Themes by tag: Kyiv

On August 23, the War Museum will host the opening of “War: Reverse Perspective” large-scale exhibition project. This exhibition attempts to cover the history of World War II and the russo-Ukrainian wars through artistic reflections. The curators have selected pieces of art with different imagery and unique ideas. But in both cases, they reflect the most tragic periods of Ukrainian history.

The reproject presents the works by 40 contemporary artists from all over Ukraine (Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Lutsk, Ivano-Frankivsk) and 39 artists whose works are kept in the Museum’s stock collection. There will be over 150 pieces exhibited in an area of ​​almost 2,000 square meters inside the pedestal of the Motherland Monument.

The presentations are to include speeches by Rostyslav Karandieiev, acting Minister of Culture and Information Policy; Yurii Savchuk, Director of the museum; a representative of Nova Poshta; exhibition curators Yurii Horpynych, Maryna Bohush and Anton Lokhov. The opening will be attended by artists, whose art is presented at the exhibition, and relatives of artists of the 20th century.

Journalists must obtain accreditation.

For reference: The project is implemented with the assistance of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine.

• culture
• Kyiv

On August 21, Kyiv will host the IRON EGGS charity veteran sports festival. It will bring civilians and veterans under one team with the purpose of raising funds for an OSSUR sports prosthesis for an active serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Dych (“Dalnoboi”). The cost of the prosthesis is UAH 450,000.

The program of the festival includes: a 7-km, an 18-km and a 35-km march; open golf lessons; 1,000-meter swimming race in open water; open football practice; archery; open pickleball lessons; petanque training and competitions; open sitting volleyball training.

Speakers of the festival:

• Vadym Svyrydenko — Presidential Commissioner on Rehabilitation of Combatants.;
• Volodymyr Nechyporuk – producer of the IRON EGGS festival;
• Valery Dych (“Dalnoboi”);
• Serhii Khrapko – a veteran of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, whose left leg and left arm were amputated; a participant in 120-km and 18-km walking marathons.
• Alla Borysenko (“Chonhar”) – head of the Svyatenko Rehabilitation Clinic;
• Olha Benda – captain of the Ukrainian national team in amputee football;
• Vlasta Shovkovska – President of the All-Ukrainian Federation “Healthy Lifestyle” NGO.

Journalists are required to obtain accreditation for the festival.

For reference: the festival is organized by the National Council for the Sports Rehabilitation of Defenders of Ukraine and YANKO Charitable Foundation with the assistance of the Kozyn Village Council.

• culture
• Kyiv

On August 20, the Media Center Ukraine will host a briefing to discuss the progress made by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) in clearing mines from Ukrainian territories. The briefing will also cover the outcomes of the “Mind the Mines” (Pomichai Zminy) campaign, an initiative aimed at increasing public awareness about the dangers posed by mines and other explosive hazards.

Launched on June 10, 2024, the “Mind the Mines” campaign seeks to educate Ukrainians on how to identify and avoid explosive devices. One key component of this effort is the educational series “Mine Safety,” available on the Diia.Education platform. This series provides critical information on recognizing and responding to potential threats.

Participants: 

• Serhii Reva, Head of the Department for Organizational Work on Humanitarian Demining at the Ukraine’s State Emergency Service;
• Oleksandr Khorunzhiy, Press Officer of the State Emergency Service;
• Ruslana Korenchuk, Project Manager of Diia.Education. 

For reference: As a result of russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has become the most heavily mined country in the world. The State Emergency Service estimates that 24% of the nation’s territory, or approximately 144,000 square kilometers, may be contaminated with mines, posing severe risks to civilians. According to the National Mine Action Authority, since the war’s escalation, explosive ordnance have claimed the lives of 303 civilians, including 15 children. Additionally, 703 people have been injured, 81 of whom are children.

• Kyiv
• demining

In Irpin, a city in the Kyiv region, the Irpinski Lypky residential complex, which was heavily damaged during the early days of russia’s full-scale invasion, is now undergoing extensive restoration. The housing estate gained global recognition following the liberation of the Kyiv region, attracting numerous international delegations. The destroyed complex also featured in the music video for “Stefania” by the Kalush Orchestra, the band that won the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest.

Initial assessments deemed the building unsuitable for restoration, recommending its complete demolition. However, the residents, desperate to save their homes, pushed for a second evaluation. While the building’s fate remained uncertain, the community came together every Saturday to clean the area and maintain a sense of order. Eventually, a more in-depth examination brought the news they had been hoping for: the structure could indeed be restored. By the end of 2023, reconstruction work at Irpinski Lypky began, and repairs are now actively underway.

Journalists have been granted exclusive access to witness the progress inside the complex and, where possible, speak with local residents.

For context: On March 2, 2022, russian forces launched airstrikes on Irpin, with two missiles striking a multi-story building on Hostomelke Shose Street. Before the invasion, the complex was home to 206 families. 

The reconstruction of Irpinski Lypky is being overseen by the Kyiv Regional Military Administration in collaboration with the Fund for the Elimination of the Consequences of Armed Aggression.

• occupation
• reconstruction
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

For the fifth year running, the “Watch Ukrainian!” Association will present the Film Bouquet festival as part of the high-profile Bouquet Kyiv Stage art festival. This year’s Film Bouquet maintains its focus on the “Culture vs. War” theme, underscoring the Ukrainian struggle to preserve their values and way of life.

On August 16, the festival will feature a pre-premiere screening of “Da Vinci,” a film that chronicles the life and valor of Dmytro Kotsiubaylo, a Ukrainian volunteer, Hero of Ukraine, and commander of the Da Vinci Wolves battalion. Kotsiubaylo, who fell in battle on March 7, 2023, near Bakhmut, is celebrated for his heroism.

The following day, August 17, will see the premiere of the documentary “Culture vs. War,” an exposé on the current war through the lens of prominent artists who have joined the Armed Forces and cultural figures actively engaged in volunteer efforts. This film had its international debut on February 24, 2024.

Additionally, on August 17, the festival will offer a pre-premiere screening of “Perun’s Flute,” which features raw footage from the combat zone.

The Culture vs. War project will also host two panel discussions on August 16 and 17. Topics include “Cultural Genocide: From Crime to Punishment” and “Cultural Diplomacy: Paths to Development,” featuring notable cultural figures, artists, and government officials.

Journalists interested in covering the event should apply for accreditation to access the festival program and activities.

• culture
• Kyiv

On July 15, a press conference will be held at Media Center Ukraine in Kyiv, where Vadym Gutzeit, President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, will present the results of the 2024 Olympics and address the challenges of preparing for the next Olympic cycle. The event will provide insights into the number of medals won by Ukrainian athletes, the total medal count, and details on how and where the athletes’ training was conducted.

For reference: The 2024 Summer Olympics took place in Paris from July 26 to August 11. Ukraine was represented by 140 athletes competing across 23 sports, finishing 22nd in the overall medal standings.

• Kyiv

In a groundbreaking initiative to support veterans, the Kyiv region is finalizing the construction of Ukraine’s first inclusive residential complex for soldiers who have suffered severe injuries. This unique development is the only one of its kind in the country, designed to provide a comfortable and accessible living environment for those who have sacrificed so much.

Every aspect of the inclusive town has been meticulously planned to ensure ease of movement, comfort, and quality of life. The homes will come fully renovated, with kitchen furniture installed, and bathrooms and toilets fully equipped.

The complex consists of 56 houses, and by the end of August, the veterans will receive the keys to their new homes, which will be transferred to their ownership. All necessary paperwork is currently being finalized.

For reference: The project is funded by Andrii Zasukha’s Foundation and Kolos Kovalivka FC.

• Kyiv

A groundbreaking adaptive yachting project for people with disabilities, including military veterans, has been launched in Kyiv. The initiative has already attracted more than 20 participants, both men and women, many of whom are veterans. Among them are individuals who have lost limbs and rely on wheelchairs for mobility.

The classes, which are offered free of charge, take place twice a week and cover both theory and practical training on the water. Participants are taught essential sailing skills, such as determining the boat’s position relative to the wind and managing the sails.

Currently, the project is in an experimental phase, but the organizers have ambitious plans to expand it across Ukraine and enhance the program’s resources and equipment.

For context: The adaptive yachting project was founded by Ihor Yatluk, a seasoned yacht captain and sailing athlete with five decades of experience, who also leads the NGO Vodnyk. He is joined by co-founder Nataliia Tyshchuk, a business consultant and fellow yacht captain.

• casualties
• military
• Kyiv

On August 14, representatives of the Book of Records of Ukraine will officially document the record for the smallest icon in Ukraine. This rare piece will be presented in Kyiv’s National Reserve “Sophia of Kyiv.” The icon has been made by painter Natalia Kushnir, a member of the National Union of Icon Painters of Ukraine.

According to preliminary data, the size of the “Image of Edessa” icon is 4 mm x 5.5 mm. Final measurements with special devices will be made when documenting the record. The icon has been painted with a hair-thin brush on a miniature disk of natural mother-of-pearl with a diameter of 19 mm. The craftswoman had to use an 8x magnifying glass to paint this icon.

Pre-accreditation is required.

• culture
• Kyiv

Journalists are invited to chat with the author of the “Seen” project Yulia Bevzenko and sculptor Yurii Biliavskyi.

“Seen” are two bronze check marks indicating messages that have been read in messengers. Families write to soldiers, soldiers write to their fellow soldiers, children write to their parents who are on the occupied territories, and all together write to the dearest people who are in high-risk regions and cities that have been shelled. This mini sculpture is a tribute to everyone who must wait for two check marks for long hours or even days on end.

Guests:

• Kateryna Prokopenko and wives waiting for the coveted check marks from their husbands,
• Oleksii Erinchak and co-founders of “Sens on Khreshchatyk” bookstore.

Pre-accreditation is required.

For reference: Kateryna Prokopenko is a Ukrainian illustrator, public activist and volunteer. Head of the Association of Azovstal Defenders’ Families NGO and the Charity Fund for Support of Families of Azovstal Defenders. Wife of Denys Prokopenko, Commander of Azov 12th Special Purpose Brigade.

• culture
• Kyiv