Film Review: Donbass [CZ]

The film Donbas, directed by Sergej Loznica, takes us into the (un)ordinary life of the self-proclaimed People's Republic, which in the film resembles a planet of crime. It opens the door to a world of raw absurdity, in which we easily confuse documentary reality with surrealism.

Day of Ukraine 2023 - the second year of the festival of students of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague [CZ]

The second the Day of Ukraine in a row, organized mainly by students of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague, took place on Friday, April 21, at the Hybernská Campus. As last year, the programme consisted of interesting cultural, linguistic and artistic contributions. There were also Ukrainian borscht and traditional sweets.

The war in Ukraine from media perspective [CZ]

The information regarding the current situation in Ukraine has been regularly included in the list of the most important news of the world media since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Journalists from all over the world come to the war zone. Some of them lost their lives there. Ukrainian media are also trying to report on the war, but they are struggling with much more challenging conditions. Unlike foreign journalists, Ukrainian ones often have no background and no funding. Moreover, social media is used to gain information during the war in Ukraine, more than in any other conflict. This type of media can give direct testimony but also spread misinformation or reveal the location of soldiers.

Christmas and the church split in Ukraine [RUS]

This year will be a turning point for Ukrainian religious society. The country, where more than 70% of the population considers themselves religious (according to opinion polls), will celebrate Christmas alongside many Western Christian denominations for the first time - and at the same time, there is likely to be a major church split.

5 scenarios how security experts think the war in Ukraine could turn out [CZ]

The ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine is likely not going according to Putin's plan. The Ukrainian army is supported by the West with weapons and humanitarian aid, and the troops are resisting much more than the Kremlin expected. According to experts, there are several scenarios in play for how the war could develop or end in the future.

Most people have left their homes since the Second World War. Ukraine has one of the highest numbers of refugees in the world [CZ]

Ukraine has become one of the countries with the highest number of refugees due to the ongoing Russian military invasion. Most of them went to Poland, but also to other European countries such as Germany, Slovakia, Italy and the Czech Republic. The European Union grants refugees a protection status, which allows them to live a little more freely in the countries that have accepted them.

Current situation in education in Ukraine [RUS]

The school year in Ukraine is due to start on 1 September, but it is not yet clear what the actual education process will look like during the war. In the Ukrainian regions far from the areas of fighting, it will be possible to choose between full-time and distance education. For more information, see our article.

Ukrainian Railways [RUS]

Ukrainian Railways - Ukrzaliznytsia - has long been considered an inefficient company. Efforts to reform it have been underway for many years - the first modernization plans are almost 25 years old. Read more about the Ukrainian Railways in our article.

Information for Ukrainian and Czech citizens in the Czech Republic regarding the conflict in Ukraine

In our post you will find a clear summary of specific ways of helping Ukrainian refugees and links to useful information for incoming Ukrainian citizens.

Film Review: На миг оглянуться... [CZ]

The film was made in 1984 by director Vyacheslav Kolegayev and comes from the Odessa Film Studio. There is no rhetoric of the great socialist movies typical for the previous period in this film anymore. The explicit meaning of the film is given by its nostalgia and the effort to break free from the life stereotype.

Coronavirus and vaccination in Ukraine [RU]

Another strong wave of coronavirus will likely hit Ukraine. Experts warn that immediate action is needed, otherwise, the number of cases may increase sharply before the beginning of this autumn. Moreover, there is an urgent lack of vaccines in the country.

Czechs in the urban environment of southern Ukraine - part II [CZ]

The article continues exploring the presence of the Czech minority in Odessa in the 19th century. Besides the sphere of high culture, the brewing industry and education were other fields wherein Czechs in Odessa attracted attention of their contemporaries. Antonín Mikuláš Číla, a promoter of the “Sokol” movement and later a legionnaire commander, is highlighted as an example of an important Czech educator. The "Czecho-Slavic Tsarist Factory" owned by the Czech entrepreneur Josef Šediva, was a famous producer of musical instruments. During the Soviet era, the organized Czech compatriot life was interrupted, only to be restored in the 1990s in the already independent Ukraine. The history of the Czech minority in Odessa practically ended in 2015, when a collective migration of a significant part of Odessa Czechs to the Czech Republic (organized by the Czech state) took place.

Odessa film studios and their movie-making for children and youth in the ending era of the USSR [CZ]

A brief excursus on one of the oldest film studios in the world. A presentation and analysis of children's films in the ‘70s and ‘80s in the USSR.

Czechs in the urban environment of southern Ukraine - part I. [CZ]

Most 19th century Czech migrants to today’s Ukraine settled in the agriculturally potent western and southern regions. However, a large number of these migrants found employment also in the then developing urban centres. Odessa, now a port metropolis located in the southwestern part of Ukraine, was one of such cities wherein communities of Czech compatriots gradually established. The article considers the presence of the Czech minority in the city of Odessa, emphasizing a its communal and social life. The study also recalls probably the most important figure of Czech origin in the field of culture, the long-time chief conductor of the local city theatre orchestra and composer Josef Přibík.

Film Review: Asthenic Syndrome - Part II [CZ]

Meaning of symbolism in the film of Kira Muratova and comparisons to similar movies. A little look back at the film Asthenic Syndrome and an interpretation of its visual message.

Film Review: Asthenic Syndrome - Part I [CZ]

Bizarre film opus of the first lady of Ukrainian film Kira Muratova. The story of people tired of life, absurdity, apathy, and themselves.

Historical Reflections on Ukrainian Migration [CZ]

Migration is an important social phenomenon in Ukraine affecting the economy, interpersonal relations, science, and art. The article summarizes its history and describes four major waves of migration from the 19th century to the present. The text was largely based on the lecture of «Ukrainian Emigration» presented by Dr. Tereza Chlaňová, who works at the Faculty of Arts at Charles University in Prague.

Cybersecurity in Ukraine

The article (including all the provided information) is based on the ground research and experience of Team4Ukraine gained during the implementation of the cyber projects (i.e. training and research activities) in Ukraine funded by Visegrad Fund.