Society & Culture

The return of 65 citizens from the buffer zone on the Russian-Georgian border was organized upon President Zelensky's directive. Among them are 10 women, 8 severely ill. According to Ukrinform, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha announced this on Facebook. "All of them were at the Dariali Georgian border checkpoint, practically under the circumstances of a humanitarian crisis created by Russia's actions. Ukrainian diplomats and consuls made every effort to return citizens and improve the conditions of their stay at the border, particularly with the involvement of international organizations", Sybiha noted. During August 21-22, thanks to joint efforts, it…

Ninety-eight political prisoners from Crimea, unlawfully held in Russian penitentiary facilities or in temporarily occupied territories, are in urgent need of medical assistance. This was reported by Viktoria Nesterenko, project manager at the ZMINA Human Rights Center, according to Ukrinform. Nesterenko noted that compared to November 2024, the number of Kremlin prisoners has increased by 31, from 67 to 98 individuals. Human rights defenders stress that the main problem faced by Kremlin prisoners behind bars is the systematic denial of medical care, including to persons with disabilities, elderly citizens, those with chronic illnesses, and those who suffered torture and developed…

The creation of the Transparency Register, providing open access to information about lobbying entities and their records, is near completion. The system will be launched as scheduled, before September 1, 2025. The relevant statement was made by National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) Head Viktor Pavlushchyk in an interview with Ukrinform. According to Pavlushchyk, all technical tasks for launching the register have already been completed. Now, the system is being tested. “As soon as the testing is complete and the information protection system is implemented, we are planning to launch the Transparency Register before September 1, 2025, as stipulated by law. Lobbying…

As part of President Volodymyr Zelensky's initiative Bring Kids Back UA, four young individuals and a baby have been returned from Russian-occupied territories. According to Ukrinform, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak shared the news on Telegram. He wrote: “An 18-year-old girl spent her entire childhood and youth under occupation, constantly facing pressure and danger. Her source of strength throughout those years was her aunt in Kyiv, who waited for her niece in free Ukraine.” Read also: Two teenage girls returned from occupied territories “Another story involves a young couple with a baby. They lived without electricity, water, or…

Former USAID Assistant Administrator for Europe & Eurasia, Ambassador Erin McKee has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Nova Ukraine, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that provides aid to people affected by Russia’s war in Ukraine. The organization shared the news with Ukrinform on Thursday. “Ambassador McKee oversaw the largest humanitarian response in USAID’s history, directing massive aid to Ukraine and the region. She also spent significant time in Ukraine during the war, giving her firsthand knowledge of the country’s needs,” the foundation said. It is noted that at USAID, Ambassador McKee managed more than $30 billion in support for Ukraine…

This fall, Ukraine will receive 5,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine for children aged 6 months and older. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Health Ihor Kuzin during a briefing at the Media Center Ukraine, according to a Ukrinform correspondent. "A coronavirus vaccine is available in Ukraine for children aged 12 and older, and there are about 300,000 doses in Ukraine, so you can apply and get vaccinated. In the fall, we will receive another shipment of vaccine for vaccinating children aged six months and older. We expect it to arrive with the support of the Global Alliance for Vaccines…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, together with First Lady Olena Zelenska, honored prominent Ukrainians with the state award "National Legend of Ukraine." According to Ukrinform, Zelensky said this in a post on Facebook. "Ukraine is a country of incredible people — smart, strong, and talented. True legends from different fields and generations. What unites them is their ability to inspire, to bring glory to our nation on the global stage, and to make history today," Zelensky said. He noted that it was a great honor for him to present this award to such outstanding individuals. [embedded content] Video: Volodymyr Zelensky /…

Pope Leo XIV called for a day of prayer and fasting on August 22, praying for peace, particularly in Ukraine. This was reported by Vatican News, according to Ukrinform. The pontiff reminded that on Friday, August 22, according to the liturgical calendar of the Latin Rite Church, the memory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven, is celebrated. On this day, the Pope called for a day of prayer and fasting, “to include in your intentions the supplication for the gift of peace – a peace that is disarmed and disarming – for the whole world, especially for Ukraine…

The death mask and typewriter of Symon Petliura, one of the leaders of the 1917–1921 liberation struggle, are being transported to Kyiv from Canada. The artifacts have already crossed the border and are awaiting customs clearance. This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications, Andrii Nadzhos, during a round table discussion at Ukrinform entitled “105th Anniversary of the Miracle on the Vistula,” dedicated to the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw. "A very important shipment has already crossed the border. It is on its way to Kyiv from Canada, and this shipment contains a typewriter…

A direct train connection between Kyiv and Romania’s capital will soon be launched. The relevant statement was made by Ambassador of Romania to Ukraine Alexandru Victor Micula in an exclusive commentary to Ukrinform. “We did the technical test from the 7th to the 9th of August. And we are waiting to see the technicians, what the technicians are saying, because we are speaking about four wagons that would depart from Kyiv and reach Bucharest through Chisinau,” Micula said. In his words, this connection will have also a symbolic meaning. “It’s a long trip, but it’s a direct connection between our capitals that…