Themes by tag: Kyiv

Participants:
Ihor Kotelyanets, head of the NGO “Association of Relatives of Kremlin Political Prisoners”;
Tetiana Maletska, clinical psychologist at the “Lisova Polyana” Center for Mental Health and Rehabilitation;
Azat Azatian, founder of a rehabilitation center in Zaporizhzhia, former political prisoner;
Yurii Shapovalov, released from unlawful imprisonment, representative of the NGO “29 December.”

Discussion topics:
– a real, rather than formal, rehabilitation system for people returning from unlawful detention;
– what state policy in the field of rehabilitation of released civilians should look like.

Background: Thousands of Ukrainians who have experienced unlawful imprisonment face new challenges after their release — from health problems and psychological consequences of torture to complex bureaucratic procedures. Activists have analyzed current legislation and its implementation and propose a vision for how state policy on the rehabilitation of released civilians should be structured, as well as specific decisions and steps that need to be taken immediately.

• casualties
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

In the fall of 2025, the first intake for the veterans’ course “Sapper in humanitarian demining” took place. The initiative aims to provide veterans with the opportunity to master a new, in-demand profession in the field of humanitarian demining, support their social reintegration, employment, and involvement in Ukraine’s recovery.

The training takes place in Kyiv. As part of the course, participants acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills in humanitarian demining, including mine safety basics, identification of explosive ordnance, land survey procedures, work with specialized equipment, and compliance with international safety standards. A significant portion of the program is dedicated to practical exercises in controlled conditions.

Twenty veterans successfully completed the first course. Enrollment for the second course is now open, with the start scheduled for mid-March.

By prior arrangement, journalists may cover the training in Kyiv.

Background: The initiator and organizer of the training is the charitable organization “Unconquered Foundation,” founded by veteran Ihor Bezkaravainyi and psychologist Olena Vyshnevetska. The foundation operates in three areas: professional retraining of veterans, psychological support, and recovery through adaptive sports.

The humanitarian demining training is implemented with financial support from the Republic of Slovenia.

• Kyiv
• demining

On February 24, an exhibition dedicated to the anniversary of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine will open at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre.

The exhibition serves as a reminder of the duration and necessity of the struggle — for territory, freedom, identity, and people. A special focus is placed on prisoners of war, particularly the defenders of Azovstal and other Ukrainians who remain in russian captivity. An important message of the project is the need for societal consolidation around bringing Ukrainian defenders home.

One of the visual works displayed on the theater’s facade will be an illustration by Kateryna Prokopenko, reminding viewers that not all Azov fighters have returned home, and that their memory must remain alive through action and support.

The sculpture “Dancing Stones” by artist GORN symbolizes the search for meaning. Even stone can take on the form of movement, but without meaning it remains stone. The exhibition reflects on the different roles within the shared struggle and on the purpose that unites Ukrainians today.

For reference: The exhibition was initiated and curated by the Image and Information Department of the 1st Corps of the Azov National Guard of Ukraine. The project was created with the participation of the Association of Families of Azovstal Defenders, which represents the voices of families of captured defenders and shapes the artistic and public dimension of the struggle for their return.

• culture
• Kyiv

On February 24, commemorative events will take place in the city of Bucha in the Kyiv region to honor the memory of civilians and defenders of Ukraine who were killed.

The program will include:
A requiem rally and memorial service honoring fallen Heroes;
A requiem rally and memorial service honoring innocent victims of russian aggression near the Wall of Remembrance;
A religious event, “Light of Prayer over Ukraine,” dedicated to the National Day of Prayer, with the participation of representatives of religious organizations of the Bucha City Territorial Community and the Pavlo Chubynsky National Academic Choir;
The unveiling of a memorial plaque to a fallen Defender;
A presentation of the book “Bucha. Women. War.”

• dead
• occupation
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

On February 21, the exhibition “KHERSON: NOT/stolen” will open in the capital. The event is timed to the fourth anniversary of the start of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the Day of Resistance to the Occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

The joint project “KHERSON: NOT/stolen” brings together studies and homages to looted museum artworks created by Ukrainian artists. Its goal is to support the Kherson Art Museum, which was looted by russian occupying forces before the city was liberated in November 2022.

For reference: The project was launched in 2024 as a study of the stolen collection of the Kherson Art Museum. It now seeks to draw attention to all Ukrainian museums that have been looted by russian occupying forces since the occupation of Crimea in March 2014 and up to the present day.

• culture
• occupation
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

Petro Prysiedko has worked for several years at DTEK, where he is responsible for the design and development of the mobile application and online account platform for the YASNO project. During a lighthearted discussion with colleagues about unconventional business ideas, he came up with the concept of a “subscription” service for chickens and eggs.

In 2024, he applied for a business grant program. His startup was selected among the five winners — Petro received financial support and began implementing the idea.

Currently, he has one coop for 20 chickens and plans to build another in the spring. The rental service operates on a subscription model: for 1,000 hryvnias per month, a person chooses a chicken, gives it a name, and receives an “egg box” with 20 eggs. If the hen lays more eggs during the month, Petro donates the monetary difference to the Defense Forces. All 20 birds are already reserved, and there is a waiting list for new ones.

Journalists may speak with Petro Prysiedko both online and offline in Kyiv by prior arrangement.

• animals
• culture
• Kyiv

Oleh Symoroz joined the Defense Forces at the start of the full-scale invasion. He defended Kyiv region as part of the Territorial Defense Forces and later deployed east with his unit. In October 2022, during a combat mission, his vehicle hit an enemy mine.

Both of his legs were amputated above the knee — one of the most challenging types of amputation for further prosthetic fitting. Oleh committed himself to rehabilitation and successfully adapted to prosthetic limbs. He later returned to civilian life, purchased a home, and joined the team of Protez Foundation, where he now serves as Head of Development and Reform of the Prosthetics System.

The veteran and the Protez Foundation team were invited to take part in the filming of the Ukrainian series “Return.” He plays a soldier who lost his legs on the front line — a role that echoes his real-life story. Protez Foundation supported the project: some scenes were filmed at the prosthetics center itself, prosthetists consulted the crew, provided technical assistance, and supplied prosthetic components for filming. The series will consist of eight episodes. The lead roles were performed by Yevhen Hryhoriev, a fighter of the “Wolves of Da Vinci” battalion, and actor Oleksandr Rudynskyi.

Journalists may speak with Oleh Symoroz both online and offline in Kyiv by prior arrangement.

For reference: Protez Foundation is a U.S.-based charitable organization that provides free prosthetic treatment and rehabilitation to Ukrainians who have lost limbs as a result of the war. Its mission is to help Ukrainian children, civilians, and service members receive high-quality prosthetics in the United States free of charge.

• casualties
• military
• Kyiv

Daria Borysenko is a servicewoman with the call sign “Hilka” and commander of an all-female unmanned systems crew, “Typhoon.” She began preparing for military service back in 2021, attending various trainings and military courses. On February 24, she went to the enlistment office and that same evening departed to help defend Hostomel in Kyiv region.

Over time, Daria became a strike UAV pilot and recently took command of a female strike drone crew within the National Guard of Ukraine’s “Typhoon” unit. The group consists of four servicewomen who previously served in different crews.

Journalists may arrange interviews with Daria both online and offline by prior agreement with the press officer. In the coming weeks, Daria and her team will be in Kyiv.

For reference: The separate special-purpose unmanned systems unit “Typhoon” was established in 2024. The unit specializes in modern technologies, focusing primarily on the use of drones and robotic systems.

• military
• women
• Kyiv

On February 20 in Kyiv, a commemorative ceremony will be held to honor the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred and participants of the Revolution of Dignity.

At the site where the largest number of peaceful protesters were killed during the Revolution of Dignity, a traditional ceremony will take place, including the laying of flowers, a memorial prayer service, and the ringing of the Bell of Remembrance.

The annual “Angels of Memory” campaign, launched in 2014, will also take place. Anyone can join the event and honor the memory of the fallen — all it takes is to make a paper angel and bring it to a memorial site in their city.

Journalists can find the full program of events marking the Day of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred.

For reference: On February 20, 2014, the largest number of people — 48 — were killed in the center of Ukraine’s capital. Together with 54 other protesters who were killed or fatally wounded during the winter of 2013–2014, and five Maidan activists who died in the spring of 2014 while defending democratic values and Ukraine’s territorial integrity, they were named the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred.

• dead
• Kyiv

On February 19 in Kyiv, the Unmanned Systems Forces, together with cadets from the capital, will present a unique art project. During the event, they will unveil the State Coat of Arms of Ukraine woven from combat drone fiber optic cable delivered from the front line.

The trident was created specifically for the Day of the State Emblem of Ukraine, which is marked on February 19. Dozens of kilometers of fiber optic cable were used for the installation. Military personnel will attend the presentation and share real-life cases in which fiber-optic drones saved lives.

Accreditation is required for journalists.

• culture
• Kyiv