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Journalist Kirtoka Violetta provides in-depth reporting on events such as the release of Mykhailo Dianov, a defender of "Azovstal", highlighting the urgent need for his medical treatment after being held captive. Her contributions include poignant stories like the farewells to Ukrainian soldiers in Mykolaiv and Kyiv, showcasing the bravery and sacrifices of the Ukrainian military. The coverage extends to international interest pieces such as the Ghost of Kyiv, identified as Major Stepan Tarabalka, a fallen hero in air combat. Violetta's narratives provide unique insights into the ongoing struggles and resilience displayed by Ukrainians in times of conflict.
Who is journalist Kirtoka Violetta and what does she cover?
Kirtoka Violetta is a journalist known for her insightful reports on significant events in Ukraine, including military conflicts, heroic actions of Ukrainian defenders, and the stories of those affected by the ongoing war, such as Mykhailo Dianov, a defender of Azovstal who requires treatment following captivity. Her work brings awareness to both national and international audiences.
What event involved Mykhailo Dianov and why is it significant?
Mykhailo Dianov, a defender of "Azovstal", was released from captivity and his story, reported by journalist Kirtoka Violetta, underscores the human cost of the war in Ukraine. It highlights the urgent need for medical assistance due to the severe conditions endured during his captivity, bringing attention to the plight of Ukrainian soldiers who have suffered in similar circumstances.
Why is Major Stepan Tarabalka referred to as the Ghost of Kyiv?
Major Stepan Tarabalka is referred to as the Ghost of Kyiv due to his renowned aerial feats during the early days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. His legendary status was solidified posthumously following his death in an air battle. The Times article, noted by Violetta, emphasizes his contribution to Ukraine's defense, embodying the spirit of resistance and courage.
What does Violetta's reportage reveal about soldiers' farewells in Mykolaiv?
Violetta Kirtoka's reportage on the soldiers' farewells in Mykolaiv reveals the depth of emotions and respect accorded to fallen soldiers who fought bravely in battles such as Avdiivka. It underscores the ongoing sacrifice of Ukrainians in defending their homeland, while honoring individuals like Platoon Commander Roman Hulchenko whose heroism is remembered by communities and brigades alike.
What significance does the court ruling on Maidan activist Ustym Holodniuk hold?
The court ruling recognizing the opening in Ustym Holodniuk's helmet as an entry hole is significant as it plays a crucial role in the ongoing pursuit of justice for those killed during the 2014 Maidan protests. This decision, reported by Kirtoka Violetta, is part of broader efforts to uncover the truth about the tragic events that unfolded during this pivotal moment in Ukraine's history.
What impact did the participation of injured Ukrainian soldiers in a U.S. marathon have?
The participation of injured Ukrainian soldiers in a U.S. marathon, reported by Violetta, showcased their resilience and the solidarity shared with international communities. These brave individuals ran to highlight the strength and determination of Ukrainians facing adversity, as well as to raise global awareness of the challenges faced by soldiers who have sacrificed much for their nation. Their involvement was not only a physical feat but also a powerful statement of perseverance and unity.
Articles Kirtoka Violetta
Veteran Oleksandr Mazurenko (Mekhan) on obstacles to business in Bila Tserkva: I’ll force them to sort things out. Otherwise, what did I fight for? So that everything would stay as it was? Oleksandr, 47, from Bila Tserkva, a recipient of the Order "For Courage," served in the war of 2014–2015. He voluntarily returned to his home unit, the 72nd Brigade, in 2022 and stopped Russian tanks near Brovary. After being seriously wounded in Vuhledar and being demobilized, he resumed his own business—furniture manufacturing—but it seems not everyone in Bila Tserkva is happy about it. 3 856 24 Previously in trend: AFU veterans
Few days before she was killed, Hospitaller Iryna Tsybukh wrote to friend: "I am becoming ’Minute of Silence’ zealot" On 30 June, ChekaFest, dedicated to the fallen combat medic, will be held in Lviv’s Shevchenkivskyi Hai for the second time. In addition to performances by the bands Iryna listened to during her lifetime, the festival will also feature educational programmes, as she believed it was important to convey to Ukrainians the significance of history and the need for continuous learning. This festival is not only about Iryna. She researched and developed the topic of commemorating those who have fallen in the Russo-Ukrainian war. So ChekaFest is a tribute to all those who gave their lives for Ukraine, but it is also a kind of bright sorrow. 20 244 12 Previously in trend: Deaths of medical workers
SOF strike UAV company commander Dzhokhar: It is like fishing from distance of 40 km. You sit tight and wait for big fish to swim by A military journalist who had covered events in Donbas on television since 2014 mobilized during the full-scale invasion, despite having a solid mobilization exemption because he worked at the Office of the President of Ukraine. He now specializes, together with his unit, in cutting off the enemy army’s supply routes using FPV "sleeper" drones. He is also ready to share the experience of his Special Operations Forces unit, which has achieved an almost 100% success rate. 4 865 5 Previously in trend: War UAVs Ukrainian UAS
Chief sergeant of 1st Assault Regiment Jockey: "I stabbed GRU operative to death with captured knife I had taken from another dead Russian" During the assault on the position where the serviceman was stationed, he and another fighter were wounded. In addition, Jockey’s palms were badly burned — during the fighting, he tried to fix an assault rifle that had jammed. It was because of this that the enemy not only got right up to the Ukrainian assault trooper’s trench, but also opened fire on him. Yet even in what seemed like a hopeless situation, Jockey managed to prevail. The command of the Dmytro Kotsiubailo 1st Assault Regiment has submitted this fighter for the title of Hero of Ukraine. 17 539 16
"AFU command shifted from Zaluzhnyi’s reasonable and humane system to Syrskyi’s dysfunctional authoritarian system" – Hero of Ukraine Kashchenko An officer with vast frontline experience gained directly in the war since 2014, respected by his troops and one who has personally taken part in combat, left the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine several weeks ago. He now speaks candidly about what is happening in the army and why it is precisely those who know how to protect their personnel who are the ones walking away. 39 973 97 Previously in trend: UAF operation in the Kursk region Interview with Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers Personnel changes in Armed Forces Command False reports on the frontline situation
"We shot down Ka-52 helicopter, worth $16 million, with FPV drone on fibre-optic cable costing one and half thousand," – Commander of "High Altitude Predators", Condor This is the second Russian helicopter downed by pilots from the "High-Altitude Predators" unmanned systems battalion of the 59th Brigade. At the end of September last year, the same crew shot down an Mi-8. So far, this is the only crew that has been able to effectively hunt down helicopters. 6 128 6 Previously in trend: Destruction of enemy’s helicopters Drone operators
"Nothing was prepared anywhere. We started digging, taking up defensive positions. There were no weapons, except for few assault rifles," - Roman Kovalenko (Revizor) on first days of battle for Kyiv On March 7, 2022, approximately one battalion of enemy manpower and equipment entered Moshchun. However, the Russians did not recover a single vehicle; all of them were either burned or disabled, as was the majority of their personnel. 22 819 28
Doctors for Heroes project founder Natalia Liutikova: There are many cases when guys say, "I carried my jaw in my hands and spat out all my 28 teeth" In 2015, a Crimean native, together with like-minded individuals from the Kyiv Military Hospital, ensured that wounded service members with amputations began receiving prosthetics at state expense. Now she is doing the same for service members who sustained facial injuries, resulting in the loss of sight or jaws. 6 384 19
"Over four years of full-scale offensive, I have had only 10 days of leave, and I spent even those days on phone and at computer, carrying out commander’s tasks" Last December, Censor.NET launched a project to collect and highlight facts of violations of the rights of service members and veterans. This is important and necessary so that such situations become public, and the state and society make efforts to resolve them. 32 047 41 Previously in trend: Leave for servicemen
Mortar operator Oleh Kononchuk, call sign Konon: "I was climbing stairs to close entrance to basement when I saw FPV on fibre optic cable – it was ’staring’ right at me" Three FPVs flew in and exploded in the basement, where the 68th Brigade’s "Minotaur" mortar battery was stationed. The explosion caused the floor slabs to collapse and bury the shelter. ’I thought we were buried alive there," Oleh recalls his feelings. 11 646 16
Enemy is facing shortage of personnel in Pokrovsk direction: occupiers who signed contract at end of January this year are being taken prisoner Pokrovsk – a small part of it – remains under the control of the Ukrainian army, but investigations have already been opened into the commanders of some units for the loss of the city. Someone has to be blamed. As far as I know, the documents have even been handed over to the SBI. And the front line itself is once again shaking the feeling that any commander can be arrested at any moment. 8 517 38 Previously in trend: Situation in the Pokrovsk direction
Disconnection of Starlinks to ruscists: number of assaults and intensity of fire have decreased "I was driving along the road to Pavlohrad and saw four burned-out cars near Petropavlivka. These are either Russian ’Molniya’ missiles carried by a drone mother ship, or enemy FPVs striking from a greater distance," my military correspondent adds to these words, as he drives past another burned-out car. 6 189 17 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction Blocking Starlink to occupiers
"Bullet went through my leg and shattered bone in my son’s leg as I carried him in my arms. Wound was so large that doctor could push his hand straight through it." Our children are injured not only on Ukrainian soil. The son of a woman from Cherkasy was wounded in Syria before he had even turned one year old. The woman ended up in the country at the urging of her husband, who wanted to teach children. Most Ukrainian women arrived in Syria from occupied Crimea, fleeing Russian occupiers. In the majority of cases, they were Crimean Tatar families. 9 087 14
Huliaipole is almost lost: What is happening on front line in first weeks of New Year What is happening on the front line in the first weeks of the New Year 12 886 52 Previously in trend: Capture of Ukrainian cities
Vadym, 155th Brigade Unmanned Systems Pilot, call sign Hurman: "We went into Pokrovsk for 16 days, but stayed there for 80 – most of that time encircled." A 44-year-old pharmaceutical company representative joined the Territorial Defense Forces in 2022 and has been continuously defending Ukraine ever since. He took part in the 2023 counteroffensive in the Zaporizhzhia direction and has been deployed in the Pokrovsk sector since late 2024. 8 435 4 Previously in trend: Ukraine’s counter-offensive in 2023 Drone operators Unmanned technologies
Command post in Huliaipole: 17 of our fighters against three Russians Censor.NET warned back in early December that the city was under threat. And, unfortunately, it was right. As of now, the enemy has already entered Lyman. Soon, there could be so many enemy troops there that it would be difficult to dislodge them. 33 439 35 Previously in trend: Fighting in Huliaipole direction False reports on the frontline situation Capture of Ukrainian cities
93rd Brigade soldier Anton Samarin: "Railway station workers in Okhtyrka refused to unload our equipment on morning of February 24 because they were… changing shifts. And cars carrying FSB officers in civilian clothes and column of Russian military vehicles were already moving through city." At the start of the full-scale invasion, this officer was a company commander and was the first to engage the enemy in Okhtyrka, in the Sumy region. He was also the first to enter the liberated town of Trostianets. Now he serves as a battalion commander in his home 9th Brigade, which is fighting in the Donbas. 23 795 26 Previously in trend: Fight for Bakhmut Fightings near the border of the Sumy region
Stas Stovban, call sign Waltz: "In first year without my leg, I wore three prostheses. I broke first one when I jumped out of APC, another one was shot off" In 2015, this paratrooper took part in fierce battles at Donetsk Airport, but even after losing his leg, he did not leave the army and continued to defend his country. 7 255 6
Same is happening in Myrnohrad as in Pokrovsk month ago Another town where the same developments are unfolding and should have been dealt with a month ago is Huliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia region 14 505 60
Pokrovsk: guys are fighting, but first enemy tank has already rolled into city "The war won’t reach here, will it?" a young woman asks in a Pavlohrad café as she makes coffee for soldiers of the 68th Brigade. Her anxiety is easy to understand: in 2022 she was forced to leave her home in Mariinka; a little over a year ago she realized Pokrovsk was becoming increasingly dangerous and moved to Pavlohrad. Now Shahed drones buzz overhead here every night — just two months ago, this city was not seeing anything like this volume of attacks. 12 023 15 Previously in trend: Situation in the Pokrovsk direction
"Enemy has begun to infiltrate Pokrovsk because our units are short of manpower and we cannot maintain tight defensive line." Colonel Serhii Tretiak, commander of the 68th Brigade, holds this view; his infantry are positioned not in the city but to its south. To enable pilots to drop water and ammunition onto the positions, they are provided security, as over the past month the brigade’s pilots have repeatedly been drawn into small-arms firefights, and the signals troops captured a prisoner in recent days. 10 622 40
Aerial reconnaissance officer of "Khyzhak" Brigade Mykola Tkachuk, call sign Street: "I’m tired of war. Very. But I’m not even considering taking leave" The 32-year-old Zhytomyr resident fought with the 95th Air Assault Brigade in 2015. After leaving the airborne, he joined the Patrol Police. He has stayed true to that service, since 2022, he has been eliminating the aggressor with a brigade formed from volunteer patrol police officers determined to defend the country. 4 004 5
Iryna Dovhan: People are somehow horrified when they hear about raped female pensioners. But there are dozens of them. The same civilian woman who was arrested by the occupiers in 2014 for assisting the Ukrainian army, wrapped in the Ukrainian flag, and tied to a pole in Donetsk, now leads SEMA Ukraine – an association of women who have survived captivity and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). 19 480 28
Head of Kharkiv Region Patrol Police Viktor Levchenko: Explosions in Luhansk region began on February 24 immediately after Putin’s speech ended For personally evacuating bedridden and ill civilians from Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk under shelling from the semi-encircled cities, the patrol officer received the highest non-state award, the "People’s Hero of Ukraine." After receiving the award, the police lieutenant colonel repeatedly proved that he fully deserved this title, as he organized the combat unit "Robocops," which has been effectively taking out the occupiers. 6 780 8
"We fight enemy with Russian equipment" Volodymyr Lutsyk leads only tank company composed solely of captured equipment In the spring of 2022, the unit commanded by Dmytro Kotsiubailo captured its first trophy tanks. The fighters pulled them out from the Bilohorivka crossing. Later, they secured "a few more" tanks following the liberation of Izium, Borova, and Kupiansk. Most importantly, all of these Russian tanks are still operational, delivering painful blows to their former owners. 10 923 18 Previously in trend: Fighting with captured equipment
Viktoriia, wife of legendary paratrooper Pavlo Chaika: I always said he could be example for guys who are in depression after combat and injuries Pavlo’s beloved is fulfilling the dream of her husband, who died in a motorcycle crash nearly a year ago, by organizing a large-scale marathon involving civilians, war veterans, and people with disabilities. On September 28, a 10-kilometer run will be held in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka. 9 562 5
"Harsher penalties won’t restore discipline in army. It will only lead to more going AWOL" The Verkhovna Rada’s Committee on Law Enforcement recommends passing at first reading draft bill No. 13452, setting a five-to-ten-year prison term for service members who disobey a commander’s order, with no option for courts to hand down a lesser punishment or grant probation. 8 230 32
Helicopter pilot Viacheslav Voronyi did not hesitate to help downed board behind front line. No one else did that anymore The army aviation officer was among the few helicopter crews that broke through to "Azovstal" in Mariupol and delivered the necessary supplies there, taking away the seriously wounded. Most of the helicopter pilots who carried out this mission were awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. Viacheslav Voronyi is still not honoured posthumously ... 18 948 10 Previously in trend: Russia’s attack at Mariupol
For three years, we’ve been unable to prove that we sustained severe injuries while defending Motherland – AFU volunteer fighters The volunteer fighters were severely wounded near the village of Novozvanivka in Luhansk region before they had a chance to be officially enrolled in a unit. Since then, they have been unable to obtain documents confirming that the injuries occurred on the front line. Yet after treatment and recovery, the men returned to the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and continue to defend the Motherland. 13 035 18
"Question is not what you are afraid of. Question is what you can do," – Maksym Kazban, commander of Joint Assault Brigade of National Police of Ukraine "Liut" Forty-year-old Maksym Kazban, call sign "Ahat," commander of the Joint Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine "Liut" (Fury) and a police colonel, was killed in an accident in Kramatorsk. His comrades and senior commanders believe he deserves to be awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously. 13 336 29 Previously in trend: Commander of the Liut Brigade Kazban has died
Pensioner from Kyiv region Halyna Tyshchenko: Last Russian tank was retreating and shooting everything around Ten years ago, the woman and her family relocated from Kramatorsk, which was under occupation for several months in 2014, to the Kyiv region. They believed there would never be war here... What Halyna endured in her own home in March 2022 is something one could only wish upon the enemy — that the same be done to each of them for the rest of their lives. 15 628 4
"When people ask me what I do for living, I say I’m waitress. Why should everyone know I’m helicopter pilot?" Kateryna is the only female pilot in the army aviation. For now, as professionals say, she occupies the right "seat." In time, she will move to the pilot-in-command’s seat. 60 245 29 Previously in trend: AFU aviation
People’s Hero of Ukraine Oleh Davydenko, call sign Chub: "People pay to leave army. And I want to go back!" It feels as if this man had been restoring his severely injured arm, wounded back in 2014, specifically for the full-scale invasion, just to face the enemy in battle once again. During the fighting for Bakhmut and Kreminna in 2022, the volunteer fighter-paratrooper was wounded again. Although he has been officially deemed unfit for military service, he now works as an instructor and is determined to return to the army. 5 481 8 Previously in trend: Interview with Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers
Liudmyla, mother of Hero of Ukraine Andrii Subotin, killed at Azovstal: "When say ’generals’ sons don’t fight,’ I say: ’Look in my eyes. My husband is general. And our son fought until his last breath. The body of Border Guard serviceman Andrii Subotin, who refused to leave the nearly-occupied city of Mariupol despite an order from command, has yet to be recovered. Its whereabouts and condition remain unknown… 20 969 62
People’s Hero of Ukraine, Sniper Andrii Lahutin: "I took out between 15 and 20 katsaps in Moshchun on February 27" After a missile hit the neighboring building, the man ran to help the wounded, despite having shrapnel-induced lacerations on his legs. Andrii now has nowhere to live. His savings and a foreign passport with a U.S. visa were blown out of the damaged apartment. But what matters most is that he survived. 25 786 10 Previously in trend: Missile attack on Kyiv
Paratrooper Oleksandr Nykolaiko: "War will be won by "nerds", IT specialists. They are ones who can turn tide of events" This man has served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 2008 and has been with the 80th Brigade since 2013. He took part in the formation of the 3rd Battalion Tactical Group in 2014, which, following the launch of the full-scale invasion, expanded into the now-legendary 82nd Brigade. Oleksandr left the unit several times, but whenever there was a need for him, he returned — despite suffering severe concussions and spinal problems. 9 644 31
Da Vinci’s Mother, Oksana Kotsiubailo: "In May 2022, doctors gave me three to four months to live. It was Dmytro who insisted that I undergo treatment" Almost three years ago, she was given a devastating diagnosis: stage IV cervical cancer... Upon learning about it, Dmytro did everything he could to ensure his mother received treatment. Two weeks ago, doctors confirmed: the disease has receded. 16 896 3
Oksana, Aerial Reconnaissance Officer of Predator Patrol Police Brigade: "They said women were weaker. But it turned out there’s no difference on job" A native of Bila Tserkva volunteered to join a combat unit and now regularly travels to Toretsk to locate enemy infantry from the air. 9 194 37
Svitlana, Psychologist of 61st Brigade: "Year ago, Iskander missile struck building in Pokrovsk. My face was so lacerated that I told my comrades-in-arms: I don’t have face anymore" A 40-year-old woman, a mother of two who joined a combat unit, is undergoing treatment to remove multiple scars as part of the Zagrava program. This initiative unites cosmetic clinics across the country, and all treatment is provided to the wounded free of charge. 10 340 2
Ruslan Maryshev, Commander of 95th Airborne Brigade: "Deputy gave me pack of M&M’s and said: "Commander, stay in cover today so you don’t get killed on your birthday." In February–March 2022, this officer served as a battalion commander in another airborne brigade and was deployed to Izium with part of his unit. In an interview, Ruslan spoke about the week when the Russians destroyed the city—and how it is still being battered to this day. 12 528 6
Company commanders of 66th Brigade, Nazarii and Nazar: With attitude of ’I will not go’, enemy will come to where you live After early graduation from the Lviv Ground Forces Academy in 2023, both friends chose to serve in the 66th Brigade. In January, Nazar was severely wounded. Nazar continues to defend the country and take revenge for his comrade. 108 480 38
Hero of Ukraine Tymofii Orel, Kyiv resident: "Until 2022, I was civilian, making music videos and films. Now, I destroy Russian equipment using UAVs" The junior sergeant became the first soldier in the 47th Brigade to receive the highest state award for his crew’s destruction of 148 enemy vehicles from the beginning of 2024 until the end of May. 3 371 2
Paratrooper from 95th Brigade, Serhii, call sign Sirko: "When wounded DPRK soldier realized he had been captured, he slammed his head... into pole with all his strength" A 44-year-old man from the Ternopil region, who joined the army in July 2024, was awarded the Order of Courage, along with two of his comrades-in-arms, for capturing a live North Korean soldier—proof that a third country’s military is involved in the war against Ukraine. 17 941 15
Petro, brother of Ihor Zinych, who died ten years ago at Donetsk Airport, is now living with his third heart. In early January, he underwent his second donor organ transplant After his first heart transplant, the Hero of Ukraine’s younger brother followed in his footsteps, receiving a paramedic’s education and even working at the same hospital where Ihor once worked. 7 596 11
Serhii Tretiak, Commander of 68th Brigade: "For as long as I have been in Pokrovsk direction, there hasn’t been single day without assaults. Five or six per day—never less." In 2014, Serhii served as a platoon commander in the 24th Brigade and lost his battalion commander in his very first battle, personally evacuating him. At the time of the full-scale invasion, he was no longer in the Armed Forces, but he rejoined the army despite having a disability. 13 940 9
Commander of airborne battalion, People’s Hero of Ukraine Serhii Kuzheliuk: "Many positions were lost because we were unable to station personnel there – not single soldier was available to secure position" Prior to the full-scale invasion, Serhii served as an onboard technician on a Mi-8 helicopter. In 2014, he participated in combat missions as part of a crew that successfully evaded an enemy missile. In 2022, fate led Kuzheliuk to join an airborne unit, where he has served ever since. Currently, the battalion, as part of the 46th Brigade, is engaged in combat near Kurakhove. 20 535 75
Roman Stehura, Battalion Commander of 128th Brigade: Over time, commanders who shake hands with their combat soldiers only after successful assault lose trust. What truly matters is coming to infantry after defeat and losses The 29-year-old officer provided a detailed account of the liberation of the Kherson region in 2022, the loss of his apartment in Irpin, coordinating breakthroughs from frontline command posts, and successful operations in the Zaporizhzhia direction that resulted in the liberation of settlements. 10 766 6
Volunteer fighter Simianyn: "If Myf hadn’t died, we would have occupied checkpoint, and then we would have all been killed there." There is still no street in Dnipro named after the volunteer Simianyn (Family Man), Andrii Shyrokov, a father of three siblings and two adopted children who was killed in 2016 at the Svitlodarsk salient. 10 124 0
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