influencers to officially launch the year’s largest eco-initiative, which will take place on September 20 in 211 countries simultaneously.

This year’s program includes awareness events, hands-on eco-activities, master classes, a celebrity cleanup, and exclusive opportunities for journalists. Organizers say the goal is to highlight the issue of ecocide and the environmental consequences of war, while also promoting a culture of cleanliness, environmental responsibility, sustainable consumption, and proper waste management. Through public engagement, educational activities, and volunteering, the initiative aims to strengthen corporate responsibility and expand participation in environmental protection.

For security reasons, the event’s location will be disclosed only after accreditation. The dress code calls for attire suitable for outdoor activities. The event is open to accredited media.

For reference: The VIP ECOPICNIC is organized by Let’s Do It Ukraine, the country’s largest environmental movement, together with INSIDER and MUZVAR. 1+1 Media is the General Media Partner. The initiative is supported by Biosphere Corporation, SHERIFF (security partner), Champion Radio, Limarenko Sustainable House, Joseph.home, SKVO Space, Malynovska Company, Influence Company, Lactalis Ukraine, HI-FI VODA (ecological water brand), Dim TV channel, School Recycling World, and the Ukrainian Red Cross Society.

• ecology
• Kyiv

On August 21, the War Museum will open MONUMENT, an exhibition exploring the evolving symbolism of Ukraine’s most iconic sculpture, the Motherland monument, in the context of the ongoing war.

Towering over the Dnipro River, the steel figure long stood as a legacy of the Soviet era. But after February 24, 2022, it came to embody the resilience and defiance of the Ukrainian people. That transformation reached a pivotal moment on August 6, 2023, when the Soviet coat of arms on the monument’s shield was replaced with the Ukrainian coat of arms – trident. The change redefined the monument as a national symbol of struggle and endurance.

The exhibition brings together documentary and artistic perspectives. Photographer Denys Semenets captured the monument during this period of historic change, while graphic designer Vadym Blonsky reimagined its image in works that quickly gained traction across social media.

MONUMENT marks a midway point in a three-year project aimed at reframing the sculpture’s meaning. The exhibit invites visitors to reflect on what has been achieved, consider the present moment, and envision the Motherland’s future role as a symbol of national identity and resistance.

The project was conceived by Yurii Savchuk, director general of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II, and curated by Liudmyla Melnyk, head of the museum’s Public Communication and Information Department.

Participants include graphic designer Vadym Blonsky and photographer Denys Semenets. 

Event accreditation is required.

• culture
• Kyiv

On August 21, Kyiv will host the premiere of the concluding episode of the documentary series “The Last War” — titled “The Ukrainian Curse: Builders and Destroyers of Empire” — produced by Ukraine’s Public Broadcasting team. The screening will take place as part of the event “Ukrainian Independence: Over 300 Years of Struggle”, commemorating the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence.

“The Ukrainian Curse: Builders and Destroyers of Empire” is an investigative project by journalist and TV host Myroslava Barchuk, featuring Ukrainian and Western intellectuals. It explores how, over four centuries, Ukrainians contributed to the construction of the russian imperial project — and how that empire gradually morphed into a self-devouring monstrosity. The film debunks the myth of “one nation”, chronicles Ukrainians’ attempts to break free from imperial shackles, and highlights key battles for freedom.

Background: The event  is organized in partnership with Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications.

• culture
• Kyiv

Maksym Nesterov is a hairdresser with 20 years of experience. Since the start of russia’s full-scale invasion, Maksym has been offering free haircuts and shaves  to Ukrainian soldiers, including those in hospitals. In the early months, he often worked with severely wounded fighters, even those in intensive care.

In 2022, alongside fellow hairdressers, Maksym gave haircuts to the first Azovstal defenders released from russian captivity. He also helped beautify Ukrainian female border guards freed from russian imprisonment.

Beyond hairdressing, Maksym serves as a chaplain’s assistant, delivers aid to the front lines, and participates in an initiative creating wigs for children with cancer. The project also collects and sells donated hair to raise funds for military support.

Journalists can speak with Maksym in Kyiv upon prior agreement.

• volunteers
• Kyiv

On August 16, Trukhaniv Island in Kyiv will host a race in solidarity with Ukrainian prisoners still held in russian captivity. Among the participants will be former prisoner of war Dmytro Kanupier, known by the call sign “Rasti.”

Organizers say the event aims both to keep public attention on those still awaiting release and to bring together a community of supporters.

Kanupier serves in the 12th Brigade of the Azov National Guard. In April 2022, he and his fellow soldiers defended the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. Ordered to surrender in late May 2022, he was taken prisoner by russian forces. He returned to Ukraine on October 18, 2024, as part of a prisoner exchange.

• prisoners
• Kyiv

When russia launched its full-scale invasion, Nazar Bokii enlisted in the Ukrainian army. He served as an infantryman with the 135th Battalion before taking command of a UAV strike team.

In May 2025, a russian drone strike left him gravely wounded. The attack cost him both arms and an eye. Evacuated from the battlefield, he spent weeks in intensive care before beginning a long course of rehabilitation.

Today, Bokii is learning to use prosthetic limbs, supported every step of the way by his wife. He has also launched a blog, sharing his experiences of life after injury and the challenges of recovery.

Nazar Bokii is available for in-person or online conversations in Kyiv by prior arrangement.

• casualties
• military
• Kyiv

A unique mobile library called “Booksin” (a play on “book” and “caterpillar”) is traveling across Ukraine, delivering books — and a sense of community — to  communities, particularly those with high concentrations of displaced persons. The bookmobile brings more than just books; it also fosters lively communication. For instance, writers organize interactive readings, games, quizzes, and cultural activities for children and adults.

This initiative was made possible thanks to Libraries Connected, a UK library association, which donated the bus after a crowdfunding campaign. Recognizing the crisis caused by war, British librarians wanted to support Ukraine’s access to literature. 

The vehicle previously served in Warwickshire County’s library network, including in Stratford-upon-Avon — Shakespeare’s hometown. The bus is specially equipped for its mission: it has bookshelves, a librarian’s workstation, a laptop desk for readers, and even a ramp for accessibility. 

In Ukraine, it was rebranded with a whimsical “Booksin” design — a book-carrying caterpillar — and made its first stop in Kyiv oblast in spring 2025.

Journalists can arrange interviews with the head of the “Library Country” Charitable Foundation in Kyiv and see the bookmobile in action. In September, the mobile library will head to Cherkasy oblast.

Background: The project is organized by the “Library Country” Charitable Foundation.

• culture
• Kyiv