Happy Kyiv Day!

 

Kyiv is 1544 years old, based on its traditionally accepted founding date of 482 CE. Kyiv, not Kiev, is the capital and most populous city of Ukraine. Located in the north-central part of the country, it straddles both banks of the Dniepro River. As of January 2022, the population of Kyiv was 2,952,301, making it the seventh-most populous city in Europe.

The city's name is said to derive from the name of Kyi, one of its four legendary founders, the others being brothers Schek and Horyv and sister Lebed. One of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, it has passed through several stages of prominence and obscurity. It probably existed as a commercial centre as early as the 5th century. A Slavic settlement on the great trade route between Scandinavia and Constantinople, it was a Khazar tributary until its capture by the Varangians (Vikings) in the mid-9th century. Under Varangian rule, the city became the capital of Kyivan Rus, the first East Slavic state. Christianization of Kyivan Rus occurred in 988 CE, when Prince Volodymyr the Great made Eastern Orthodox Christianity the state religion. During the Siege of Kyiv (1240) by the Mongols, Kyiv was left in ruins. The Mongol invasions fractured Kievan Rus.

In contrast, Moscow is only 879 years old. You can't steal our history, Russia, and you didn't wipe out our culture or language. Slava Ukraini. The name Ukraine (Україна) broadly translates to "our country" or "homeland" in modern Ukrainian. Get out, Russia. 

The Ems Ukaz

 Ukrainian World Congress - Свiтовий Конґрес Українців

150 years ago, in 1876, the Russian imperial authorities issued the so-called Ems Ukaz — a secret and deliberately repressive decree aimed at systematically suppressing the Ukrainian language, culture, and any expressions of national identity.

It was one of the harshest tools of imperial policy, designed to push the Ukrainian language out of education, science, and public life. The decree broadly banned the printing and import of Ukrainian books, as well as theatre performances, concerts, public readings, and the wider use of the Ukrainian language.

In practice, it targeted the entire cultural infrastructure — from school textbooks to artistic life — attempting to make Ukrainian invisible and unwelcome. Did it succeed? We can clearly see the answer today.

150 years later, the Ukrainian language is not only alive. Millions speak it around the world. It is taught in hundreds of Saturday schools abroad, and increasingly studied by non-Ukrainians as well. The Ems Ukaz became a historic reminder: the Ukrainian language and identity cannot be erased.

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150 років тому цього дня, у 1876, російська імперська влада підписала так званий Емський указ — таємне й підступне розпорядження, спрямоване на системне придушення української мови, культури та будь-яких проявів національного життя.

Це був один із найжорсткіших інструментів імперської політики, спрямованої на те, щоб витіснити українське слово з освіти, науки й публічного простору. Указ масовано забороняв друк і ввезення українських книжок, театральні постановки, концерти, публічні читання та будь-яке широке використання української мови.

Фактично під удар потрапила вся культурна інфраструктура — від шкільних підручників до мистецьких подій. Українське слово намагалися зробити «невидимим» і «небажаним». Чи вдалося? Відповідь бачимо на власні очі.

Сьогодні, 150 років потому, українська мова не просто існує. Нею говорять мільйони у світі, її вивчають у сотнях суботніх шкіл за кордоном і дедалі частіше — іноземці. Емський указ став історичним нагадуванням: українську мову й ідентичність неможливо стерти.

Moscow's parade not so grand this year

 

Brew for Ukraine

Brew for Ukraine is a global brewing collaboration initiated by Pravda Brewery in Lviv, Ukraine, inviting brewers worldwide to produce their beer recipes to raise humanitarian funds. Launched after Pravda paused production to support the war effort, the project features beers such as "Putin Huylo" and "Red Eyes," with proceeds supporting humanitarian relief for refugees and victims of the conflict. 

Pravda Syla (“Sila”) is a Belgian Strong Ale from Ukraine, boasting an impressive 8% ABV. “Syla” means “strength”—a fitting name for this powerful beer. In the glass, it displays a golden to amber hue, is opaque, and crowned with an elegant, finely pored head. The aroma is subtle: light fruit notes, accompanied by a hint of alcohol, create a pungent yet intriguing impression. The taste is smooth, full-bodied, and sweet, with delicate fruit notes. The dry finish emphasises the alcohol but remains pleasant.

Pravda Brewery opened its recipe books and shared branding for multiple beers, including Red Eyes (American Red Ale) and Putin Huylo (Dry-Hopped Strong Ale).

Breweries worldwide, such as Loose Cannon Brewery and Oxbow Brewing Company, have participated by donating profits to vetted Ukrainian relief funds and humanitarian efforts.

Over 400 breweries have joined this initiative to support Ukrainian refugees and defenders, using the #BrewForUkraine movement to provide practical, financial aid.

The initiative started after Pravda Brewery's efforts to pivot from brewing to producing Molotov cocktails gained international attention. 

Beer Culture Centre

BREW FOR UKRAINE

Beer is more than just a beverage. It is a dynamic cultural force with the power to bring people together and the ability to influence change. 

In mid March, the Chicago Brewseum's Alison Orton had the unique opportunity to speak with Yurii Zastavnyi, owner of the Pravda Brewery and Beer Theatre in L'viv, Ukraine. The Pravda Brewery gained widespread internet fame for switching from brewing beer to producing Molotov cocktails as Russia invaded Ukraine. But they are doing so much more.  Over the last few weeks, Yurii and his colleagues have fed thousands of refugees and have helped orphaned children and disabled people trying to flee the invasion. Former Pravda head brewer, Cory McGuinness, has organised a GoFundMe page to support those efforts.

In this special 30-minute interview, Yurii describes the situation in L’viv and Ukrainian resistance to the Russians. He also explains why he and his colleagues decided to stop brewing beer and start producing Molotov cocktails.

#StandWithUkraine

For more information on participating or donating, visit their Facebook group or official affiliated pages.