Themes by tag: Kyiv

A press briefing titled “Stolen Childhood: russia’s Preparation of Ukrainian Children for War Amid Occupation and Deportation” is set to take place on March 26 at the Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform.

Participants:

– Iryna Suslova, Representative of the Ombudsperson for Children’s Rights in the Office of the Ombudsperson of Ukraine; 

– Representative of the Prosecutor General’s Office;

– Olha Skrypnyk, Head of the Board of the Crimean Human Rights Group;

– Mariia Sulialina, Head of the Center for Civil Education “Almenda”;

– Khrystyna Shkudor, “Where Are Our People?” campaign advocacy manager, PR Army NGO.

– Vladyslav Havrylov, research historian at the ‘Where Are Our People?’ PR Army NGO project;

For context: russia is accused of systematically perpetrating war crimes in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied regions. Notably, occupiers are allegedly intentionally militarizing children residing in these areas or forcibly relocating them to russia and belarus territories. Such actions are purportedly part of a calculated strategy by the aggressor nation. Critics argue that russian occupiers are eroding Ukrainian identity among children and assimilating them to address russia’s demographic challenges. This purportedly serves to groom a future “mobilization reserve” for the russian military’s potential involvement in the war against Ukraine.

• children
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

Yevhen Andrukhov, once a bakery owner in his hometown of Sievierodonetsk (now under occupation), relocated his family to Lviv when full-blown war erupted.

In May 2022, they settled in Bucha, Kyiv region, where the idea to revive their business took shape. Facing financial constraints, Andrukhov applied for a state grant, securing UAH 250,000 to kickstart the venture.

In October 2022, Yevhen Andrukhov and his family, including parents and brother, inaugurated House of Boulangerie, a confectionery and bakery establishment in Bucha. Presently, their offerings include croissants, puffs, cakes, pastries, craft bread, and baguettes. Additionally, Andrukhov has contributed to job creation by hiring two IDPs originating from Sievierodonetsk, his hometown. Reflecting on past challenges, Andrukhov reveals that his bakery in Sievierodonetsk fell victim to theft of expensive Italian equipment during the occupation, with the premises subsequently left in disrepair. 

For reference: The Russian military’s occupation of Sievierodonetsk in Luhansk Oblast on June 25, 2022 left the city, according to then-head of the Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, Serhiy Haidai, devastated, with an estimated 90% destruction rate.

• occupation
• Kyiv

On March 21, Kyiv is set to host a press briefing regarding what one termed the “limited military operation” in Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod regions areas. The event is organized by three armed groups: the Russian Volunteer Corps, the Siberian Battalion, and the Freedom of Russia Legion. 

Pre-registration is mandatory, and details regarding the conference location and schedule will follow registration confirmation.

• Kyiv

On March 21, Kyiv will host the official handover of two mobile gynecological clinics of the UNFPA Ukraine, which will operate in the de-occupied territories of Donetsk and Kherson regions. (The purchase of vehicles was made possible with the support of the governments of Sweden and Norway).

In the mobile gynecological clinic, women can have a free and full gynecological examination, get an ultrasound scan, receive free contraceptives and anti-infection, HIV and AIDS medicine. Mobile gynecological clinics are also equipped with everything necessary for childbirth.

During the event, journalists will be able to cover the work of mobile gynecological clinics, as well as talk with representatives of UNFPA Ukraine, First Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine Serhii Dubrov, Head of the Health Care Department in Kherson region Tetiana Karchevych and Deputy Head of the Health Care Department in Donetsk region Nataliia Filipova.

The event requires accreditation. The address of the event will be provided after accreditation is confirmed.

For reference: 28 mobile gynecological teams are already working in 23 regions of Ukraine as part of the UNFPA Ukraine project.

• Kyiv

On March 21, the test run event for the military with sports prosthetics will be held in Kyiv. The event is organized by the U+ System rehabilitation center together with the Danish company Levitate.

Two types of sports prostheses will be available — Running Blade and Forever Foot. Running Blade — sports prostheses for running. Forever Foot is a prosthetic foot for military personnel to use in their everyday life.

The sports event will also feature men who have already received prostheses from U+ System and Levitate to help the military adapt to their new feet.

The event will take place with the participation of the FC Dynamo Kyiv. The servicemen will be able to test the functionality of the new prostheses and play with football players.

The event requires accreditation.

For reference: U+ System and Levitate will hold a large-scale test run event for the fourth time in the past six months. The main goal is to install sports prostheses for people who lost their limbs due to the war in Ukraine. In total, U+ System and Levitate have successfully provided prosthesis to more than 60 people.

• Kyiv

On March 28-29, Irpin, Kyiv region, will host events to mark the second anniversary of the liberation of the city from the russian occupiers. In particular, there will be a memorial service for the fallen Heroes, the presentation of the Book of Memory of the Irpin City Territorial Community, and an awards ceremony to express gratitude to the benefactors for their help in rebuilding the hero city of Irpin “Every Brick Matters.”

In addition, there will be an unveiling ceremony for the “VOLIA” monument.

Journalists can learn more about the time and place of events. Accreditation is required.

For reference: on April 2, 2022, Kyiv region was completely liberated from the russian occupation. By April 6, 2022, the Defense Forces completely liberated Chernihiv region. On April 11, 2022, the then Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi announced that full control over the state border in Sumy region had been restored.

• casualties
• occupation
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

Hailing from Mariupol, 21-year-old Illia, attended a maritime lyceum before enlisting in the 23rd Sea Guard Detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. As the all-out invasion loomed, Illia and his fellow servicemen valiantly defended against the enemy’s incursion from the sea. During a pivotal moment when his vessel docked in Mariupol, Illia eagerly volunteered to reinforce the frontline positions. Transitioning from a marine machine to a machine gunner on land, Illia showcased his adaptability and commitment to his duty. Subsequently, he received orders to deploy to Azovstal, where he found himself ensnared in a harrowing special operation, trapped within encircling enemy forces. In May 2022, Illia, alongside other defenders of Azovstal, was captured by the enemy following a strategic decision to surrender per the directives of Ukrainian military leadership. Initially detained in the infamous Olenivka facility in Donetsk, Illia was subsequently transferred to Taganrog in Russia, where he “celebrated” his birthday under captivity. Enduring 10 grueling months in enemy hands, Illia’s hope flickered to life upon hearing Ukrainian spoken among fellow prisoners during a bus transport on February 16, 2023, signaling his imminent release as part of a prisoner exchange. Following his liberation, Illia embarked on a journey of rehabilitation while concurrently penning a memoir chronicling the defense of Mariupol.

For reference: Illia Iliashenko is currently available for interviews in Kyiv, extending his willingness to engage with journalists both online and offline with prior arrangement.

• military
• prisoners
• Kyiv

Enemy Grad MLRS rockets struck Vadym Zherdetskyi’s home in Moshchun, Kyiv region, not once, but twice during the onset of the full-scale invasion. Despite the peril, he bravely rescued his granddaughter from the engulfing flames. Vadym also extended aid to fellow villagers, supplying essential provisions, and fuel, and coordinating the evacuation of hundreds.

Today, Vadym has applied for assistance through a housing reconstruction program to address the devastation wrought upon his home. He has since transitioned to a role in public service. Access to an interview with Vadym requires clearance from the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration.

For reference: Fast forward to April 2, 2022, when Ukraine regained full control over the Kyiv region from Russian occupation, followed by the Chernihiv region liberation by April 6, 2022. By April 11, 2022, then Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, proudly announced retaking the state border in the Sumy region.

• casualties
• occupation
• Kyiv

The Kyiv Regional Mental Health Center was captured by the occupiers at the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The russian military lived in the facility and stole valuable equipment from the center, which was badly damaged.

After the de-occupation, the restoration of the medical facility began: in particular, a medical and psychological rehabilitation department was opened at the end of last year. It was created on the basis of one of the branches of the center, which suffered the most during the full-scale invasion. Here, the experts will help military personnel, their relatives and civilians who suffered from the aggression of the russian federation. In total, more than 20 types of rehabilitation services will be provided to patients, including those making use of VR glasses.

Recently, Dobrobat volunteers worked in one of the center’s departments: they removed all the flooring, dismantled old doors and door frames. Thus, they prepared the place for further high-quality restoration works.

Journalists can learn more about the operation and restoration of the center, hold interviews with the management of the institution, talk with doctors and, if possible, patients.

For reference: Kyiv Regional Mental Health Center is a specialized medical institution that provides qualified inpatient medical examination, treatment and both social and labor rehabilitation for patients with mental disorders.

• casualties
• doctors
• reconstruction
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

On March 15, Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform will hold a press conference: entitled “Captured mercenaries from Global South countries. What should governments do to prevent their citizens from dying in someone else’s war?”

After suffering significant losses, russia’s forced mobilization campaign and contracting prisoners is running out of steam. russia needs soldiers, whose time in service at the front is measured not in days, but in hours. Therefore, the aggressor country has actively encouraged the influx of citizens coming from countries with a difficult economic situation.

Participants:

– Petro Yatsenko, representative of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War;

– Vitalii Matviienko, Spokesman for the state-run project “I Want to Live” for servicemen willing to surrender to Ukraine;

Pre-registration is required.

• prisoners
• Kyiv