Themes by tag: Odesa

On the fourth anniversary of the terrible tragedy that occurred at the Mariupol Drama Theater, journalists are invited to attend memorial events and honor the memory of the civilian and military victims.

In particular, a prayer service will be held in Kyiv on March 15. On March 16, memorial events honoring those killed at the Mariupol Drama Theater will take place in various cities across Ukraine: Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Dnipro, Zhytomyr, Zaporizhzhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Kalush, Kamensk, Kremenchuk, Kropyvnytskyi, Poltava, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa, Rivne, Ternopil, Uzhhorod, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and Chernivtsi.

For reference: On March 16, 2022, russian occupiers dropped aerial bombs on the Mariupol Drama Theater. The word “CHILDREN,” written in large letters and clearly visible from the sky, did not stop them. Hundreds of Mariupol families were taking shelter in the theater. Hundreds of innocent people were killed that day, including children.

The russian occupation authorities restored the building, permanently destroying any possibility of conducting a fair investigation into the deaths at the Drama Theater.

• children
• dead
• russian crimes
• Dnipro
• Kyiv
• Lviv
• Odesa

On March 2 in Odesa, the Representation of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ukraine will continue its nationwide information campaign against human trafficking and exploitation titled “DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR TO YOU?”

The city will host an interactive installation designed to help people recognize signs of exploitation and dangerous situations, as well as learn where to seek assistance.

Invited speakers:
Anna Cherniavska, Protection Programme Specialist, IOM Representation in Ukraine;
Olena Kytaiska, Head of the Department of Labor and Social Policy, Odesa City Council;
Tetiana Bailuk, Head of the Gender Equality, Counter-Trafficking and Domestic Violence Prevention Unit of the Department of Social and Family Policy, Odesa Regional State Administration;
Kateryna Mazur, Head of the Department of Labor, Social and Veteran Policy, Odesa City Military Administration;
Oksana Sichkar, Acting Head of the Healthcare Department, Odesa City Military Administration;
Mariia Popova, Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in Odesa region;
Tetiana Semikop, Chair of the Board of the NGO “Civic Movement “Faith, Hope, Love.”

Journalist accreditation is mandatory. A registration form must be completed by March 1 at 5:00 PM. Journalists are required to bring a passport or ID card and a press credential. Speakers will be available for comments after the official part of the event.

Background: The campaign “DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR TO YOU?” is implemented by the IOM Representation in Ukraine with financial support from the Government of Sweden, in partnership with the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, the National Social Service of Ukraine, the National Police of Ukraine, and the All-Ukrainian Coalition of NGOs Against Human Trafficking.The initiative aims to raise awareness about the risks of human trafficking and exploitation and inform the public about available assistance services, including the National Anti-Trafficking and Migrant Counseling Hotline (527) and the website www.stoptrafficking.org, where consultations and help requests are available.

• Odesa

Before the full-scale invasion, Iryna Koval worked with metal constructions for the building industry. On February 24, 2022, however, her business had to pivot to support the military.

The first product developed by Iryna’s team was the Brammer tactical evacuation cart, which is designed to transport an adult over long distances. Weighing 25 kilograms with a load capacity of 150 kilograms, the cart allows one person to independently evacuate a wounded comrade. The team also developed lightweight drag stretchers for use in areas inaccessible to vehicles.

Their latest innovation is tactical trailers for ATVs (quad bikes), which can evacuate three wounded soldiers simultaneously. This work was recognized with the “Created by Women” award, which supports women entrepreneurs during the war.

Since starting this project, Iryna’s company has produced over 8,500 evacuation devices. With their help, soldiers on the front lines are saving the lives of their comrades.

Iryna Koval is available for interviews online and in person in Odesa by prior arrangement.

• volunteers
• women
• Odesa

Khrystyna Drahomaretska, a 28-year-old trained architect, has stepped away from her profession to rescue animals amid Ukraine’s war, where she works as a stray animal catcher and evacuates pets from active combat areas.

She carries on despite constant danger from enemy shelling. In Toretsk in the Donetsk region, three russian guided aerial bombs detonated near her. In Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region, she sustained shrapnel wounds while rescuing animals as russian forces hammered the area with mortar fire.

Originally focused on sterilization missions, Khrystyna has spent the past year leading evacuation efforts, pulling abandoned and stray animals out of frontline zones and finding them foster or permanent homes.

She also founded a shelter in the Odesa region, where many of the evacuated animals are taken for treatment, socialization, and rehoming, about 70 percent eventually find adoptive families abroad. The facility currently houses around 250 dogs.

Journalists interested in learning more about her work or arranging an interview can reach out to speak with her online or in person in Odesa, Kyiv, or Kharkiv, by appointment.

For reference: Khrystyna Drahomaretska conducts her rescue operations in partnership with the 12 Vartovykh Charitable Foundation and Animal Rescue Kharkiv. She is also part of the UAnimals rescue mission.

• animals
• casualties
• women
• Kharkiv
• Kyiv
• Odesa
• evacuation

The media are invited to a festive STEM science festival for schoolchildren on December 5, St. Nicholas Day, at an underground school in the Odesa oblast.

Since 2022, the savED Foundation has been restoring war-affected communities through educational and social projects. These projects include building underground schools, educational centers, STEM platforms, and programs that address youth engagement and  educational setbacks.

In the Odesa oblast, in partnership with the European Union and the Government of Lithuania, the foundation is implementing a program to overcome educational setbacks in a lyceum that currently operates underground.

As part of this initiative, the foundation is organizing a St. Nicholas Day celebration for children in the form of a STEM festival. Children will be able to engage with robotics, chemistry, biotechnology, art, and physics experiments at eight interactive laboratory stations. The foundation hopes to spark students’ interest in science and STEM programs through this event to help them recover from educational setbacks.

The holiday celebration will also be attended by students’ parents, educators, and foundation representatives.

• children
• Odesa

Before russia’s full-scale invasion, ecologist Vladyslav Mykhailenko taught students at Mechnikov Odessa National University. After February 2022, he began searching for ways to support Ukraine’s Armed Forces, a quest that led to the creation of his project, Plastic Saves Lives.

The initiative collects plastic bottle caps, which are then sorted by a team of volunteers to ensure only recyclable material that can be sold is processed. The funds generated from selling the plastic are used to purchase military equipment.

To acquire a single FPV drone, approximately 1.5 tons of caps must be sorted. Since its inception, Plastic Saves Lives has already helped fund an ambulance, two Mavic 3T drones, and three FPV drones.

Anyone can contribute by handing over caps to volunteers in Odesa. Vladyslav Mykhailenko is also available to discuss the project online or in person in Odesa, by prior arrangement.

• ecology
• volunteers
• Odesa

Dmytro Dokunov, a native of Nova Kakhovka in Ukraine’s Kherson region, once built his career in television after studying in Odesa. Seeking a quieter life, he and his wife moved to a village in the Odesa region to be closer to nature. But their peace was shattered when Russia launched its full-scale invasion, prompting Dmytro to enlist in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

He served in the airborne assault troops and later commanded a reconnaissance company, taking part in fierce battles for Kherson, Bakhmut, and Soledar. Twice wounded and suffering multiple concussions, Dokunov endured the brutality of war while holding onto his long-time passion for videography. Even at the front, he continued filming, capturing raw moments of combat and resilience. His wartime documentary, shot amid the hostilities, is now set to premiere at a European film festival.

During his recovery, Dokunov began envisioning a space where veterans could heal both physically and emotionally. That idea became Toloka – a rehabilitation retreat he founded in a village in the Odesa region. As he describes it, Toloka is a place where people can face their inner fears, listen to silence, and find the strength to move forward.

The project received financial backing from the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation, enabling Dmytro to turn his vision into reality. Today, he helps fellow veterans adjust to civilian life, offering support and community to those who share the scars of war.

Those who wish to connect with Dmytro Dokunov can reach him either online or in person at Toloka, located in the village of Konceba in the Odesa region, by prior arrangement.

• culture
• military
• Odesa

Oleksii Prytula is a veterinarian from Odesa. During the full-scale invasion by russia, he defended the country. In September 2022, he sustained severe injuries and lost both legs. He received prosthetics and underwent rehabilitation at the Superhumans Center in Lviv. Subsequently, he returned to work as a veterinarian in Odesa.

Oleksiy joined the national team that represented Ukraine this year at the first-ever Winter Hybrid Invictus Games in Canada (disciplines: curling, skeleton, alpine skiing, rowing on simulators). He also participated in the All-Ukrainian wheelchair rugby competitions. Additionally, he practices archery and wheelchair basketball.

Upon prior arrangement, journalists can speak with Oleksii in person in Odesa or online.

• animals
• casualties
• doctors
• military
• Odesa

On September 17, Ukraine will witness a new attempt to set the national record for the “Most unsupported one-leg squats in one minute” near Odesa. The record attempt will be made by 34-year-old war veteran and assault pilot Oleksandr Revtiukh of the 47th Mechanized Brigade ‘Magura’, who has endured the loss of both an arm and a leg.

In 2023, during a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Zaporizhia region, Revtiukh and his unit entered a minefield. A mine first took his leg, and as he attempted to crawl to safety in a state of shock, another mine detonated just a meter away, claiming his arm and injuring his torso. Despite the field being heavily mined, his comrades were able to evacuate him.

Last year, Revtiukh set a national record by completing 34 unsupported sit-ups on one leg within a minute. This year, he is aiming to surpass his own achievement.

The event is open to accredited media only. For security reasons, the precise location will be shared exclusively with credentialed journalists.

• casualties
• culture
• military
• Odesa

From September 19 to 21, the “On the Wave” veteran competitions will take place on the coast of Odesa, combining sports, the sea, and a supportive atmosphere.

The event is organized by the FREEHEARTED NGO, founded by veterans Illia Pylypenko and Arsen Riaboshapko. They represented Ukraine at the Invictus Games in February 2025, where they conceived the idea to organize a similar event in Odesa.

The program includes four adaptive sports:

• Wheelchair basketball
• Archery
• Rowing on simulators
• Boccia

Beyond the competitions, participants can look forward to a vibrant weekend in sunny Odesa: relaxation on an inclusive beach, excursions, and community-building with those who share similar experiences and understanding.

Veterans and active-duty service members are invited to participate. Competition entry is free.

Journalists must be accredited to attend the event. 

Background: This project is being carried out with the support of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the Odesa Oblast Military Administration, the Come Back Alive Initiatives Center, the Unlimited Possibilities Charitable Foundation, and EPAM.

• culture
• Odesa