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«We still have not replaced the panoramic windows shattered by a shockwave»: Kharkiv coffee shop still pouring coffee in the city’s centre despite hardships
The «LyaTyuSho» cafe-souvenir shop in Kharkiv has been open for over five years now. What used to be large panoramic windows is now replaced with plywood. This Spring Kharkiv has once again faced massive shellings. There have already been two intense strikes next to the coffee shop - literally 20 metres away
«LyaTyuSho» is located at the very centre of Kharkiv. Photo: private archive
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Fewer clients, increase in prices, new personnel due to migration, unexpected bills caused by constant power cuts (such as buying a generator or throwing away products gone bad because of unpowered refrigerators) - these are the least of the problems that the coffee shop’s owners Daria and Mykhailo Lazaryevs have to put up with:
- Many people left because of the uneasy circumstances, and it took its toll on the amount of clients. This is certainly difficult from a business point of view because we have rent and obligations to the collective, people need to be paid. But people left and there are fewer guests and smaller income, accordingly.
It is not about the income but blandly about covering the costs
It is difficult to carry out any activity today without positive thinking, which is why «LyaTyuSho» often holds various events - workshops, mini-fairs - where they collect donations for the needs of units fighting on the Kharkiv front, as well as for animal shelters. They also organise online consultations with a psychologist for visitors who follow the café's social media pages.
The story of «LyaTyuSho» began as a souvenir shop. Daria Lazaryeva explains that there were few places in the city where one could buy souvenirs. So, they set up a shop that sold postcards, pins, mugs, T-shirts, tote bags, and other small items. Later, they decided to establish a café here as well, so that tourists and local residents would visit. However, the souvenirs remained:
- We found a space and saw that it could also accommodate a cosy café. We wanted the people of Kharkiv to visit us too.
When we were thinking about the name, we wanted something local, something Kharkiv-like. «Lya», «Tyu» and «Sho» are popular exclamations among the residents of Slobozhanshchyna.
- Our philosophy is the development of domestic tourism. We are located in the historical centre of the city, so we wanted people to be able to learn something about it here, buy souvenirs, and get a guide to Kharkiv. And this idea still excites us. Recently, there have even been more tourists in the city. Now, there is a lot of press, foreigners, but they do not come because they want to enjoy our city. But this idea - to show Kharkiv - still inspires us, - says Darya Lazaryeva.
But to run a business in the conditions that Kharkiv is currently facing, you need to be flexible, Daria emphasises:
- You have to adapt quickly and respond promptly to everything. Last year, we bought a generator, and after that winter, we thought everything would settle down and there would not be any more problems. Unfortunately, that was not the case. For over a month now, Kharkiv has been experiencing constant power cuts, sometimes even outside of the scheduled times. You can not plan anything. The lack of electricity affects literally every process, from people not being able to get to work on time because the electric transport is not working, to constantly having to throw out spoiled food because the power goes out at night and the refrigerators stop working. Financially, this is, of course, very difficult. Emotionally, too.
For me, the people of Kharkiv are the strongest and unbreakable people emotionally and physically
Daria adds that she often has to «turn off the boss mode» because when explosions are echoing in the city, it is completely inappropriate to ask why the day’s earnings are lower - everyone understands the circumstances under which they are working and living.
The situation in the city is constantly changing. Many families have been forced to leave due to the increasing number of shellings. Despite this, the establishment managed to keep prices stable for as long as possible, only raising them relatively recently. What helps is that «LyaTyuSho» collaborates with Ukrainian producers:
- Working with Ukrainian producers is part of our philosophy of support and creating an ecosystem. We do not purchase products from abroad.
And when the Russians bombed the Kofein cafés in Kharkiv on May 6 2024, we encouraged people to support them and bought coffee beans there ourselves. We tried to support our colleagues this way
At the start of the full-scale invasion, 70 per cent of the staff had to be replaced due to the forced departure of employees. Those who remained in Kharkiv are now adapting to the new conditions, so even «work parties» have become thematic. For example, the entire team learned how to apply tourniquets and provide first aid.
Building any business plans in Kharkiv these days is a thankless task because nothing can be predicted, the businesswoman admits:
- Of course, all statistics have dropped, and it’s noticeable. It is difficult to plan anything right now. Over these three years of war, the statistics will vary greatly. In the first year after the full-scale invasion, there were hardly any people, everything collapsed. But if you look at the Autumn of 2023, there was an incredible surge in people returning. Overall, you make monthly plans for income and expenses, but it is all just «a shot in the dark» because, with every explosion, you realise there will be fewer people.
Despite this, «LyaTyuSho» donates a portion of its monthly profits to support the military and those affected by the war. The café also offers a «suspended coffee» service for soldiers (someone buys a coffee but does not drink it, instead «suspending» it for a soldier to enjoy later).
Journalist, worked as a director and Chief Editor at IA «VSN», a reporter at IA «Volyn’ News». Graduate of Kyiv Economy School Journalism Centre’s «Economics, markets and data analysis» course. Master of Ukrainian philology.
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Tetiana Vyhovska: What is «Women Leaders for Ukraine»? What does the organisation do?
Olga Luc: It is an international community, a union of women from business, politics, as well as those working in the social sphere, such as NGOs and charitable foundations. The president is Iryna Papusha, and the members are women from all over the world. We are currently present in 19 countries, in 32 cities, including Japan, the USA, Spain, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland and, of course, Ukraine. This is a network of women, which is based not only on information exchange, contacts and mentorship but also on the development of leadership with the ability to influence social and political changes. It also represents women at various platforms, forums and conferences, notably the Davos conference, which is worth mentioning as the most renowned.
We organise both informal and formal meetings in the countries our participants come from. We work on developing women and empowering them with the necessary skills to know how and what to do to achieve their goals.
Of course, men are also important. They are part of this community, providing support or, as beautifully put in English, «allies». However, the main focus is on women, providing them with opportunities to express themselves, develop and establish important contacts, thereby building the future - their own and Ukraine’s. Women’s contribution is not only important now - it will be crucial for Ukraine's reconstruction, as a significant burden truly rests on their shoulders.
Many women have now moved abroad with their children, where they care for their families and must also decide where to work and what to do: perhaps start their own business or look for a new path for development. These skills will be invaluable in the future.
If women want to return to Ukraine and participate in its reconstruction, they must know how to do so
- What interesting and important ideas have «Women Leaders for Ukraine» already implemented?
- I will start with two projects particularly close to my heart due to their immense power. The first was implemented jointly with «The Kids of Ukraine Foundation». This is an organisation from the United Kingdom and the USA that supports initiatives helping children and their families overcome the traumas of war. We are partners of this foundation and support activities in the field of humanitarian aid provision as well as organising SviTY trips.
We focus on providing psychological support to children through sport, play and activity. We have organised many summer camps in the Carpathians and other locations, where children can not only spend time in the fresh air and distract themselves from a challenging reality but also receive psychological support.
The second project is implemented cyclically together with the International Coaching Federation. This renowned organisation unites certified coaches (self-development trainers - Edit.) from all over the world. It creates a space for profound and honest conversations, enabling one to see themselves and their abilities from a different perspective. It is a great opportunity not only to interact with someone from another region or country but also to discover new ways of achieving one’s goals. It helps women move forward confidently, better understand their needs and unlock their potential.
Our activities span various directions. For example, we have the «Ukrainian Award of Inclusivity», which recognises female leaders driving change for Ukraine. Additionally, we actively influence legislative processes. Ukraine is on its way to the EU, and we all believe this will happen - but it requires pressure from different sides. From our perspective, it is crucial for women to be involved, ensuring that negotiations are not held without women. As I have already mentioned, women will be a vital group for Ukraine’s future, supporting all processes - economic, business and legislative.
Our community is open, and if any reader has an idea or wishes to propose something, we are always happy to welcome new participants.
- Is participation in projects and events free?
- Yes, all expenses are covered by our organisation, sponsors and partners. So if you are a member of our community and wish to participate, after filling out a questionnaire and other required documents, you can join the «Women Leaders for Ukraine» projects.
- You have also participated in the «Coaching Project». Why is coaching important for a female leader, and what value did this project bring to you?
- Coaching plays a key role in developing leadership qualities. It helps delve deep into one’s potential, revealing facets of personality that we usually overlook or are afraid to acknowledge. It is an opportunity to understand fears, talents and strengths, as well as admit limitations. This process is significant because only when we accept ourselves as we are can we become true leaders - those who inspire others, build trust and create a space for team development.
Moreover, coaching gives us the courage to be vulnerable, not hiding weaknesses behind masks and roles. It is a space where we can allow ourselves to be authentic - finding strength in this authenticity, which is essential for leadership. A true leader is not one who knows all the answers but one who is open to learning, growth and, importantly, acknowledging weaknesses. Only then can a leader create an environment where others feel supported and can be the best versions of themselves.
In my case, a coaching session helped organise my strengths, which I previously did not even recognise. It also allowed me to view coaching differently. It is not only about discovering competencies or areas needing improvement but also about finding the answer to why I do what I do, what my motivation is, as this is what gives me the energy to bring plans to life.
- You are implementing remarkable projects, but this is volunteering work. What do you do apart from «Women Leaders for Ukraine»? Perhaps you have a business?
- I work at the American bank Bank of New York Mellon in Wrocław. My position is Director of Client Service at BNY (Investment Manager Relationships). I do not have a business of my own, but I am passionate about women empowerment and female leadership. It would be wonderful to create something of my own, and «Women Leaders for Ukraine» provides me with the knowledge to achieve this.
Regarding banking - it is also an intriguing space for women. Currently, it remains predominantly a male-dominated field: the higher the positions, the more men there are. I ask myself: why is this the case? What can be done to change this, enabling women to also reach certain career heights if they wish?
- On your website, I found a questionnaire that needs to be filled in to receive support for an idea. Is this only for your members or for everyone?
- For everyone. If you have an idea for a personal project and its implementation, we are happy to listen and review it. The next step would be a conversation to help us gain a deeper understanding of your concept and its potential.
- Should this be a social or business project? What interesting ideas have you already supported?
- We are ready to consider any ideas. We evaluate their impact on Ukraine and how they might improve the situation for women
Projects do not necessarily have to be focused on Ukraine; they can concern women globally, and we impose no restrictions on their specifics. We encourage submissions of ideas related to women’s development, equality, and so forth. These can include social or business projects, legislative initiatives - anything that will have a positive impact and become a driver of change.
What interesting projects we have supported? «Kids of Ukraine Charity Foundation!» Children in war are the most vulnerable. It is also worth mentioning technological start-ups and new products. Various conferences and local initiatives have also been supported. Recently, we organised a forum in Kyiv, bringing together female leaders to discuss women’s development and their impact on politics, society, and business.
As a non-EU country, Ukraine receives fewer resources from Europe. Therefore, it is important to think creatively and utilise potential, particularly in Poland and other countries with large Ukrainian diasporas.
- And cultural projects? For instance, I created a Ukrainian library in Katowice, collecting about a thousand books. I also have a publishing house in Ukraine and many ideas for publishing works by Ukrainian authors in Polish and promoting Ukrainian literature...
- That is a wonderful project. Culture is indeed vital in the struggle. The war has made Ukrainian culture more visible abroad, and this is an opportunity to showcase it to the world, offering others a chance to discover our talented authors, such as Lina Kostenko, for example.
Burned artworks, looted churches and destroyed monuments - these are the consequences of barbaric acts still committed by Russian forces in Ukraine. The deliberate destruction of cultural assets is considered a war crime and is damage inflicted not only on the heritage of one nation but also on the whole world.
- What are your future plans, and what are your ambitions?
- The main goal is expansion and the further development of our community with a focus on deeper collaboration. Moving forward, we will concentrate on political and social projects, supporting legislation, gender equality and diversity issues, and participating in political discussions and conferences where women’s voices are essential.
We are now summing up the year to understand which projects received the best feedback, created real change, had a positive impact and are worth continuing. Thus, the «Kids of Ukraine Charity Foundation» and «Coaching Project» will definitely be continued, as they are of great scale and significance. Additionally, «Resilience Ship» - the promotion of Ukrainian resilient leadership globally.
We hope that many people have interesting ideas and are eager to act. It is important to maintain interest in Ukraine because, as is known, this interest has slightly diminished. We aim for Ukraine to remain visible in various aspects - political, social, and so on. This will be our mission.
Together with her husband, Anastasiia Yaremchuk has already opened eight barbershops in Donetsk. The couple, both medics, were not afraid to start a business just 20 kilometres from the frontline. To employ locals, they had to retrain artists and locksmiths to become barbers. The staffing issue is one of the most painful, as people leave because of the proximity to the frontline.
Life in Uncertainty
In 2014, when the war began, I was finishing my internship in my hometown of Horlivka in Donetsk. However, living in the city was difficult due to frequent shelling. One day, the enemy bombarded the centre of Horlivka. There were many casualties and fatalities. I managed to survive. That day, July 27th, I will remember forever. It is my second birthday. That is when our small family made the decision to move to a safer place. We settled for almost two years in the village of Adamivka, 40 km from Kramatorsk. During this time, I commuted to the city for work. I worked as an assistant at the Department of Oncology and Radiology at Donetsk National Medical University. I only saw my eldest son, Timur, on weekends. He lived with my parents. To be together, we made another decision to move. There is nothing more permanent than temporary. This time, we moved to Druzhkivka in Donetsk, where I remarried.
I met my husband at work - he is an orthopaedic surgeon.
On the day the full-scale war began, we found out we were expecting a baby. My husband insisted on moving, but I firmly said: «I am not going anywhere»
We persuaded our eldest son and my parents to move to Uman in the Cherkasy region. But we stayed. Our work did not allow us to leave the city. As doctors, we had to be at our workplace to help people. That separation from my son and parents was challenging. They eventually returned. In October 2022, I gave birth to my youngest son. What we endured that year, with no gas, no water for almost six months, and power outages - this toughened us, and it is now taken as normality. Unfortunately, you get used to it. The most important thing is that we held on.
A Barbershop
At that time, many women with children had left the city, but their husbands stayed behind. I noticed there was a demand for men's haircuts. I could not even book an appointment for my husband. It was a real problem. One day, I had the idea to open a barbershop with a men's section. I wanted to create something themed, something unusual. Barbershops were always named «Olena», «Natalia», «Anastasiia» and so on. We had many name options - «Cactus», «Razor». A coincidence helped us decide. My husband is from the Chernihiv region. One day, we visited Nizhyn. There is a pedagogical institute named after Mykola Gogol, a street with the same name, and we accidentally went into a café also called «At Gogol's». Inside, everything was dedicated to the writer. Stylish and thematic. So, as we were leaving, I told my husband that we should link the barbershop's name to a character. Since we are both fans of detective stories, we settled on the name «Sherlock». Then we started thinking about the attributes: a smoking pipe, a violin, a plaid, a desk, a typewriter, a magnifying glass, a microscope. And that is how we started to recreate an English style in the establishment.
The first «Sherlock» is a very small space, just two by three metres. There is one chair and a work area with a sink. There are banners with the «English Queen with Gum», photos of The Beatles, and posters of London. In the waiting area, there is a small vintage-style cabinet. On the wall, there is a typewriter. We created a cosy men's section, with a design I came up with.
We searched for all these items wherever we could. We bought the typewriter and violin on OLX. A colleague gave us the plaid in the English style. We have a few books about Sherlock Holmes, gifted by our barber Danylo. Clients donated an old machine and scissors
My husband and I work as two sole proprietors. We were able to start the business thanks to a microgrant from «E-support». My husband received a grant for barber services, and I got one for the development of a café. So, we also offer coffee at «Sherlock». The barbershop has been running for over a year, and we have been selling coffee for almost seven months.
The most expensive part was buying quality clippers, shavers, and trimmers. Additionally, one must understand that this equipment wears out. We rent the premises, so we did minor repairs everywhere. The grant support helped a lot. But we received it during the growth stage.
We opened the first two locations by ourselves. Of course, before starting the business, I calculated everything carefully. A men's haircut costs from one hundred hryvnias. We keep our prices very democratic.
The Biggest Problem - Staff
The first problem was finding specialists. There were almost none because many people had left. We searched for staff everywhere. Eventually, we decided to train those who were willing to work. This could be done in Dnipro or Kyiv. Our first trainee was our barber Danylo. At the time, he had just had a baby, and there was not enough money to support the family. The young man was talented and had little experience cutting hair while serving in the army. He quickly mastered the profession of a barber.
Later, two more specialists from other barbershops wanted to join us. So we began to expand. In Druzhkivka, we already have four establishments. There were also four in Kostyantynivka. However, due to the increased number of shellings, we had to relocate the business from there to Kramatorsk. For now, there is only one barbershop left there. Overall, we have 16 barbers working in two cities.
We have people with disabilities. We have an artist who works as a barber. In the café, the barista is a woman with six children. We also have a seamstress who retrained and is now a colourist and hairdresser
Women are amazed by her talents. Only two barbers were working in their profession. The rest we trained. We organised the training at our own expense. This was also a risk. There were cases where our employees, after training with us, went to competitors. But everyone has the right to choose. If one person leaves, two more will come. You should never try to keep anyone.
We have plenty of clients. Nowadays, we have versatile specialists. In addition to hairdressing services, the girls do eyelashes, brows and nails. As for power and water outages, we have adapted. Moreover, the situation is more or less stable now. We also work with battery-powered tools. We always have a constant water supply stored in tanks. Therefore, we can wash someone's hair or beard even if the city has no water.
20 km from the frontline
Chasiv Yar, where the frontline is, is very close - about 20 kilometres. Sometimes people ask me if we were afraid to open a business so close to the fighting. Yes, it is scary, but if you do nothing, it becomes even scarier. I had already experienced starting life from scratch in 2014. So I really did not want to believe or even think that we would face the same situation again and have to leave. I believe until the very end. I have no doubt that the region will endure. Even this close to the frontline, people still care about good haircuts.
I can not say whether people are leaving the city. On the contrary, some are returning. Home is home, and everyone holds on to their house, to their chance to be at home. Life does not stop
We have very clean and neat streets. There are shellings. You fear them, but you fear even more when they are not happening because of the waiting. It really weighs on your mind. But everyone adapts and tries to live. These are living cities. Yes, they are ravaged, but everything still works here. There are many entrepreneurs. As for how I cope psychologically, I just stay calm. My second degree is in psychology. I also find peace in my children and my work.
If I am busy, I do not analyse what is happening around me 24/7. My eyes are not glued to the battle map. I will not be able to hug the whole world and make the war end. Therefore, we must find happiness and balance in what we have. Pull yourself together. Currently, I work in Druzhkivka as a radiologist at the Central City Clinical Hospital, and part-time as a radiologist at the Kramatorsk Oncology Dispensary. And, of course, I also run the barbershops.
Plans - Business Expansion and Opening a School
We are on the verge of opening the fifth barbershop in Druzhkivka. In total, there will be seven. When we were buying a mirror and a small waiting sofa, my husband said: «Everyone is moving things out, and we are buying and bringing things in». I hope this sofa serves us for many years.
Our dream and plan is to open a school of hairdressing. We could train staff for ourselves and others. Healthy competition should exist, as the lack of it leads to complacency and no toughening. But this is all in the future. We would like to expand across the region, opening establishments in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. I also have plans for the café. I really want it to be more than just a coffee-to-go point, but a full-fledged establishment.
Combining work and business is not easy. It is very exhausting. In addition, I am a mother of two children who need attention. My parents help me. Sometimes I can forget, for example, to deliver clean towels or pick up an order. But I have a boss, my husband, who helps with everything. We work as a single organism. What I cannot do, he manages. And it is very convenient when you work as partners. It is comfortable not only to be husband and wife but also friends and work partners.
As for the future, it is difficult to say what lies ahead. I remain very calm in any situation and try to solve issues as they arise. We need to keep an eye on the situation on the frontlines and prepare some alternative plans. However, it is essential not to forget that life is happening here and now. We must continue to work and live.
The war has taught me to appreciate my loved ones and every moment of life
By the way, my work in oncology has also taught me this. When I started working at the oncology dispensary, I was 25 years old. It is terrifying when you realise that it is not only war that can take away the most precious thing - life. That is why you appreciate every minute and try to do something good for your family. At this point, I am not considering moving, but if there is destruction and a threat to the lives of my loved ones, I will choose safety for them. Despite the war, I believe we have the best country, with strong education, incredible nature, and, of course, excellent doctors. I think people living in Europe now have long realised this. Therefore, I probably would not change anything in Ukraine. I would just somehow stimulate its development. I dream of the end of the war and stability. Also, after the war, I really want to send my children to my parents and go to Venice or Portugal with my husband. I am really craving some romance.
Together with experts in combating disinformation, Sestry analysed the most common Russian narratives found in Ukraine, Poland, Germany and Europe in general. They examined how these messages are tailored for different audiences, the platforms where Russian propaganda is most frequently encountered, how to distinguish destructive content, and whether it achieves its goals.
Constructing Reality
Propaganda always strives to construct an alternative reality and aims to make it as simple as possible, explains Doctor of Political Science and Professor at Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Lidiia Smola:
- Let me give an example: for weeks, the idea has been spreading that Trump will prohibit the supply of weapons to Ukraine. Moreover, Trump’s extravagant statements provide grounds for various interpretations. This narrative, this framework about a ban on weapons for Ukraine, is continuously supplemented with informational messages.
This starts to destabilise society, making people think: that is it - Trump will come, and it will all end for us
The fundamental goal of Russians, continues Lidiia Smola, is to divide and demoralise:
- To demoralise the part of Ukrainian society engaged in volunteering, making them think there is no point in doing so. To demoralise those on the frontline, to sow discord with messages such as: while you are at war, those in the rear are having fun. That is, to create conflict between those fighting and those in the rear, between those who left and those still in Ukraine.
Russia is not just active, it systematically analyses all the sensitive points in Ukraine
Propaganda for Poland
When it comes to Poland, the current primary goal of Russian propaganda is to instigate fear, negative emotions and disinformation, says Director of the «Democracy and Civil Society» programme at the Institute of Public Affairs (Instytut Spraw Publicznych), Sonia Horonziak:
- This is achieved mainly through the dissemination of fake news online, styled to resemble authentic press reports. These news items predominantly concern Poland’s involvement in the war in Ukraine, the border situation, and the country’s internal affairs.
The strategic goal of Russian propaganda in Poland is to create a situation where, if not pro-Russian, at least neutral attitudes towards Russia prevail, alongside anti-American and anti-European sentiments, notes Michał Marek, head of the external threats analysis group at the National Research Institute NASK:
- Russia’s main objective is to withdraw Poland from the European Union and NATO, to ensure the absence of troops and bases of our Western partners. However, on the way to this goal, they pursue smaller objectives. For instance, they fuel anti-Ukrainian sentiments to make Poland and its government reduce support for Ukraine.
Do they succeed in this? Michał Marek believes not entirely. But where they do succeed, in his opinion, is in inflaming the issues that irritate both Ukrainians and Poles the most.
Propaganda Techniques
«Stop Supporting Ukraine» - this has been Russia’s main narrative in Germany for some time, notes Lea Frühwirth, Senior Research Fellow at the German Centre for Monitoring, Analysis and Strategy (CeMAS):
- This can be presented in various forms: claims about the danger posed by Ukrainian refugees or assertions that continued support for Ukraine threatens the German economy. We also frequently observe content suggesting that supporting Ukraine places Germans under a direct threat of war.
Typical markers of pro-Russian content focus primarily on Ukraine, crafting a particular image of the conflict to dissuade people from supporting Ukraine, continues Lea Frühwirth. Another emphasis seems to be on attacks against the current German government, aligning with Russia’s goal of gradually destabilising the situation in Ukraine.
In recent weeks, Russia has applied a tactic in Ukraine’s information space which might be labelled as «mental fatigue». The idea is that a psychologically and emotionally drained Ukrainian society might eventually accept a frozen conflict and agree to territorial losses, notes Doctor of Political Science and Professor at Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Lidiia Smola. Russian propaganda attempts to place all responsibility solely on the Ukrainian authorities. While there are indeed many questions to be asked of them, the lack of effective communication, coupled with the absence of public and transparent discussions on significant issues, creates a space for Russian propaganda to act, the expert continues:
- And Russia focuses on this. Had the system of strategic communication at the governmental level operated effectively, had the media endeavoured not just to quickly fill the information space with provocative and manipulative headlines but aimed to inform society thoughtfully, the situation could have been different. Another issue is the credibility of so-called experts.
Nowadays, anyone can call themselves an expert, which completely undermines the notion of expertise
In Polish information space, false and fake news is most commonly disseminated online, especially on major social media platforms and far-right internet portals, says Sonia Horonziak, Director of the «Democracy and Civil Society» programme at the Institute of Public Affairs (Instytut Spraw Publicznych). Often, this information immediately provokes strong emotions, portrays the Polish government in an extremely negative light, and highlights events that adversely affect Polish society:
- Disseminated messages often combine partially truthful information or images but provide them with false context. Thus, we see an authentic photograph associated with a completely different past event.
Moreover, the role of artificial intelligence in creating increasingly sophisticated fake images or videos depicting certain events or individuals, often from the political world, is growing
From a structural perspective, disinformation campaigns such as «Twin» are well-studied and usually follow the same pattern, making them relatively easy to identify, notes Lea Frühwirth, Senior Research Fellow at CeMAS:
- For example, if a self-proclaimed news site appeared in my feed, resembling a well-known German newspaper but disseminating only overtly pro-Russian material, I would automatically become cautious.
Channels of Influence
There are several channels of fake communication in general, continues Lea Frühwirth. The first is the attempt to fill the information space with disinformation on topics of interest to Russia. However, it appears they focus more on the quantity of these messages than on their quality:
- To be manipulative, this content does not even need to contain outright lies. Simply highlighting one aspect of a problem while ignoring others, or pretending to be German citizens expressing concern while actually being part of a bot network, is also misleading. On the other hand, there are local pro-Russian influencers who repeat typical Kremlin talking points. Usually, we cannot determine their motivation - they might be paid or genuinely believe in it.
The war against Ukraine is one of the topics used daily by creators of fake news. This is detailed in a report by SCIENCE+, the largest journalistic network combating disinformation in Central Europe. In 2024, no new key disinformation narratives emerged, instead, existing ones were adapted to current events. The report records manipulations around the threat of war with Russia, societal divisions over positions on Ukraine, and the myth of a conflict between «the West» and «the East». These narratives became part of widespread attacks on democratic elections in Slovakia, Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania.
Young people are most frequently targeted by disinformation. Most do not engage with traditional media and instead obtain information from unreliable influencers. This contributes to a tendency among the youth to support radical or populist politicians.
A striking example is Romania, where the Constitutional Court annulled the results of the first round of presidential elections after President Klaus Iohannis declassified intelligence data showing that Russia had organised thousands of social media accounts to promote the radical pro-Russian politician Călin Georgescu through platforms like TikTok and Telegram. In 2025, presidential elections will be held in Poland. Russia will undoubtedly seek to exert influence, says Michał Marek, head of the external threats analysis group at the National Research Institute NASK:
- But in our current situation in Poland, the Romanian scenario is unlikely. They will not succeed in seriously influencing these elections.
Pro-Russian agents might have an impact on parliamentary elections. However, when it comes to presidential elections, I would not overestimate their ability to exert influence
Tactics, markers, and effectiveness of propaganda
Propaganda typically evokes extreme emotions, explains Sonia Horonziak, Director of the «Democracy and Civil Society» programme at the Institute of Public Affairs (Instytut Spraw Publicznych):
- You should ask yourself why you have not heard this information on public television or radio. Secondly, you should verify this information through various official sources. Most often, such information is not confirmed in any way. Some social networks also add contextual information to certain content, which can influence its perception. It is always worth searching for additional context.
Among the popular tools of Russian propaganda are aggressive rhetoric, threats, intimidation and nuclear blackmail. During the so-called year-end summary, the Russian president reiterated the claim that there are no air defence systems capable of intercepting the «Orieshnik» missile. According to Putin, even the missile defence systems in Poland and Romania would not intercept this missile. However, there is a percentage of people in Poland under the influence of Russian propaganda who might take such threats seriously and perceive other Russian narratives as real, says Michał Marek, head of the external threats analysis group at the National Research Institute NASK:
- Overall, the Polish society does not seem to fear this. It is clear that for many Poles, the war in Europe is perceived as a reality - in Europe, meaning between NATO and Russia. But the threats themselves, the «Orieshnik» topic, are not a factor widely believed by us Poles. Russians have been trying to frighten us for years - with nuclear strikes, with claims we would freeze to death without Russian gas.
So new threats are mostly viewed as just another scare tactic. The effectiveness of such Russian propaganda, frankly speaking, is not very high
Critical thinking
Anyone can fall into the trap of propaganda, says Lea Frühwirth, Senior Research Fellow at the German Centre for Monitoring, Analysis and Strategy (CeMAS):
- Human information processing is imperfect. It is not a pleasant thought, but it is the first step to awareness. We all need to establish a basic level of awareness and critical thinking. I would recommend using reliable and authoritative media outlets that adhere to journalistic standards to stay informed about what is happening in the world. Social media, on the other hand, is an information sphere where we must be prepared to encounter misleading content. If you notice something suddenly causing you excessive emotions, it is worth taking a step back and evaluating rationally to avoid contributing to the spread of fake news.
Russian propaganda typically divides the world into «black» and «white», «us» and «them», attempting to impose this division on Ukrainians. A characteristic approach is the emotional pressure - all these visualisations, publications of videos showing killed Ukrainian soldiers, notes Lidiia Smola, Doctor of Political Science and Professor at Kyiv Polytechnic Institute:
- A marker of propaganda is that you are urged to act impulsively and emotionally. For example, you go to social media and see a photo of an unfamiliar person appealing emotionally, for instance, «like this post because I am going to the frontline». And such posts then garner thousands of likes. Why? Because people want to feel part of something important. However, how these pages are used later and what is disseminated through them is rarely considered.
That is why it is crucial to critically evaluate resources and not succumb to manipulative calls for immediate action
For Ukraine, the factor of despair, constantly fuelled by hostile propagandists, is also significant. This is the narrative of an unbeatable Russia, notes Lidiia Smola:
- It works through emotional swings: from a state of sharp excitement to depression, when people write: everything is lost, we cannot win, Russia is winning. In such cases, I always ask where Russia was in 2022 with all its powerful and prepared army, and where it is now.
This project is co-funded by the Polish-American Freedom Foundation under the «Support Ukraine» programme implemented by the «Education for Democracy» Foundation
In 2024, Russia significantly expanded the network of «re-education camps» and increased the militarisation and indoctrination of abducted Ukrainian children. Each of these children, upon returning home, requires rehabilitation - receiving a complex of various forms of assistance. How many Ukrainian children were actually abducted by Russia, what they are taught in the «re-education camps», and what are the prospects for the return of deported Ukrainians - discussed in an interview with Olena Rozvadovska, the founder and head of «Voices of Children» Charitable Foundation.
Nataliia Zhukovska: On October 2nd, seven children aged between 3 and 14 were returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory. All of them were from the Kherson and Crimea regions. This was reported by the head of the Save Ukraine organisation, Mykola Kuleba. And at the end of September, according to the ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, nine children were also returned home. How many Ukrainian children in total have been abducted by Russia?
Olena Rozvadovska: According to open sources, Russia has deported over 700 thousand people. The official figure from the Ukrainian authorities is around 20 thousand children. This is the number we rely on. However, it is impossible to state the exact number. Since the war continues, there might be one number of children today and another tomorrow. We also do not have access to the occupied territories or Russian territory.
What happens to Ukrainian children in Russia?
Recently, together with the public association «Ukrainian Network for Children's Rights», the NGO «Regional Human Rights Centre» prepared a report based on specific cases. Our part focused on children's psychological support and rehabilitation after their return. Speaking generally about what happens, according to the children, the scenarios vary.
In some cases, there is group deportation, and they are placed in various child-like camps in Crimea or on the territory of Russia and Belarus. It is known that in the occupied territories of Ukraine, processes are underway to deprive parents of their parental rights according to Russian legislation
Children can be taken under the pretext of so-called threats to life or health without further clarification. Afterwards, they can be placed in foster families. All of this is undoubtedly illegal and constitutes a war crime, which the Ukrainian side is documenting.
How does the process of «liberating» Ukrainian children take place?
Our foundation «Voices of Children» is not involved in the return of children. In fact, each case is individual. There is no return mechanism, just as there is no mechanism for prisoners of war. Generally, the official sides cannot agree on the return of a certain number of children home. This is not that type of case. Russia does not recognise the fact that these are abducted or deported children. According to the Russians, they are rescuing them from shelling. For them, this is a «humanitarian mission». We, however, understand that this is abduction, forced deportation and russification of the nation on RF territory.
As of today, it is the relatives of the child who is in Russia that go to retrieve them. Volunteers who work in coordination with the Ministry of Integration, the President's Office, the Ombudsman, and others assist them in their logistics. That is, the relatives themselves search for those children.
What is the greatest difficulty?
The greatest difficulty is that any person who goes to Russia for the child is in a high-risk zone. There is a chance that they may not return with the child because they could be detained. Moreover, the process always involves humiliating and difficult filtration procedures and an extensive number of various checks. The return process may take several weeks or even months. In one case documented in our report, a grandmother was ready to travel to Russia to get her granddaughter. The return of the child lasted 14 months. The woman faced 18-hour interrogations at the Russian border and threats. Russia hindered the process in every way possible. To delay the child’s exit from Russia, the grandmother was made part of a criminal case. The family was only reunited after a second attempt, and only after the girl’s mother reported the obstacles faced in returning the child at a UN Security Council meeting.
The logistics are also challenging. Typically, the journey to the occupied territories or Russia involves passing through several European countries
The difficulty lies in locating, verifying, and finding these children. It is all very monotonous and complex work. According to official statistics published on the «Children of War» website, 388 children have been returned to date. As you can see, the figure is not even in the thousands. The complexity lies in the fact that there is no organised return of, for example, an entire group of children from an institutional-type facility that was taken. However, the greatest difficulty is the time we lose every day. Children who were taken at 2,5 years of age are now 5,5 years old. They may not remember what happened to them. Moreover, for the child, this is already a trauma. The longer they remain in isolation and subjected to active brainwashing, the harder it becomes to bring them back. And we understand that this is exactly what Russia is doing.
And of course, when children end up in Russian families and are adopted, these cases are even more difficult. Imagine yourself as a little three-year-old girl. You are brought into a family, and you adapt. At that age, it does not matter where the child lives because they do not understand the situation they have ended up in. They simply live.
In your recent report, you mentioned over 5500 clubs of military-patriotic education and hundreds of «re-education camps» operating in Russia and Belarus. How exactly are Ukrainian children re-educated there? How does indoctrination occur?
This research was conducted by the Regional Human Rights Centre. Their specialists describe the patriotism lessons that the children go through. In the curriculum approved by the Russian Ministry of Education, Ukraine is not depicted as an independent and united state. According to our colleagues’ research, propaganda narratives are embedded not only in textbooks but are also imposed during extracurricular but mandatory classes such as «Conversations About Important Matters» and «Lessons of Courage». The «cadet and Cossack classes» operate within schools, aimed at preparing students for military service.
One manifestation of political indoctrination is the activities of so-called patriotic and military-patriotic movements
In Russia, so-called «re-education camps» also operate. Russia spares no expense on their operation. They are very professional in their information warfare. This machine is in full motion at every level. Every teacher, adult, and school administrator knows where to get the «correct» information that needs to be conveyed to the children. And even if someone turns on the television, they will find confirmation of everything they have already been told. In these camps, there is a system of so-called patriotic education. They introduce children to their «heroes», teach them, and sing the Russian anthem. In doing so, they erase national self-identity. The Russians' goal is to make Ukrainian children see themselves as part of the Russian people.
What methods does Russia use on Ukrainian children to make them literally forget that they are Ukrainians?
It is primarily about psychological and moral pressure. Our psychologist, who worked with a boy who was returned to Ukraine, also spoke about how he endured physical abuse and torture. I know that human rights defenders are recording even more severe and horrific cases. The hardest situation in Russia is for those children who openly demonstrate their pro-Ukrainian stance. They are constantly subjected to moral pressure and intimidation. The Russians calculated that the children would break. They were constantly told: «No one cares about you, no one will come for you. You have been forgotten. If you return, you will be recognised as collaborators or as those who worked with Russia and will be sent to prison». The children, not knowing whether it was true or not, thought: «Maybe I really will be imprisoned for being in Russia?». Any scary thought can take root in a stressed mind.
Freedom House, together with ZMINA. The Centre for Human Rights and the Regional Centre for Human Rights presented new evidence to the International Court regarding the direct involvement of the Lukashenko regime in the displacement, political indoctrination, and militarisation of education for over 2200 children from occupied Ukrainian territories. How can this evidence contribute to the return of Ukrainian children?
Firstly, it is about documenting violations. Cases in The Hague can take decades to review. Despite this, someone must continue documenting these violations. It is also about increasing international pressure. If no one speaks about this, documents it, or submits it, it may seem like the problem is resolved, and there are no issues. This needs to remain in the public domain and be discussed at various levels.
Of course, we would all like for this to be resolved in one day, and for Russia to be excluded even from the UN. However, we understand that it cannot be done so quickly
I believe that it is absolutely the right path for both state authorities and public organisations to continue working on documenting, collecting violations, and passing them on to the relevant institutions. As a result of documented violations, arrest warrants have been issued for Putin and Lvova-Belova. I am confident that Russian sanctions will only intensify. It is important not to grow tired of this work. Every Ukrainian, at their own level, must shout about the genocide that Russia is committing in today's world, right in the heart of Europe.
What is Ukraine doing to ensure that Russia is held accountable under international law for the abduction and illegal adoption of Ukrainian children?
Ukraine is doing everything within its power. International coalitions for the return of children are being created. International groups of prosecutors and investigators are working to document information on violations. Ukraine is regularly represented on various international platforms.
A wide range of measures are being taken to hold Russia accountable for its crimes - and not only those concerning children. It is unfortunate that these processes are not as swift as we would like them to be.
Your foundation, «Voices of Children», has been active since 2015. How have these «voices» changed since Russia's full-scale invasion?
Since 2015, I have been working as a volunteer with children in the east of the country along the entire frontline, and in 2019, we officially registered as a foundation. There have been many changes over nearly 10 years. In 2015, I was alone, but now our team consists of 220 people. The difference is that in 2015, the war was confined to two regions, but today it spans the entire country. Another change is that as of 2019, we had between 50 and 100 children under our care in various frontline locations and just one psychological support programme. It was very localised and targeted work. We travelled to remote villages where buses did not go. After 24 February 2022, when drones and missiles began flying across the whole of Ukraine, the format of our work changed drastically. The frontline today is more intense and much larger in scale.
Today, our centres are located in the largest cities along the frontline - from Chernihiv to Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Mykolaiv. It is not easy to work there due to the constant shelling. However, the children living there need socialisation. Their schooling is online, and they do not go anywhere - so our sessions are a small escape for them. War, whether large or small, always impacts children.
Why do parents return with their children to areas under shelling despite the danger?
It is hard to understand, but that is how it is. Everyone has their own story. You cannot say that all people have lost their minds about returning to dangerous cities and villages. That is not true! Sane, healthy, and thoughtful people are returning. The reasons vary greatly. Many simply could not settle elsewhere. People leave, spend all their money on renting accommodation, fail to find work, and return. This is the reality for many families. Some remain or return to dangerous regions because they have bedridden parents they cannot leave behind. That is why I never judge these people, although I am convinced that it is wrong to remain under shelling, especially with children.
How do you work with parents who refuse to evacuate with their children from dangerous zones?
It is a difficult process. If adults do not want to leave the area, they simply sign a refusal to evacuate. Parents bear primary responsibility for their children. Often, they refuse out of fear. Here, the state has not done enough to ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of where these people are going. They need to have at least some certainty in emergency situations. There is another group of parents who simply abuse their position and manipulate their children. Generally, these are the adults who do not take care of their children and are not interested in saving their mental health and lives. The state mechanisms must also work in these cases.
These children need to be removed. This is the job of social services, but it is not easy for them to work on the frontline. Many factors have come together to create the situation as it stands
I remember one story where we moved a family with three children from a frontline village and bought them a house in a rear area. A year later, they returned to their village. In this situation, there was nothing we could do because we do not have the right to remove children from their families.
What is the current psychological state of the children? Does it differ depending on where they live in Ukraine?
Various factors influence the psychological state of children. Certainly, the place of residence plays a role. There is a difference between living in Uzhhorod and living in Zaporizhzhia. These are two completely different realities. Obviously, the more dangerous the area of residence, the more threatening the situation for their mental health. However, much also depends on the family. A child senses the anxiety of adults. Parents are the window to the outside world for children. It is not just the rockets that scare them during war, but also their mother’s reaction to them. The presence of education, peer groups and opportunities for communication also have an impact on a child's mental health. Children in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia suffer greatly. Recently, we gathered children’s dreams in Zaporizhzhia, and one girl wrote: «I want this online schooling to finally end».
Our psychologists report that today, children are more frequently presenting with anxiety and depressive states, especially teenagers. Some children develop enuresis, hand tremors, and sleep disturbances. Others, due to stress or traumatic experiences, may exhibit eating behaviour disorders.
What do you think the state should do to work with children currently abroad, and how should they be brought back?
We understand that in addition to returning children abducted by Russia, we also need to work with those who are currently displaced abroad. Ukraine must be highly interested in ensuring that all working-age people, and not only children, return. For example, we often receive requests for online psychological assistance from parents abroad, as they are looking for Ukrainian-speaking specialists for their children. It is no secret that living abroad was a dream for some, but for many, it is not a fairytale.
A very large number of people dream of returning home. However, urging them to do so now is certainly wrong, as the war continues
For people to return, the economy must function, jobs need to be created, and education must develop. But first and foremost, the war must end with our victory.
Even the country with the best economy in the world cannot function normally when drones hit schools. It is abnormal and wrong. Today, hubs need to be created so that people abroad can still feel connected to Ukraine and remain within the Ukrainian information space. Moreover, we must constantly keep the world's attention focused and, of course, talk about the fact that Ukraine alone cannot counter Russian propaganda and stop such a powerful enemy.
The first day of school for Ukrainian schoolchildren — September 2 — began to the accompaniment of Russian rockets. Instead of sweet sleep in their beds, the children were forced to flee to the bomb shelters, where they tried to get at least a little more sleep. But the enemy did not stop the attack, firing more than a dozen cruise missiles and about a dozen ballistic missiles at Kyiv alone. And in two days, the most tragic event in Lviv happened - during the attack, a whole family died - a mother and three daughters. But, despite this, Ukraine continues to live. Indomitable Ukrainians demonstrate their strength and power in dances, at exhibitions, on catwalks. Because the Russian enemy is unable to do one thing - break the spirit of Ukrainians.
Text: Natalya Ryaba
On September 7, demonstrators staged a protest in Prague, holding blue and yellow umbrellas. The participants of the rally called for effective air defense for Ukraine and to give it the opportunity to strike back. Demonstrators created a "map" of Ukraine using blue and yellow umbrellas.
Students of the International Academy of Personnel Management watch as rescuers put out a fire in one of the buildings of the university after a rocket attack on Kyiv on September 2, 2024. While hiding in the bomb shelter, the students heard the whistling of rockets and explosions.
Ukrainian military medics render aid to a wounded Ukrainian soldier at a stabilization point in the Chasiv Yar region on September 6, 2024.
A Ukrainian servicewoman talks on the phone with her children. On September 13, Russia and Ukraine conducted another exchange of prisoners. 49 Ukrainians returned home — 23 women and 26 men. For the first time in a long time, it was possible to return the "Azovs" to Ukraine. The United Arab Emirates helped organize the exchange.
Ukrainian schoolchildren sing the national anthem during the ceremony for the beginning of the new academic year in Lviv, September 2, 2024.
September 4 became the most tragic for Lviv during the entire war. A mother and her three daughters were killed in the attack. Only the father remained alive. The whole city came to the funeral of the dead. As a result of shelling in Lviv, seven people died, 66 were injured. Also, 188 buildings were damaged, including 19 architectural monuments.
A couple looks at posters depicting fallen Ukrainian soldiers of the Azov Brigade at an open-air exhibition in Kyiv on September 23, 2024.
Freya Brown, a dog trainer in the British Army, with her military dog Zac during a training session with Ukrainian army personnel, at a barracks in the East Midlands, U.K., September 10, 2024. Two years after invasion, large areas of Ukraine are covered in landmines and unexploded ordnance, including cluster munitions, and dogs play a key role in keeping soldiers and civilians safe.
Presentation of Veronika Danilova's collection as part of Ukrainian Fashion Week, September 1, 2024. The designer dedicated her collection called "Garden of the Clouds" to her homeland, inspired by memories of a Ukrainian garden and blossoming apple trees.
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