News
Kateryna Pryimak, head of the VETERANKA movement, has been included in NV’s Top 100 — an annual list recognizing Ukrainians who have made outstanding contributions to the country’s development and defense.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations and pride to Kateryna Pryimak, as well as to fellow VETERANKA members who were also honored in the “Military and Volunteers” category: Mariia Berlinska and Yuliia Mykytenko.
Our sincere thanks to the NV editorial team for their continued[...]
16.06.2025
Andriana Arekhta has been named the winner of the 2025 Woman of Ukraine National Independent Award in the “Defense of the State” category.
A senior sergeant in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, weapons operator in a special forces unit, and leader and co-founder of the VETERANKA movement, Andriana Arekhta continues to prove through her own story that a woman in the military is a symbol of strength, dignity, and an example for us all.
The entire VETERANKA team is immensely proud and grateful for her service and protection.
Due to her active duty, Andriana was unable to attend the[...]
11.06.2025
The VETERANKA movement and the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War joined forces to host an event dedicated to Ukrainian women defenders.
The program highlighted the continuity of women's military tradition — from the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (OUN) to modern-day service — through a lecture by Iryna Kotsabiuk, head of the museum's department for memorialization and the culture of remembrance.
A photo project by documentary photographer Marysia Myanovska offered a powerful glimpse into the lives of women currently serving on the front lines.
Attendees[...]
23.05.2025
The VETERANKA Movement, with the support of the British Embassy in Ukraine, presents a new educational series on the Diia.Education platform – "Gender-Sensitive and Non-Discriminatory Communication in the Armed Forces of Ukraine."
This is a practical course focused on mutual respect, trust, effective communication, and understanding one’s rights within the military environment. Over the course of 14 episodes, experts explore how to build strong team dynamics, maintain morale, de-escalate conflict, and protect oneself in difficult situations — regardless of rank, experience, or[...]
01.05.2025
Kateryna Pryimak, co-founder and leader of the VETERANKA, a volunteer, has been awarded the prestigious Franco-German Human Rights Prize. This award is presented annually to activists from all over the world who dedicate their activities to the protection of human rights.
The French Ambassador to Ukraine Gaël Veyssière and the Deputy Ambassador to Ukraine Tim Pragne presented the award. Kateryna Pryimak was awarded for her tireless work defending the rights of women servicewomen and veterans in Ukraine.
“I am grateful for this award because it shows that our efforts are noticeable[...]
15.12.2024
When experiencing grief, we rely on both internal and external supports.
Internal support comes from our own knowledge, skills, and personal experiences.
External support includes other people, objects, and events.
Taking care of yourself means strengthening your physical well-being and expanding your sources of emotional support. Learning from the experiences of others can be invaluable. Connecting with people who have gone through similar experiences can provide comfort, understanding, and different methods of self-care. Books and films that explore these themes can also be[...]
25.11.2024
No matter the nature of the loss, it changes everything—your well-being, emotional state, self-perception, and relationships with loved ones.
Sometimes, grief brings families closer together; other times, it does not.
Families with established mechanisms of mutual support are often better able to adapt to new realities, develop new patterns of interaction, and cultivate acceptance.
Loss and grief can also shift family roles. For example, adult children may take on more responsibility for their parents or grandparents, stepping into the role of senior family members. Siblings of[...]
15.10.2024
The Marie Claire Business team spent a day with Hanna Suvorkina, a clothing designer at the ByVTRNK sewing workshop. We invite you to take a behind-the-scenes look at the workshop.
Officially, women’s military uniforms only became available in Ukraine in 2023.Before that, a national standard existed for ceremonial military attire, which required female service members to wear heels, skirts, and a formal jacket.
As Lyudmyla Darahan, Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, stated at the International Seminar on Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Public Service:
“Over the[...]
07.10.2024
A traumatic experience affects all aspects of life and the body's systems. A person can experience trauma by being a participant or a witness to a stressful or threatening situation.
Psychological trauma manifests in many ways, including emotional responses. These may include:
Irritability
Anger
Aggression
Anxiety
Fear
Apathy, depression, etc.
Emotions serve as indicators that signal our internal state. Learning to recognize and acknowledge them is essential rather than ignoring these signals. Suppressed emotions—those we do not express—can impact the body and[...]
05.10.2024
Psychological trauma is an emotional response to a stressful event. Any situation perceived as stressful, frightening, or threatening can be traumatic.
Some common causes of trauma include:
Loss (of a loved one, home, property, job, or relationship)
Violence (physical, sexual, financial, or psychological)
Car accidents
Natural disasters
Terrorist attacks
Bullying and other distressing events
A traumatic event is a situation in which the psyche is exposed to intense stress. The stronger the stress, the deeper the trauma.
Signs of trauma
Trauma can manifest in[...]
03.10.2024