Themes by tag: russian crimes

In August 2024, russia illegally sentenced Ukrainian activist Iryna Horobtsova to 10 years and 6 months in prison, accusing her of “espionage”.

Iryna Horobtsova, a resident of Kherson, worked for a Ukrainian IT company. In the spring of 2022, when russian forces occupied the city, she became known for her social media posts documenting life under occupation. Iryna shared photos with Ukrainian symbols and even referred to her apartment as the “resistance headquarters.”

On May 13, 2022, russians abducted her from her own home and held her in a detention center in occupied Crimea. She was held in total isolation, with no contact with the outside world.

Journalists can talk to Irina’s parents (online), as well as her lawyer and experts from the Center for Civil Liberties in Kyiv.

• prisoners
• russian crimes
• women
• Kyiv

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

On February 21, the Kyiv War Museum and the DOCU/CLUB network of the NGO Docudays will hold a screening of the documentary Witnesses. To the North of Kyiv.

The film is based on materials from the Ukraine War Archive project, which was launched by Docudays in cooperation with Infoscope in the early weeks of russia’s full-scale invasion. The initiative aims to document wartime events and firsthand testimonies that could support future investigations into russian war crimes and help bring those responsible to justice.  

The documentary follows residents of Pushcha-Vodytsia, a northern suburb of Kyiv, as well as the nearby villages of Moshchun and Horenka. The protagonists recount how they endured the russian occupation, volunteered, supported the Ukrainian military, and resisted the invaders.  

Following the screening, a discussion will take place with the film’s director, Tetiana Symon, who also serves as the coordinator of the Ukraine War Archive project’s interviewing department. The conversation will be moderated by Olha Babchuk, a journalist and communications manager at DOCU/CLUB.  

Registration is required to attend the event.

Background: From the earliest days of the conflict, Ukrainian documentary filmmakers have been diligently recording eyewitness testimonies. These recordings not only capture the unvarnished truth of the war but also serve to convey its realities to a global audience. Ultimately, they may be employed as crucial evidence in international courts to hold perpetrators accountable.

• occupation
• 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

On February 24, the town of Bucha in Kyiv oblast will hold commemorative events to honor the memory of Ukraine’s fallen civilians and defenders.

Bucha, which has become a symbol of Ukrainian resilience and a witness to the horrific war crimes of the russian army, will bring together families of the fallen, local residents, government officials, and the international community to pay tribute to all those who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom.

Program of events:

• Memorial Rally, a requiem service and tribute to the fallen heroes
• Memorial Rally, a requiem service and tribute to the innocent victims of russian aggression at the Wall of Remembrance
• Unveiling of a Fallen Defender memorial plaque
• Memorial event “Bells of Remembrance”

• dead
• occupation
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

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

13-year-old Ukrainian Yana Stepanenko, who lost both her legs in a rocket attack on the Kramatorsk railway station in 2022, will run in the Tokyo Marathon on March 1, following her triumph in Boston last year. Media representatives are invited to attend her open training session in Lviv on February 19.

In Japan, Yana will run 5 kilometers on running prostheses to raise funds for two sports prostheses for Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Zhavnenko, who lost both legs on the front line. Oleksandr dreams of returning to an active lifestyle – playing sports, running and dancing. He was a dancer before the war, and his greatest wish is to return to the dance floor and waltz with his wife again.

Media accreditation is required for this event.

Background: In 2024, Yana completed a 5K run in the Boston Marathon and successfully raised funds for a sports prosthesis for Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Riasnyi.

On April 8, 2022, Yana Stepanenko lost both her legs as a result of a terrorist attack by russian forces on the railway station in Kramatorsk. A photo of her being carried in the arms of a surgeon from the First Medical Association of St. Nicholas Children’s Hospital in Lviv went around the world.

• casualties
• children
• russian crimes
• Lviv

Media Center Ukraine to host a briefing on February 17 about russia’s drone attack hitting radiation shelter over the damaged reactor at the Chornobyl NPP 

Participants:

– Oleh Korikov, Head of Ukraine’s State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate and Chief State Inspector for Nuclear and Radiation Safety

Topics of focus:

– russian drone attack on the Chornobyl shelter: what is known about the consequences and what is the current situation at the plant?

– Delays in IAEA staff rotation at the Zaporizhia NPP: possible consequences and further action;

– Security situation at Ukraine’s nuclear power plants amid ongoing attacks.

For reference: On the night of February 14, a russian attack drone with an explosive warhead hit a shelter at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. This occurred near the New Safe Confinement, which protects the destroyed fourth reactor at the Chornobyl NPP. The drone hit the roof of the isolation structure.

• russian crimes
• Kyiv

The Repair Together volunteer community is joining forces with the Gurtum Charitable Foundation’s Save Mala Opera project. On February 16, they will hold a restoration event at Kyiv’s Mala Opera—an initiative known as the “Rave Toloka.”

Built in 1902, the Mala Opera is a historic architectural landmark in Kyiv. The building sustained damage from enemy shelling, with its walls, ceiling, and decorative elements suffering significant harm.

During the cleanup, volunteers will work to the rhythm of music. And, as organizers note, “there will be a little dancing” at the end of the day.

Journalists will have the opportunity to cover the volunteers’ efforts on-site.

• reconstruction
• russian crimes
• volunteers
• Kyiv

For the past 15 years, Tetiana Hrek has dedicated herself to teaching karate to children and adults. Before the all-out invasion, she and her husband owned a gym in Bucha, a town in the Kyiv region. But when the war broke out, their lives took a dramatic turn. The family found themselves under occupation, their gym looted by russian forces, and their home shot at. After enduring two weeks of occupation, Tetiana and her family managed to escape to Ukrainian-controlled territory.

A year later, Tetiana decided to return to Bucha. In the interim, other coaches who had remained in the city had restored the gym and resumed teaching local children. Upon her return, Tetiana was welcomed back by eager students. A public martial arts school in Bucha also reopened its doors, inviting her to teach there.

Today, Tetiana offers lessons both online and offline, available by appointment.

• occupation
• reconstruction
• russian crimes
• women
• Kyiv