Themes by tag: Kyiv

On May 18, Kyiv will host a special gathering marking the second anniversary of the Mariupol garrison’s fighters leaving the besieged Mariupol Azovstal steel plant, featuring the participation of families of prisoners of war and liberated Mariupol defenders.

Two years ago, on May 20, 2022, the final defender of the Mariupol garrison departed Azovstal as per orders. Since then, many of these brave defenders have remained captive, leaving their families in a state of uncertainty. The event’s organizers aim to highlight the magnitude of the Mariupol tragedy, honor the courage of its defenders, and underscore the ongoing importance of advocating for their cause.

Joined by the families of Mariupol’s fighters, attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on the city’s pre-invasion era and its defense during the 86-day siege, including 82 days of complete encirclement.

The program will include a performance titled “Poems of a Military Soul” from the “Light of Art” project, presented by the Department of Cultural and Public Development of the Mariupol City Council and the independent theater of original plays, “Conception,” led by Oleksii Hnatiuk.

Event registration is required. 

• prisoners
• Kyiv

Kyiv is set to showcase the ‘Combat Dronivka’ vyshyvanka on May 16th. Crafted by Tetiana Zez, this embroidered shirt, a collaborative effort between the World Vyshyvanka Day NGO and the Embroidery in the Clothes of Outstanding Ukrainians project, is tailored exclusively for the 2024 Vyshyvanka Day festivities.

The centerpiece of the ornament features a drone, symbolizing Ukrainian triumph in warfare. Complementing this are symbols such as the Cossack cross (also known as the cross of the Armed Forces of Ukraine), the State Emblem of Ukraine, the trident, and the English inscription “VictoryUA.” The bordering, designed by Olena Pchilka, signifies the emergence of new life from ancient roots.

The primary objective of the ‘Combat Dronivka’ initiative is to raise funds for the UAV strike systems unit (RUBAK) “Seraphim” of the 104th Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, along with support for the Dignitas Charitable Fund.

In the evening, a video projection titled “Poetry of Victory” will illuminate the facade of the Kyiv City State Administration, featuring readings of Ukrainian poetry by both classic and contemporary authors, exploring themes of war, suffering, faith, love, and triumph by:

– Ivan Lukavyi, a soldier of the 3rd Brigade;

– Tetiana Vlasova, poet;

– Kateryna Eikhman, volunteer;

– Valerii Vasyliev, a former Russian prisoner of war, a soldier of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;

– Myroslav Otkovych, a soldier of the 241st Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;

– Akhtem Seitablaev, director, actor, serviceman of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;

– Taras Kompanichenko, musician, serviceman of the 241st Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; 

– Yevhen Nyshchuk, General Director and Artistic Director of the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, theater and film actor;

– Serhii Korshikov, actor, and serviceman of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;

– Maksym Devizorov, actor, serviceman of the 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;

– Vira Lytvynenko, mother of the fallen soldier Vladyslav Lytvynenko;

– Olha Chernilevska, mother of the fallen soldier Illia Chernilevskyi;

– Kateryna Pryimak, volunteer, veteran;

– Kateryna Halushka, volunteer paramedic;

– Olena Prokopenko, mother of missing soldier Dmytro Prokopenko.

• culture
• Kyiv

Sofiia Kuchynska is from Kyiv. She has a background in marketing. While putting together a puzzle amidst the war, Sofiia realized that this activity helped her cope with anxiety and distracted from bad thoughts. Later, while buying new puzzles, she came to the conclusion that this was an expensive hobby. In addition, a person usually buys an expensive puzzle, puts it together once, and then it just lies there. That’s when Sofiia came up with the idea to create an online puzzle rental service.

Currently, Sofiia’s collection numbers more than 250 puzzles, including those depicting landscapes, still life and art objects. She also has unusual jigsaw puzzles and even rare puzzles, which are 10-20 years old.

The girl received many good reviews from users. After all, renting a puzzle can be five times cheaper than buying a new one. Sofiia’s clients can also purchase a puzzle subscription (similar to subscriptions for streaming services).

Journalists have the opportunity to talk with Sofiia in Kyiv.

• culture
• Kyiv

On May 14th, the Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform will be the venue for the presentation of analytical studies conducted by experts from the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union. These studies include:

– “Examining Laws Governing Privacy Restrictions During Martial Law”

– “Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Guidelines and Limitations in the Realm of National Security and Defense”

During the research presentation, experts will discuss the trends they’ve identified, suggest potential changes, and highlight practices they view positively.

Speakers:

• Maksym Scherbatiuk, Program Director of the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union (UHHRU)
• Yevhen Krapyvin, criminal justice expert at the Center of Policy and Legal Reform,
• Yuliia Kovalenko, lawyer at the UHHRU Strategic Litigation Centre
  

Pre-registration is required:

In the first quarter of 2024, pre-trial investigation authorities documented 202 cases of privacy violations. This represents a notable increase compared to the 164 cases reported in 2022 and the 422 cases in 2023. Experts attribute this surge, in part, to heightened citizen awareness regarding mechanisms for safeguarding their rights. However, despite the increase in investigations, the court received only 24 cases in 2023, resulting in six guilty verdicts. Discrepancies between the number of indictments and cases brought to court stem from variations in statistical tracking methods.

• Kyiv

Benda enlisted in the Defense Forces back in 2017, juggling her duties with caring for her son who was almost two years of age. Assigned as chief cook to the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Cossacks, stationed in Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, she faced enemy fire that same year, sustaining injuries that resulted in the loss of her leg. Following treatment and rehab, Olha adapted to using a prosthetic limb. Just two years later, she triumphed in her first 10-kilometer run at the Veterans Dozen Foundation event in Kyiv. Shortly after, she conquered the challenge of the Marine Corps Marathon in the U.S. In 2023, she even joined a women’s soccer squad specifically designed for amputees.

Olha’s dedication extends beyond personal achievements. She actively supports fellow veterans and those impacted by the war through various social initiatives, including creating videos showcasing the resilience of Ukrainian defenders with amputations. Recently, she took on the role of ambassador for the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation.

• casualties
• women
• Kyiv

The second Ukrainian Construction Congress will take place in Kyiv on May 15 and 16. The Congress will focus on rebuilding Ukraine with a special emphasis put on barrier-free and inclusive design.

As usual, the Congress will act as a platform for constructive dialogue, exchange of opinions and ideas between authorities, developers, architects, builders, manufacturers of building materials, the civil society and other industry participants.

Some of the major topics of the Congress will include:

• Strategies and challenges of Ukraine’s recovery: ways to economic and social development in 2024-2025;
• New approaches to construction in wartime. New safety standards and norms;
• Restoration of historical sites;
• Veteran-run enterprise as a guarantee of public safety;
• Barrier-free and inclusive: challenges of today;

For the first time, the Congress will feature the announcement of the winners and the ceremony for the independent construction award “BUILDER OF THE YEAR – 2024.” Prizes will be given to companies, industry specialists and projects in 15 nominations, such as “Construction,” “Architecture,” “Business in the Construction Industry.”

The event requires accreditation.

• reconstruction
• Kyiv

A new recruitment information center for the Ukrainian army has been established at Kyiv Main Railway Station. Staffed by specially trained personnel from Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia), the center will offer details on available positions within the Armed Forces and address common queries regarding roles in military units.

This pilot initiative, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and Ukraine’s railway network, aims to provide transparent guidance to individuals interested in supporting the Ukrainian Defense Forces effectively and to foster voluntary enlistment.

• Kyiv

Back in 2014, Tetiana Ovchar made waves by challenging the inclusion of Russian language teaching in her children’s Kyiv school. Her bold stance led to the removal of the subject from the curriculum. Passionate about promoting Ukrainian literature among youngsters, she spearheaded the “Reading with Pleasure” initiative, culminating in its final session on February 19, 2022. With the onset of the full-blown invasion, Tetiana has thrown herself into volunteering efforts, supporting both military personnel and civilians alike. Tetiana Ovchar, alongside her husband, selflessly offered their family’s former eco-tourism retreat as a refuge for those displaced by the war, accommodating up to 27 individuals in a single night. In their hometown of Kyiv, they mobilized with neighbors to provide vital aid to hospitals and the Territorial Defense Forces, distributing much-needed supplies such as food and medicine. Their outreach extended to villages like Moshchun and Horenka in the Kyiv region. Despite receiving a cancer diagnosis in December 2022, Tetiana remained resilient, channeling her energy into fundraising for military needs during her treatment sessions. Today, she continues to dedicate herself to volunteering, addressing military requests, supporting the families of servicemen, advocating for literacy, and confronting the challenges of her illness with unwavering determination.

• volunteers
• women
• Kyiv

On May 14, Kyiv will host an open meeting for journalists with the finalists of the Gongadze Prize. During the “Power of Words” discussion, speakers and attendees will talk about how journalists of different experiences and specializations can join forces.

Speakers:

• Anna Babinets — Founder and Head of Slidstvo.Info independent investigative agency.
• Olga Rudenko — Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Kyiv Independent,
• Tetiana Troshchynska — Director of the Department for Strategic Analysis and Development of Socially Influential Content at Suspilne, a journalist and a host at “Culture” Radio.

The event will be moderated by Larysa Denysenko, journalist, writer and human rights defender.

The event requires registration.

For reference: The Gongadze Prize is a major award for professional journalists in Ukraine. It was founded in 2019 by PEN Ukraine in partnership with the family of George Gongadze, the Kyiv-Mohyla Business School and “Ukrainian Pravda” media outlet. Vakhtang Kipiani (2019), Pavlo Kazarin (2020), Myroslava Barchuk (2021), Mstyslav Chernov and Yevhen Maloletka (2022), and Bohdan Lohvynenko (2023) won the Prize in previous years. In 2022, photojournalist Maks Levin received the Special Award posthumously.

• Kyiv

The NGO CAT-UA (Communication Analysis Team – Ukraine) is set to unveil its findings from a comprehensive study on the Ukrainian national narrative. This narrative serves as the cohesive force binding the nation together, offering a shared perspective on the past, present, and future. Crucially, it’s this narrative that shapes the strategic vision, rallying people to prevail in the ongoing war. 

The event will kick off with a concise overview of the research findings, followed by an open discussion.

Participants:

• Artem Zakharchenko, head of CAT-UA;
• Yevheniia Kravchuk, Member of the Verkhovna Rada;
• Anton Drobovych, Head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory;
• Kseniia Ivanyshyn, research manager of the UCBI4 project;
• Nataliia Kryvda, Head of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation.

Prior registration is required.

• Kyiv