In Kyiv Region, Illegal Concert of Ukrainian Artists Suppressed During Days of Mourning
Law enforcement officials promptly halted an illegal mass event organized by Ukrainian musicians Yaktak and Ivan Navi in Sofiivska Borshchahivka on August 28.
This incident occurred amid national days of mourning for victims of enemy attacks, with the entire Kyiv region grieving.
The unauthorized concert was scheduled at the U-Kvartal residential complex and intended to raise charitable funds for a military hospital.
Despite noble aims, the organizers lacked necessary permits from regional military authorities, prompting swift police intervention.
Social media videos of the event quickly circulated, leading police officers to arrive on-site within 15 minutes and cease the event.
Administrative protocols were drawn up against the event organizer and the head of Borshchahivka settlement for violations.
The head of Kyiv region’s military administration, Mykola Kalashnik, expressed grave concern, emphasizing that holding festive events during days of national mourning is unacceptable.
He stressed that, during this period of grief, such celebrations are disrespectful and inappropriate.
Authorities thanked law enforcement for their quick response, which prevented further violations.
The incident sparked broad public discussion and reaffirmed that in Ukraine, mass events now require coordination with military authorities, depending on the region.
In Kyiv, approvals are obtained directly from the General Staff of the Armed Forces, while in other regions – from local military commands.
Meanwhile, in Lviv, poetry concerts by Lina Kostenko were canceled at her personal request, illustrating a shift in attitudes toward public gatherings during difficult times.
Concert organizers and performers remained silent publicly, but Yaktak postponed their scheduled concert on August 29 due to days of mourning.
This situation underscores the heightened control and enforcement of public safety rules amid war and social challenges, with stricter monitoring of mass gatherings across Ukraine.
It also follows recent events where Polish border authorities deported or blacklisted foreigners involved in disturbances at a concert of Belarusian rapper Max Korz in Warsaw, highlighting increased security measures during such incidents.