News/Events

The Ukrainian flag became the central symbol of the project, embodying the freedom of the Ukrainian people.

The choice of location was no coincidence: for more than six decades, Hotel Ukraine has been one of Kyiv’s most recognizable landmarks and a witness to key events in Ukraine’s modern history.

The project was implemented by MK Foundation, a charitable foundation established by Ukrainian entrepreneur Maksym Krippa, transforming the hotel façade into a monumental canvas for one of the country’s main national symbols.

“Above all, this project is a tribute to the Heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine’s independence and a symbol of support for everyone who is defending the country today,” Maksym Krippa emphasized.

The blue-and-yellow light projection covered the entire façade of the hotel and was visible far beyond the city center.

Actresses Iryna Kudashova, Natalka Denysenko and Kseniia Vertynska, singers Khrystyna Soloviy, Natalka Karpa, Helia Zozulia and Miata, performers Shugar, Laud and Vadym Oliinyk, members of Kalush Orchestra, and other Ukrainian artists joined the festive Independence Day message.

One of the most emotional messages came from Khrystyna Soloviy. The singer emphasized that for Ukrainians, independence is not merely a historical date, but the right to remain true to themselves and to defend their freedom every day:

“Independence is not something that was simply given to us once. It is the right to be ourselves — a right Ukrainians continue to fight for again and again. To speak our own language freely, to sing our songs sincerely, to remember our history, and not to ask anyone for permission to decide who we are.”

Soloviy also reminded everyone of those thanks to whom Ukraine continues its struggle for freedom.

“Our independence has the names of those who defend it. That is why the best way to show our gratitude is to support our Armed Forces. I want a Ukraine that does not look back to see whether it is liked enough by others. A Ukraine that knows its own worth.”

The singer concluded her message by wishing Ukrainians to stay united: “Happy 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence! Let us hold on to one another tightly!”

Members of Kalush Orchestra also joined the greetings. Above all, the musicians wished Ukrainians victory and the earliest possible end to the war:

“We congratulate ourselves, you, all people, our entire nation, on Independence Day. We wish everyone good health, that everything goes well for everyone, and most importantly, we wish for our victory to come as soon as possible. Glory to Ukraine.”

KylymMen of Kalush Orchestra recorded a separate message to Ukrainian service members. With Maidan Nezalezhnosti in the background, he thanked the Defense Forces for giving Ukrainians the opportunity to continue living, working and celebrating important dates for the country.

“Thank you to our Armed Forces for protecting this beauty. Thank you to everyone who helps and supports the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” the artist said.

Natalka Denysenko emphasized the strength of the Ukrainian nation in her message:

“Today, I want us to remember how strong our nation is and how valuable our Ukrainian identity and independence are.”

Shugar wished the country peace and rapid development in all areas for many years to come:

“Thirty-five years is only the beginning in the development of such an incredible country. I wish all of us calm and peace, and I hope that culture, the economy and other sectors continue to grow. I want the whole world, which already knows how great we are, to admire us even more and want to be friends with us — while we can say, ‘Wait, we can manage on our own.’ Congratulations to everyone who contributes to the development of our country.”

“Ukraine, I love you for the feeling of home, for morning coffee in my own city, for the Ukrainian song that you sing with your soul,” singer Miata added.

The location chosen for recording the greetings was no coincidence. Hotel Ukraine is one of Kyiv’s most recognizable buildings. The 66-metre-high landmark is located on the Alley of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes, and its upper floors offer panoramic views of Khreshchatyk and Maidan Nezalezhnosti — the heart of Kyiv and one of the key locations in Ukraine’s modern history.

For the hotel, which is itself an integral part of Kyiv’s architectural identity, the project became a symbolic way to join in celebrating one of Ukraine’s most important national holidays.

The centerpiece of the fan zone was the Major Counter-Strike trophy won by NAVI in 2024, once again placing Ukraine firmly on the map of global esports history.

The event brought together NAVI fans, hotel guests, and everyone wishing to experience a part of one of Ukraine’s most remarkable victories on the international stage.

“NAVI has long gone beyond esports. It is a Ukrainian brand that has gained worldwide recognition and demonstrated that Ukrainian teams can be the best in their field. The Major 2024 trophy is one of the symbols of this journey. It was important to me that people in Kyiv — not only NAVI fans, but everyone who wants to connect with the history of Ukrainian victories on the global stage — had the opportunity to see it,” Maksym Krippa emphasized.

Several wooden panels in the center of the capital are being painted by young Ukrainian teenage girls. They are creating custom artworks right on the plywood that currently replaces the building's shattered windows.

Among the first works are vibrant compositions in the Petrykivka painting style, created by 13-year-old Liubava Malitska. The girl says she has been drawing since early childhood. At first, she drew people and animals, but later she became most fascinated by floral arrangements.

"I have been drawing since childhood. I started painting flowers later when I joined the 'Dyvotsvit' art club. That was when I truly fell in love with painting flowers," says Liubava.

She discovered the Petrykivka painting technique by chance while looking for a workshop to refine her skills. According to her, she was later captivated by the characteristic color transitions and the overall aesthetics of this traditional Ukrainian art form.

Liubava created the sketches for her works entirely on her own, only occasionally looking through online examples for extra inspiration. One painting is executed in cool shades, while the other is in warm tones. The format itself was also unusual for the artist: instead of canvas or paper, she had to paint on large wooden panels.

"The main thing is to be very careful, because the paint doesn't dry in ten minutes—it takes almost a full day," the girl explains.

Despite her modesty, Liubava admits she is proud of the result, though a bit shy about the thought that thousands of people in the center of Kyiv will see her drawings.

It is known that following the attack on May 24, the "Ukraine" and "Dnipro" hotels suffered significant damage. The blast wave damaged the facades, interior premises, and dozens of window and balcony units. Both properties are part of the ARS Capital holding, owned by Ukrainian businessman Maksym Krippa.

"These drawings have become much more to us than just decoration for damaged windows. They show that even amid destruction, there is always room for art, beauty, and hope. We will preserve these works for history, as they have become a symbol of Kyiv's resilience and a reminder of how Ukrainians find the strength to create even in the hardest of times," noted Maksym Krippa, founder of the ARS Capital holding.

While the restoration of the building continues, the children's drawings are gradually transforming the look of the damaged facade. Where traces of destruction remained just recently, flowers, ornaments, and vivid colors are now appearing today.

In May 2026, Hotel Ukraina had the honor of hosting participants and representatives of the Professional Sambo League of Ukraine. It was a great pleasure for our team to contribute to the organization of this event and provide comfortable accommodation and services for athletes, coaches, and guests.

We are always proud to support initiatives aimed at developing Ukrainian sports and to contribute to events that bring professionals together, promote a healthy lifestyle, and strengthen the country’s sporting community.

As a result of this cooperation, Hotel Ukraina was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for its contribution to the development of sports in Ukraine. This recognition is a valuable confirmation of our partners’ trust and appreciation of our team’s work.

We sincerely thank the Professional Sambo League of Ukraine for the cooperation and the opportunity to be part of this important sporting event. We highly value this partnership and believe that, together, we can continue supporting the development of Ukrainian sports and contribute to future achievements.

Hotel Ukraina remains open to hosting sporting, business, and cultural events, providing a high standard of service and hospitality for every guest.

Over the course of three days, the Congress brought together delegates from 90 student self-government bodies and 15 public organizations representing all regions of Ukraine. The event served as a platform for strategic dialogue between students, government officials, and business representatives on the future of Ukrainian education, youth leadership development, and the role of students in shaping the country’s future.

On July 25, participants gathered at the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine to discuss educational reforms and the transformation of higher education during wartime. On July 26, the program continued at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War, where discussions focused on cooperation between students and business, featuring representatives of leading Ukrainian companies. On July 27, the Congress concluded at the Saint Sophia of Kyiv National Conservation Area with the election of a new Executive Board of the Ukrainian Student League.

A special highlight of the Congress was a meeting with the third President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, who held an open Q&A session on the role of students in the development of the Ukrainian state.

As a result of the Congress, a new Executive Board of the Ukrainian Student League was elected, a new version of the organization’s Charter was approved, new partnerships with government institutions and businesses were established, and a foundation for ongoing dialogue between students, the public sector, and private companies was strengthened.

We sincerely thank the Ukrainian Student League for its trust and for the opportunity to be part of this important event. It was a great honor for the Hotel Ukraina team to host the Congress participants from July 25 to 27 and provide comfortable accommodation during their stay in Kyiv.

Hotel Ukraina is proud to have served as a welcoming home for young leaders who are already shaping the future of Ukraine. We wish the Ukrainian Student League continued success, ambitious projects, and further growth for the benefit of students across the country.

Hotel Ukraine recently hosted a special gastronomic event organized by the “Wines of the World” project. The evening brought together wine enthusiasts, gourmets, and lovers of European culture for an unforgettable Mediterranean-inspired experience.

During the tasting, guests explored the wine traditions of Italy, Spain, and Portugal under the guidance of sommelier Valerii Yavorskyi. Each wine reflected the unique character of its country, while an exclusive gastronomic menu created by Viktor Fialkovskyi, Vice President of the Association of Chefs of Ukraine, perfectly complemented the tasting experience.

A special highlight of the evening was an interactive master class led by nutrition expert Liudmyla Moskalenko. Through movement, dance, and emotions, participants experienced the spirit of each country: Spanish passion, Italian lightness, and Portuguese depth.

The event also featured a fashion presentation and a display of antique jewelry, adding elegance and sophistication to the evening. Guests received gifts from the event partners, while a professional photographer captured the most memorable moments of the celebration.

Hotel Ukraine sincerely thanks the “Wines of the World” team, partners, and guests for creating such a warm atmosphere and unforgettable memories. We are proud to host events that bring together gastronomy, culture, art, and meaningful connections.

We look forward to welcoming you to future events at Hotel Ukraine.

Part of the official postcard introducing the performance of the Ukrainian band Leléka and their song Ridnym was filmed in one of the rooms of Hotel Ukraine in the heart of Kyiv. These atmospheric scenes became part of the act’s visual presentation, viewed by millions of Eurovision fans around the world.

Leléka’s performance was among the most memorable moments of the competition, showcasing contemporary Ukrainian music, culture, and identity on the international stage. The song Ridnym received strong audience support and was recognized as one of the standout performances of this year’s Eurovision.

For Hotel Ukraine, it is a great honor to be part of a project that represents Ukraine to a global audience. We are delighted that our hotel became one of the locations contributing to the story behind this remarkable performance and helped present the beauty of modern Kyiv to viewers worldwide.

We congratulate Leléka and the entire creative team behind the performance and wish them continued success, inspiration, and many new international achievements.

As a result of a massive Russian missile attack overnight into May 24, the "Ukraina" and "Dnipro" hotels in downtown Kyiv, both part of the ARS Capital holding, sustained damage. This information was confirmed by the company's press service.

According to preliminary data, the blast wave caused severe damage to the buildings: dozens of window and balcony units were blown out, facades were disfigured, and interior premises along with a part of the room capacity were damaged. In some areas, finishing elements collapsed, and ceilings, door structures, and utility systems were damaged. Glass shards and facade fragments scattered across the surrounding area, resulting in damage to guests' cars.

The holding noted that at the time of the attack, the staff and hotel guests followed safety regulations and promptly moved to the shelter, which prevented any casualties or injuries.

Immediately after the attack, an operational response headquarters was set up at the hotels. They conducted a check of the rooms and public areas and began clearing the aftermath of the shelling.

A detailed damage assessment is currently underway. According to preliminary information, the damage is substantial and will require the restoration of facade solutions, window structures, and certain interior spaces.

The holding also emphasized that despite another attack on the capital, the "Ukraina" hotel continues to operate in its routine mode as far as the security situation allows, and the team is doing everything possible to ensure the comfort and safety of the guests.

The inscription appeared over Maidan Nezalezhnosti — a place that has become a symbol of Ukrainian fortitude. Today, these words are about the infantrymen, thanks to whom Ukraine continues to stand; the front line rests precisely on the shoulders of the infantry.

“This installation is about the people thanks to whom we can live, work, and make plans today. The infantry is the foundation of the country's resilience. They are the ones who meet the enemy first and hold the line of defense. We at the MK Foundation joined this initiative as a sign of sincere gratitude and respect. Our duty is to be there, to help, and to always remember who keeps Ukraine standing,” commented Maxim Krippa, founder of the MK Foundation.

As a reminder, on May 6, as part of the national campaign “Ukraine stands because the infantry stands,” a series of events took place: the video “For the Infantry” was broadcast on Ukrainian TV channels; businesses, state institutions, and influencers shared the campaign slogan on social media; and Cultural Forces presented the musical album “Infantry Stands 2.0,” recorded by prominent military musicians, veterans, and civilian artists.