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Lesia Bakalets

Produced by Lesia Bakalets

November 22, 2024
Russia's full-scale invasion pushes Ukraine’s digitalization drive

From digital passports to apps that announce air alerts or enable conscripts to update their information in the draft register, Ukraine is now a world leader in the drive to digitalize government services. Lesia Bakalets reports from Kyiv.
November 19, 2024
Relatives of wounded Ukrainian veterans become main caregivers

In Ukraine, wounded veterans who need long rehabilitation are mostly cared for by relatives. They face the difficult job with little help from the state. Lesia Bakalets has more from Kyiv. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets
November 12, 2024
Ukrainian women juggle military service and civilian life

Women from the cities in Ukraine’s Kyiv region volunteer in a military unit to learn how to protect their families
October 31, 2024
Lessons of War: Ukraine’s schools start giving survival classes

First aid, drone operation and weapons safety handling are now part of a new subject in Ukrainian schools called "Defense of Ukraine," meant to teach children lifelong lessons on survival and patriotism. Lesia Bakalets reports from Kyiv.
October 29, 2024
For expats in Ukraine, election back in US hits home

The outcome of the U.S. election and the possible changes in Washington’s foreign policy are of special significance to the 3 million American expatriates eligible to vote in next week’s U.S. elections. Lesia Bakalets speaks to several expatriates who live in Ukraine and sends this report from Kyiv.
October 23, 2024
Ukrainians reflect on Zelenskyy’s victory plan

Kyiv’s victory plan, presented this month by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has already received assessments from the country’s Western partners. But what do Ukrainian civilians and experts think about it? Lesia Bakalets asked that question in Kyiv.
September 27, 2024
Adoption applications in Ukraine soar since Russian invasion

The number of Ukrainian citizens seeking to adopt children has increased dramatically since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Lesia Bakalets reports from Kyiv, Ukraine. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets.
September 13, 2024
Ukraine rushes to repair damaged energy plants in time for winter

One one plant, there is an optimistic plan to partly restore generation by the end of October; but total restoration will take much more time
September 05, 2024
Ukrainians react to conscription drive with mixed feelings, many questions

A new conscription law has been in force in Ukraine for more than three months, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says mobilization has been going according to plan. But studies suggest Ukrainians are ambivalent about the law. Lesia Bakalets in Kyiv has the story. Videographer: Vladyslav Smilianets
August 27, 2024
Ukraine deals with aftermath of massive air attack on infrastructure

In the wake of Russia’s massive air attacks across Ukraine Monday, Ukrainians are moving quickly to get power and transportation back online. Ukraine’s military says Russia launched more than 200 missiles and drones during the attacks, with more strikes on Tuesday.
August 23, 2024
A second chance: Some convicts in Ukraine can join the army

A mobilization law adopted by Ukraine in May allows certain convicts to serve in the Armed Forces in exchange for parole.
August 01, 2024
War forces switch to alternative power sources in energy-rich Ukraine

Solar panels, battery stations and generators have become allies for Ukrainian homeowners as they start getting ready for another winter of Russian attacks on their nation’s power grid. Lesia Bakalets reports from Kyiv. (Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets)
June 27, 2024
War drains Ukraine’s workforce

Recruiters confirm that this is the biggest crisis in the labor market ever. What are the main reasons, and are there any solutions? Lesia Bakalets found out. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets
June 24, 2024
For Ukraine’s older workers, war opens hope for ending age discrimination

As in many countries, job seekers in Ukraine who are in their 50s and 60s have a harder time than younger workers. One organization is trying to change that by taking advantage of Ukraine’s wartime labor shortage. For VOA, Lesia Bakalets reports from Kyiv. VOA footage by Vladyslav Smilianets.
June 21, 2024
Half a million Ukrainians in frontline city of Mykolaiv suffer through 3rd year without clean water

Going into a third year of war, life without clean water has become routine for nearly half a million residents of Ukraine’s frontline city of Mykolaiv. At the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Russian forces destroyed the water distribution system.
June 18, 2024
Ukraine war transforms roles of women in the workplace

The war in Ukraine is bringing what promises to be lasting changes in the role of women in the workplace. Lesia Bakalets traveled to Ukraine's Mykolaiv region to hear from women training to drive tractors, a job that until recently was the exclusive realm of men. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets.
June 17, 2024
Homesick refugees risk return to Ukraine despite war

Nearly 6.5 million – that is the number of Ukrainian refugees the United Nations counts in the third year of Russia’s full-scale invasion. According to the world body's latest report, most of them hope to return home one day. Lesia Bakalets talked to Ukrainians who have already done so.
June 11, 2024
For a Ukrainian former POW, recovery is slow and painful

Each day brings pain, but also progress for Ukrainian Marine Oleksandr Didur, wounded and captured while defending Mariupol
June 05, 2024
One year after Kakhovka Dam destruction

The dam was destroyed in a blast last June, flooding hundreds of square kilometers
May 29, 2024
'This is our home': Kharkiv women reluctant to leave besieged city

Kharkiv, Ukraine, has been under sustained fire from Russia for nearly a month. Despite the civilian casualties and destruction of energy infrastructure, most residents are still there. Lesia Bakalets talked to some women about why they decided to stay.

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