Themes by tag: Kyiv

Ivan Soroka enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine after russia launched its full-scale invasion. On February 24, the military enlistment office was recruiting soldiers for the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, named after the Black Zaporozhians — the unit Ivan joined. He defended the village of Moshchun in the Kyiv oblast before his unit was redeployed to the eastern front. 

In August 2022, an enemy mine exploded just steps away from him. His comrade was killed instantly, while Ivan lost his sight. “Who needs me blind?” was Ivan’s first thought when he regained consciousness. The answer came from his fiancée, Vladyslava, whom he had met online in April 2022. She visited the wounded soldier in the hospital. The couple had hoped that Ivan’s vision would return, but it never did. In September 2023, Ivan and Vladyslava were married.

Today, Ivan is confidently adapting to his new reality and striving for independence. He launched his own blog, where he explores unusual foods and drinks. He says he has discovered a new way to “see” — through taste, sound, and touch. Last year, Ivan joined the charity foundation “Let’s See The Victory”, where he supports fellow blind veterans and others who are adjusting to life without sight.

You can speak with Ivan Soroka online or meet him in person in Kyiv by prior arrangement.

• casualties
• culture
• military
• Kyiv

Media Center Ukraine to hold a briefing on May 29: “Path to Justice: How and When putin Will Face Trial”

Participants:

– Yevheniia Kravchuk, Member of Parliament of Ukraine;

– Anton Korynevych, Ukraine’s Ambassador-at-Large and Acting Director of the Department General for International Law at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Agent of Ukraine before the International Court of Justice.

Key topics:

– The current status of the initiative to establish a special international tribunal for putin and russia’s top military and political leaders;

– Legal and political challenges in holding russia accountable for crimes against Ukraine and Ukrainians;

– Ukraine’s and international partners’ roles in advancing the tribunal proposal.

• russian crimes
• Kyiv

On May 29 the official transfer of artifacts from the russian-Ukrainian war to the War Museum’s collection will take place. The items will be personally handed over by Major Oleh Shyriaiev, commander of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a Hero of Ukraine. 

Approximately 200 objects will be added to the Museum’s collection. These include fragments of enemy UAVs, personal weapons of russian soldiers, military gear, armbands, and even medals. All artifacts were captured by Ukrainian troops during fierce battles for every inch of Ukrainian territory. These wartime trophies serve as powerful evidence of russia’s aggression. As part of the Museum’s exhibits, they will help educate future generations about the war, expose the true nature of the enemy, and honor the bravery of Ukraine’s defenders, who continue to repel the invaders with skill and courage.

During the event, Major Shyriaiev will share the origins and stories behind the transferred items. He will also speak about the unique features of the artifacts and provide insight into the combat history of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment.

Accreditation is required to attend the event.

• culture
• Kyiv

A group of students from Shpytky, a village in Bucha district, Kyiv region, is getting their hands on 3D printing to help restore their local environment. Calling themselves the Scythian team, the teenagers created a 3D printing club aimed at improving ecological conditions in their community. They plan to produce eco-bins using recycled plastic.

The students say their motivation came from witnessing the environmental impact of the war, Shpytky was on the front line during the russian invasion in 2022. The experience left the community heavily polluted, prompting the teens to take action.

Now, the team is actively collecting raw plastic materials and working hands-on with 3D printers to manufacture the eco waste tanks.

Journalists can visit the Scythian team’s workspace and cover the project by prior arrangement.

For reference: As part of the UActive program by the savED charitable foundation, teenagers from the Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Mykolaiv regions have been implementing social initiatives in communities affected by the war. The students completed a 15-week training course in project management and worked alongside mentors to develop their ideas. Through support from program partners, 10 student teams secured a total of USD 50,000 in seed funding to bring their projects to life.

A reminder: International Children’s Day is observed globally on June 1.

• children
• ecology
• Kyiv

At just 24, Yevhen Hromadskyi is a seventh-generation soldier who earned the title of Hero of Ukraine for his extraordinary courage under fire. His first battle came on the very first day of russia’s full-scale invasion, as he defended the Kharkiv region while serving in the National Guard of Ukraine.

Then a platoon commander, Hromadskyi was ordered to hold the line. Among his unit, he was the only one trained to operate a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher (RPG). When a russian convoy advanced on their position, Hromadskyi acted alone, and managed to stop it.

His father, retired colonel Oleh Hromadskyi, fought in the same battle and was killed on February 24, 2022. The loss marked a turning point for Yevhen, making the war deeply personal.

In recognition of his bravery and steadfast defense of Kharkiv, Hromadskyi was awarded the Hero of Ukraine title at the age of 21. Since then, he has seen combat in some of the most intense areas along the front line. He now aspires to rise through the ranks and one day become a general.

Currently based in Kyiv, Yevhen Hromadskyi is available for interviews with journalists, both online and in person, by prior arrangement.

• military
• Kyiv

On May 28, the Media Center Ukraine will host a presentation of the Inferno project: Exposing the brutal conditions faced by Ukrainian prisoners of war

Participants:

– Yurii Kovbasa, Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in the Security and Defense Sector;

– Andrii Yusov, Deputy Head of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War;

– Yevheniia Synelnyk, Representative of the Association of Azovstal Defenders’ Families;

– Nestor Barchuk, Representative of the International Cooperation Department, 1st Corps of the Azov National Guard;

– Tetyana Katrychenko, Executive Director of the Media Initiative for Human Rights.

For reference: Inferno is a collaborative initiative led by the Association of Azovstal Defenders’ Families and the International Cooperation Department of the 1st Corps of the Azov National Guard of Ukraine. The project compiles firsthand accounts from former detainees held in notorious facilities such as Olenivka and Taganrog, as well as multiple russian detention centers. Through survivor testimonies, Inferno seeks to ensure that these war crimes are not erased from public memory and that the international community remains vigilant in demanding accountability.

• military
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

Veterans are invited to participate in the Kyiv City Para Powerlifting Championship, a competition for individuals with musculoskeletal and visual impairments. The event will take place on a weekend (exact date and time to be confirmed after registration).

Journalists can cover the event by prior arrangement. 

For reference: Para powerlifting is a form of powerlifting adapted for people with disabilities. It is an official Paralympic sport included in the Paralympic Games program.

• culture
• Kyiv

Before the full-scale invasion, Nelli Ernandes served as director and lecturer at Makariv medical college in the Kyiv oblast. During the occupation, russian forces destroyed much of the town, leaving the college dormitory roofless and its façade, internal floors, windows, and doors obliterated.

After the liberation of the Kyiv oblast, Nelli immediately sought ways to restore the dormitory. With support from the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine, reconstruction began in December 2022. By September 2024, the community celebrated the reopening of the renovated dormitory, which now houses 60 students, including internally displaced persons.

Nelli Ernandes is available for interviews online or in person in Makariv by prior arrangement.

• occupation
• reconstruction
• russian crimes
• women
• Kyiv

The “TOY THERAPY ROOM” stands as a nationwide charitable initiative established by a collective within the NGO The National Genofund amidst the full-scale invasion. Its primary aim is to mitigate the trauma endured by both children and adults impacted by russia’s invasion, achieved through the application of puppetry and play therapy techniques.

The TOY THERAPY ROOM offers a carefully designed environment where children and adults can navigate their emotions in a healthy and supportive manner. Within these spaces, carefully curated by dedicated hosts, individuals can explore their feelings, replenish their inner strength, and nurture a sense of confidence in their abilities and desires. Central to the experience are the hundreds of soft toys that inhabit each room. These toys serve not only as companions but also as conduits for understanding and healing. Participants are encouraged to select a toy at the outset of their session, which then becomes a steadfast ally throughout their journey. Beyond the confines of the therapy room, this toy becomes a transitional object through which psychologists gain insights into the person’s condition and provide assistance.

Today, the TOY THERAPY ROOM initiative operates in more than 70 locations across Ukraine, reaching nearly every region of the country, and organizing off-site therapy spaces at summer camps. Its team of psychologists also uses puppetry and play therapy techniques to support the mental health recovery of military personnel.

In 2024 alone, more than 20,000 people visited the therapy rooms, including 15,168 children and 1,400 servicemembers. The project held 5,449 therapy sessions, including mobile outreach events, and distributed over 14,000 therapeutic toys.

Spearheaded by Victoriia Nazarevich, a seasoned psychologist and the driving force behind the Nazarevich-Art psychology training portal, the project maintains a team of dedicated professionals comprising psychologists and art therapists.

For journalists seeking insight into this transformative endeavor, opportunities for interviews with project representatives and participants are available in Kyiv and other cities by prior arrangement. Additionally, online communication channels offer convenient access for those unable to attend in person. 

A reminder: June 1 marks the observance of International Children’s Day worldwide.

• casualties
• children
• psychological support
• Kyiv

Before russia’s full-scale invasion, Ruslan Zadorozhnyi worked as a manager for an online retailer. In November 2022, he enlisted in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, serving as a machine gunner in the Kupiansk sector. There, he was wounded by a shell explosion and lost his arm.

Following months of prosthetics and rehabilitation, Ruslan began searching for civilian employment. Despite receiving thanks for his service, every resume he submitted was met with rejection, until he came across a service station dedicated to veterans.

The Nesemos Fund, founded by Mariia Ksondzyk, the daughter of a fallen Anti-Terrorist Operation soldier, and serviceman Petro Shuklinov, later launched a veteran-run auto repair center. It was there that Ruslan was offered a position as an administrator. The team equipped a workstation for him, and he now manages incoming military vehicles and oversees their repairs. Ruslan hopes to build on this experience and eventually open a service station of his own.

Nesemos Veteran Auto Hub, in partnership with Reskilling Ukraine, is also running a program to train women in car mechanics. The repair bays at the facility serve as hands-on classrooms for those starting from scratch.

Ruslan Zadorozhnyi and the Nesemos team are available for meetings in Kyiv, both online and in person, by appointment.

• casualties
• military
• Kyiv