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Lesia Bakalets

Produced by Lesia Bakalets

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.
May 22, 2024
War leaves tragic legacy of mental illness in Ukraine

Experts say that in Ukraine, there has been a heavy increase in cases of anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems since Russia’s invasion in 2022, and it will likely have a long-term impact. For VOA, Lesia Bakalets has more.
April 25, 2024
'This is my home': Life inside Chernobyl’s exclusion zone

Thirty-eight years after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, hundreds of people work to dismantle the long-defunct power plant and control the contaminated exclusion zone, a 30-kilometer area surrounding it. Lesia Bakalets has the story of a man who lived through the tragedy and still works there.
April 22, 2024
How explosives affect environment in Ukraine

After two years of Russia’s full-scale invasion, officials say Ukraine is one of the most mined countries in the world. As Lesia Bakalets reports from Kyiv, besides threatening human lives, mines also affect the environment. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets.

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