February in Ukraine: a glimpse through Rubryka’s lens

Rubryka showcases a compelling collection of photographs depicting life in Ukraine during February, a month historically marked by relentless struggle. Translated as "fierce" in Ukrainian ("liutyi"), February symbolizes the enduring fight: for a European future, beginning with the Revolution of Dignity 11 years ago and the tragic loss of a hundred protesters known as the Heavenly Hundred. This month also marks the ongoing battle for Crimea, annexed by Russia in February 2014, and the onset of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022. Ukrainians remain steadfast, fiercely asserting their resilience and invincibility, hoping their February struggles will eventually end.

• In Kyiv, a peaceful demonstration named "ICRC, Start Working!" was held to honor and remember all prisoners of war, missing servicemen, and civilian hostages.

Relatives of Ukrainian prisoners of war organized a peaceful rally, urging the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to expedite efforts to bring all POWs home. 

In response, ICRC representatives addressed the activists, emphasizing that the organization is actively engaged, including through diplomatic channels, in efforts to secure the release of Ukrainians held in Russian captivity.   

• The Invictus Games National Team was sent off to the Invictus Games 2025, an international adaptive sports event held in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada.

Over the previous six months, 35 members of the Ukrainian team trained vigorously in various sports disciplines to represent their country. Before their departure, the Invictus Games officials organized a heartfelt send-off ceremony featuring the presentation of the official team uniform and the launch of the national campaign "Will is My Strength." The team embodied resilience and an unyielding spirit, underscoring the power of unity and support in overcoming life's obstacles.

Notably, the Ukrainian national team achieved the second-best result in the country's history at the Invictus Games 2025, winning 30 medals as the event concluded in the Canadian cities of Vancouver and Whistler.

• Rubryka recently hosted the School of Environmental Journalism Solutions, featuring experts who shared insights into solution-oriented journalism. 

The course included esteemed environmentalists discussing significant environmental challenges and their solutions. 

As the challenges of war persist, the importance of ecology remains paramount.

• At the Kyiv National Academic Operetta Theater, Vitalii, a serviceman with Ukraine's 112th Separate Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces, married his beloved Uliana. 

The brigade's command officiated the ceremony. Since 2022, Vitalii has been dedicated to defending his country, serving as the commander of a mobile fire group against enemy air targets. This touching story underscores how love continues to shine through, even amid challenging times.

•  Kyiv: as free as a bird.

A frosty winter evening descends on the icy expanse of the Dnipro River.

• Adaptive volleyball serves as a pathway to rehabilitation and a testament to invincibility.

• President Volodymyr Zelensky held a press conference in Kyiv on February 23, 2025, extending the "Ukraine. Year 2025" forum, where he addressed questions from Ukrainian and international journalists ahead of the third anniversary of the full-scale war, continuing a tradition from the past two years.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is working with its partners to secure the delivery of all five Patriot systems promised at the Washington NATO summit. Additionally, Ukraine is developing its own analogues of these systems. He also highlighted the successful deployment of Ukrainian missiles "Palianytsia," "Peklo," and "Ruta," while ballistic missiles are still in development. Furthermore, he emphasized that the Ukrainian army should begin preparing for a full transition to a professional, contract-based army.   

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