Themes by tag: military

Before the russia’s full-scale invasion on Ukraine, Volodymyr Bilenkyi opened his own veterinary clinic, Vet House, in Vinnytsia. However, when war broke out, he was quickly mobilized and joined the airborne assault troops. For the next two and a half years, he fought on the front lines, while his wife took over the clinic’s operations, even opening a second branch during his absence.

In July 2024, after returning to civilian life, Volodymyr set his sights on expanding his business. He applied for and received a grant from the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation, using the funds to purchase essential equipment for the second clinic. Volodymyr firmly believes that military personnel transitioning to civilian life need to find something they are passionate about to guide them forward.

All those interested can connect with Volodymyr Bilenkyi, both online and in person, by appointment.

• animals
• military
• Vinnytsia

Vladyslav Stotskyi, 25, was studying to become a dentist when the russia war on Ukraine broke out. But instead of continuing his studies, he found himself on the frontlines as a cadet with the National Guard in Kharkiv. Just days after the russian offensive reached the Kharkiv region, Stotskyi was stationed near the village of Mala Rohan. After a month of intense fighting, he returned to training, determined to gain the knowledge necessary to become an officer.

Upon completing his training, Stotskyi joined the Rubizh Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine. On July 10, 2024, he and three comrades were assigned to the Adolf position in the Donetsk region, where they were tasked with holding their ground against overwhelming enemy forces. Just days later, two of Stotskyi’s fellow soldiers were wounded and evacuated. Over the next 37 days, the position changed hands eight times, but Stotskyi remained at his post throughout, enduring extreme heat, a constant shortage of food and water, and the crushing weight of responsibility for his comrades’ safety.

On August 18, Stotskyi and his unit were forced to abandon the Adolf position and relocate to another area, Pincher, as it was the only means of escape. There, he continued his fight, eliminating enemies for another 30 days.

By mid-September, Stotskyi reported that Oleksandr Khomiak had been killed and Roman Rym wounded in an enemy assault. Soon after, the command devised a withdrawal plan. With their escape route blocked by mines and enemy drones, the soldiers were forced to retreat on foot under the cover of night, leaving their fallen comrades behind.

In February 2025, in recognition of his extraordinary bravery, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded Stotskyi the title of Hero of Ukraine.

Stotskyi remains on the frontlines, where he continues to serve with courage. He is available for interviews, both online and offline, by prior arrangement.

• military

On March 4, the Media Center Ukraine will host the presentation of the Amnesty International’s report: “Deafening Silence – Enforced Disappearances, Incommunicado Detention, and Torture of Ukrainian Prisoners by russia”.

Participants:

– Veronika Velch, Director of Amnesty International Ukraine;

– Olena Kozachenko, Research Project Assistant at Amnesty International Ukraine;

– Lera Burlakova, Media and Communications Officer at Amnesty International Ukraine;

– Nataliia Yepifanova, Head of the NGO Warriors Liberation;

– Maksym Kolesnikov, Veteran and Former Prisoner of War. 

Amnesty International’s report, “Deafening Silence – Enforced Disappearances, Incommunicado Detention, and Torture of Ukrainian Prisoners by russia,” draws on interviews with 104 individuals, including former prisoners of war, to document crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in russian captivity.

According to Amnesty International’s latest report, Ukrainian prisoners are deliberately kept in isolation, enabling ongoing torture and systematic human rights violations. Many detainees are officially classified as missing in action due to the complete absence of information regarding their whereabouts. russia’s consistent failure to confirm the detention of certain Ukrainian prisoners – despite credible evidence of their captivity – constitutes enforced disappearance under international law. Furthermore, the report indicates that russia has likely withheld information from the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding the status of hundreds, possibly thousands, of prisoners of war. russia’s treatment of both Ukrainian military personnel and civilians in detention flagrantly violates the full spectrum of international legal standards.

• casualties
• military
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

The Kyiv Hippodrome, in collaboration with the Kyiv Military Hub, invites combat veterans and service members to participate in free horseback riding lessons. The lessons take place outdoors or in an indoor arena and last 40 minutes. The initiative was launched last November. 74 veterans have already participated in the program.

Journalists can cover the session scheduled for March 4 in Kyiv, upon prior arrangement.

• animals
• culture
• military
• Kyiv

The Unstoppable Adaptive Clubs were established to support veterans, their families, and individuals with disabilities affected by the war, offering them a path to recovery through physical activity. The clubs are fully equipped and staffed with experienced instructors.

Veterans, in particular, have the opportunity to participate in wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball.

Journalists can attend and report on wheelchair basketball or sitting volleyball training sessions in Kyiv upon prior arrangement.

Background: The Unstoppable Adaptive Clubs were founded by the state institution “Sport for All.”

• casualties
• military
• Kyiv

Serhii Tumanovskyi joined the defense forces in the first days of the full-scale russian invasion. He served in the 114th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade.

In October 2022, his vehicle hit an anti-tank mine in the Donetsk oblast. As a result, he lost both legs, an eye, and a finger on his hand.

After undergoing several surgeries, rehabilitation, and adapting to prosthetics, Serhii made the decision to return to military service. However, due to his injuries, his requests were initially denied. In 2024, he was finally able to rejoin his unit – the 114th Brigade.

Today, Serhii serves in an attack drone unit in the Kupiansk sector of the front. His duties include assembling, configuring, and repairing FPV drones.

Serhii Tumanovskyi is available for interviews both online and in person, subject to prior arrangement and coordination with the brigade’s press officer.

• casualties
• military

A project by Lviv-based reproductive specialist and four-time Fertility Award winner Liubov Mykhailyshyn, “Preserve Your DNA for the Future,” offers free egg cryopreservation to 20 women in the military who risk their lives every day. The program is open to women between the ages of 21 and 41.

To date, 50 women have applied. Registration and consultations will continue until March 31, and the program will run until the end of 2025.

Journalists can arrange interviews with Liubov Mykhailyshyn in Lviv or online, and, if possible, with program participants.

Background: The “Preserve Your DNA for the Future” project is funded by a grant from L’Oréal Paris and UNFPA Ukraine (the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine).

Similar programs have been successfully implemented in the United States (Fertility Preservation Program) and Israel. According to American researchers, service members experience a significant decline in reproductive potential compared to control groups, even without physical injury. Chronic stress is a major contributing factor.

While sperm cryopreservation is a relatively quick and simple process for military personnel, egg freezing is more complex and requires an initial consultation with a reproductive specialist; controlled ovarian stimulation with specific medications; egg retrieval from the ovaries; cryopreservation and long-term storage of the oocytes.

• doctors
• military
• women
• Lviv

Peaceful events are planned in 22 cities across Ukraine to raise awareness of the defenders of Azovstal and other soldiers still in enemy captivity.

On February 22, rallies will take place in Okhtyrka, Chernihiv, Arbuzynka, Vinnytsia, Svitlovodsk, Kharkiv, Lviv, Obukhiv, Poltava, Zaporizhia and Pavlohrad.

On February 23, events are scheduled in Kyiv, Pivdenoukrainsk, Uman, Krolevets, Korop, Ovruch, Irpin, Cherkasy, Korosten, Uzhhorod, and Mykolaiv.

The events are organized by the families of POWs from the Mariupol garrison. The rallies are often attended by Ukrainians who have been released from captivity.

• military
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

Serhii Hrytsiv, a native of Ukraine’s Ivano-Frankivsk region, endured two and a half years in captivity, marked by relentless torture, starvation, and interrogation. A member of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilynskyi, he witnessed the start of russia’s full-scale invasion from the front lines.  

Hrytsiv recalls that the fighting in the Mariupol sector, where he was stationed, began on February 17, 2022. Nearly two months later, on April 12, his commander presented a grim choice: either attempt a breakthrough or face capture. Each soldier had to decide for themselves. Hrytsiv and a group of comrades made a desperate bid to escape the russian encirclement but were ultimately unsuccessful. They were soon taken prisoner.  

Over the course of his captivity, Hrytsiv was transferred 18 times, enduring detention in 12 different locations. According to him, not a single day passed without torture—Ukrainian prisoners were subjected to brutal beatings, electric shocks, and starvation.  

On September 13, 2024, Hrytsiv was freed in a prisoner exchange and returned to Ukrainian territory. Following rehabilitation, he met his future wife, and the two soon married.  

Serhii Hrytsiv is available for conversations both online and in person by appointment.

• casualties
• military
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Ivano-Frankivsk

The Center for Civil Liberties invites you to the performance “People Are Key!”, which will take place as part of the March of Remembrance and Hope on February 20 in Kyiv.

The performance is aimed at supporting all prisoners of the Kremlin: prisoners of war, illegally detained civilians, deported Ukrainian children, and political prisoners. The symbol of the performance is keys, representing both freedom and home. Participants will jingle keys to remind the world of those still held in captivity.

Speakers for comments:

– Oleksandra Romantsova, Executive Director of the Center for Civil Liberties (English-speaking)

– Mykhailo Savva, Doctor of Political Science, expert with the Center for Civil Liberties

– Relatives and friends of Kremlin prisoners

• military
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Kyiv