Themes by tag: Kyiv

On February 21, Civil Network OPORA will hold a reflective discussion entitled “russians’ cultural policy in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine” in Kyiv. Everyone is invited to discuss the consequences of the deliberate policies aimed at destruction of Ukrainian culture and the forced imposition of russian culture.

During the event, Civil Network OPORA will present a report, which is the first to attempt the best possible assessment of the cultural policy of the occupation authorities in the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions occupied since 2014. The report also describes the “Crimean scenario” of cultural occupation, which is currently being implemented in the occupied parts of Kherson and Zaporizhia regions.

Participants of the discussion:

• Anasatasia Romaniuk, digital platforms analyst at Civil Network OPORA;
• Olga Snopok, digital platforms analyst at Civil Network OPORA;
• Mariam Naiem, cultural studies expert and postcolonialism researcher (online);
• Anton Liagusha, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Dean of the Graduate Department of Social Sciences and Humanities of the Kyiv School of Economics;
• Oksana Sarzhevska-Kravchenko, Director at IZOLYATSIA Platform for Cultural Initiatives.

The event requires accreditation.

For reference: the russian federation pursues a deliberate policy of changing the identity of Ukrainians in the occupied territories. In parallel with the active hostilities, the russians have been destroying Ukrainian culture under occupation since 2014.

• russian crimes
• Kyiv

Starting from February 19 to May 19, 2024, the Letters to a Free Crimea initiative will kick off in Ukraine and abroad, rallying Ukrainians and global citizens to pen letters of solidarity to Crimean political prisoners unlawfully held by Russia.

On February 19, the campaign will be officially unveiled at a press conference hosted at the Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform.

The Letters to a Free Crimea initiative aims to be a reminder of the plight of Ukrainian prisoners in Kremlin custody and to provide them with much-needed words of encouragement during their confinement. Additionally, these letters serve as a poignant message to prison authorities that each Ukrainian citizen is valued, and society is closely monitoring their treatment.

During the event, organizers will delve into the initiative’s specifics, detailing how both Ukrainians and individuals from abroad can actively participate. They will also reveal the staggering number of Crimean hostages detained by Russia, outlining their present circumstances and emphasizing the critical assistance they desperately need.

Speakers:

• Larysa Denysenko, Ukrainian writer, lawyer, human rights activist, ambassador of political prisoner Remzi Bekirov, member of the Executive Board of PEN Ukraine;
• Anna Sytnikova, Chief Consultant of Crimean Platform Support Service at the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the AR of Crimea;
• Viktoria Nesterenko, Project Manager at ZMINA Human Rights Center.

For reference: As February 24, 2024, marks the grim two-year anniversary of Russia’s criminal incursion into Ukraine. It stands as the apex of a decade-long war of aggression, which actually dates back to February 20, 2014, beginning with the annexation of Crimea. Russian forces invaded Ukrainian Crimea without any identifying markings and, after that, seized control of the peninsula back then. Subsequently, these events escalated into war in eastern Ukraine.

• russian crimes
• Kyiv

The Center for Civil Liberties cordially welcomes everybody to join an event in Kyiv on February 20, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The action will feature a gripping theatrical performance infused with elements of grotesque storytelling. Actors will vividly portray the atrocities of most heinous international crimes perpetrated by Russia, past and present.

Following the performance, a press conference will be held with Oleksandra Matviichuk, the head of the Center for Civil Liberties.

This event serves as a cornerstone of a global campaign spanning from February 20 to 24, with similar events taking place in cities worldwide. 

Event accreditation is required.

For reference: Oleksandra Matviichuk is a distinguished Ukrainian human rights activist, head of the Center for Civil Liberties, and 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

For reference: As February 24, 2024, marks the grim two-year anniversary of Russia’s criminal incursion into Ukraine. It stands as the apex of a decade-long war of aggression, which actually dates back to February 20, 2014, beginning with the annexation of Crimea. Russian forces invaded Ukrainian Crimea without any identifying markings and, after that, seized control of the peninsula back then. Subsequently, these events escalated into war in eastern Ukraine.

• russian crimes
• Kyiv

Teaming up with partners, the Maidan Museum has put together a series of events to honor the Day of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes.

On February 18, Kyiv will host a solemn gathering at Mariinsky Park to remember those who lost their lives on February 18, 2014. Additionally, a poignant Memory Walk will traverse the Kyiv city center, paying tribute to the Heavenly Hundred with the laying of flowers and lighting of candles.

February 20 will see the Ecumenical Church of the Archangel Michael and the Ukrainian New Martyrs in the capital hosting a ceremony to commemorate the Heavenly Hundred Heroes and participants of the Revolution of Dignity. Concurrently, the annual silent tribute “Angels of Memory” will unfold nearby, honoring those who fell during the Revolution of Dignity.

February 22 will feature a themed evening titled “Plyve Kacha (A Duckling Swims): A Song that Became a Requiem” at the Maidan Museum’s Information and Exhibition Center.

Furthermore, the Maidan Museum will organize exhibitions, documentary screenings, and guided tours throughout the week in Kyiv.

Journalists seeking further information about the events in Kyiv and insights from representatives of the Maidan Museum can access the full schedule of events.

For reference: On February 20, 2014, the Revolution of Dignity saw its highest toll with 48 participants losing their lives in the heart of the Ukrainian capital. These individuals, along with 54 others killed or fatally wounded during the peaceful protests of the winter of 2013-2014, and five Maidan activists who perished in the spring of 2014 defending democratic values and Ukraine’s territorial integrity, collectively became known as the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred.

• dead
• Kyiv

A new hub for the military freed from captivity has been inaugurated in Kyiv. The brainchild of Mariupol’s defenders, the “YOUkraine hub” serves as a haven for safe communication, mutual assistance, and rehabilitation, made possible by the YOUkraine charitable foundation.

Operating under the ethos of “our own for our own,” the hub recognizes the unique challenges faced by former prisoners of war upon their return. From physical rehabilitation to social reintegration amidst wartime conditions, along with legal and domestic matters, the hub aims to provide comprehensive support to these returning defenders.

Key services offered include legal and psychological aid, as well as social support tailored to the needs of the soldiers. 

Valeriia “Nava” Subotina, an Azovstal defender, journalist, and poet has been appointed as the director of the YOUkraine hub.

For reference: A recent prisoner exchange on February 8th, brought back to Ukraine 100 defenders being kept in Russian custody. Among those exchanged the majority were defenders of Azovstal. Since the full-scale invasion outbreak, a total of 3,135 Ukrainian defenders have been liberated from Russian captivity.

• prisoners
• Kyiv

Ukrzaliznytsia is set to roll out the “Train to You” for the second time on February 14, 16, and 18, aligning with Valentine’s Day and Unity Day celebrations. This year, the romantic trains will not only grace the tracks of Kyiv but will also make their way through Lviv.

Passengers aboard these special journeys will be treated to an enchanting experience in cozy compartments designed for two, serenaded by romantic melodies, all while being pulled by an authentic steam locomotive. To enhance the ambiance, passengers will have the option to indulge in a special menu crafted by renowned Ukrainian chef Yevhen Klopotenko. 

Half of the seats have been reserved free of charge for wounded soldiers undergoing rehabilitation, providing them an opportunity to share precious moments with their loved ones. 

Adding to the charm, defenders of Ukraine will receive an additional poetic surprise courtesy of writer Serhiy Zhadan. 

With a travel time of just over 2 hours, these journeys promise to be a delightful escape for passengers bound for Kyiv and Lviv.

• Kyiv
• Lviv

On February 13, the Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform will hold a press conference presenting this year’s program of events and social campaign dedicated to the Day of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes, marked on February 20.

Participants:

– Rostyslav Karandieiev, acting First Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Policy;

– Ihor Hordiichuk, Major General of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Hero of Ukraine, Deputy Head of the National Defense University of Ukraine;

– Volodymyr Tylishchak, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance;

– Ihor Poshyvailo, General Director at the National Memorial Complex of Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred — Museum of the Revolution of Dignity.

The event is held offline. Journalists will be able to ask questions.

For reference: On February 20 this year, Ukraine will commemorate the Day of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes for the tenth time. The Maidan massacre that took place on February 20, 2014, claimed the lives of the largest number of protesters — 48 casualties in the center of Kyiv. They, along with 54 others gunned down and fatally wounded participants of peaceful protests during the winter of 2013-2014 and five Maidan uprising activists who died in the spring of 2014 defending democratic values and the territorial integrity of Ukraine, became known as the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred.

• dead
• Kyiv

Bucha Lyceum No. 3 roof outfitted with hybrid solar panels, to be officially opened on February 15. A roof converted into a solar powerhouse of 47 solar panels with a total generation capacity of 20 kW will allow the school to operate autonomously from grids for 3 hours in case when power fails as well as deliver benefits valued at about 2100 euros per year, meeting up to 30% of the total electricity needs.

The solar array was installed on the rooftop of educational institutions as part of the “100 Solar Schools” campaign by the Energy Act For Ukraine Foundation. 

Event registration is required. 

Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation is a Ukrainian charity organization established in 2022 in response to the emerging energy poverty crisis in Ukraine, a consequence of the full-scale Russian invasion. The foundation primarily focuses on providing schools and hospitals with solar solutions. 

For reference: the Kyiv suburb of Bucha was under Russian occupation for more than a month. The Bucha Lyceum No. 3 served as the enemy headquarters station. The educational institution was damaged as a result of hostilities. The Russian forces were ousted by AFU from the city on March 31, 2022.

• occupation
• reconstruction
• Kyiv

In the summer of 2022, Kyiv-based engineer Vladyslav founded the Friends of Borysthenes association, which brought together people willing to work from home to bring Ukraine’s victory closer. (Borysfen is the name of Vladyslav’s dog, whose picture the activist used in the logo for the volunteer initiative). At that time, Vladyslav was working from home: he designed factories for European customers in 3D and put in a lot of overtime. He assumed that there are many similar people who work from home and have a few hours a day to spare and the necessary skills to help the military. He found most of those willing to join the volunteer initiative through Twitter (now X). Over time, the Friends of Borysthenes developed into a network of engineers throughout Ukraine who manufacture power banks out of batteries from disposable e-cigarettes. They also make charging stations.

In addition, engineers repair and donate old laptops, tablets and phones to the military.

Power banks cases are 3D printed. By the way, one of these 3D printers was once given to Vladyslav by a woman from a village in Kyiv region that had been under occupation. Power banks made by volunteers are 5-10 times cheaper than their factory counterparts.

For reference: During the entire period of work, as of January 2024, volunteers have already handed over 1,050 power banks, about 15 charging stations that they produced themselves, as well as over 150 mobile phones and dozens of laptops to the army.

• volunteers
• Kyiv

Colonel Monte and Colonel Chuck from the U.S. call themselves the “Traveling Colonels.” They are retired US Marine Corps officers, both are Iraq War veterans. The men help Ukraine: they bring medical and other supplies purchased, in particular, with funds donated by U.S. citizens. All this is transferred to the Ukrainian military at the front. For example, in October 2023, in just one week, Monte and Chuck, together with volunteers from Ukraine, Canada and the U.S., prepared and packed 1,167 IFAKS (NATO standard Individual First Aid Kit) and 16 medical bags in Kyiv. In addition, colonels help civilians with medicines.

Colonel Monte is currently volunteering in Ukraine with ex-servicemen Dave (Navy Captain), Steve and David. They are assembling first aid kits for Ukrainian soldiers and medical boxes of supplies.

Colonel Chuck will arrive a little later to coordinate the unloading of a shipping container with medical supplies for the hospital.

Journalists have the opportunity to talk with the “Traveling Colonels” in the capital.

• volunteers
• Kyiv