Book Presentation in Hostomel: “To Survive in Hostomel: 21 Stories from a Hero City”
On July 24, 2026, at 16:00, the Culture and Leisure Complex in Hostomel will host the first presentation of the book by journalist and radio host Kseniia Dvornikova, “To Survive in Hostomel: 21 Stories from a Hero City.” Hostomel itself became the site of the author’s first meeting with readers, since the history of this town formed the basis of the book. The book was published by Folio in the “Frontyr” series.
What the Book Is About
The book brings together the testimonies of Hostomel residents who survived the Russian occupation in February–March 2022. These are stories about the days when the town became one of the symbols of resistance to Russian aggression, about human losses, mutual aid, the choices people had to make every day, and the strength of those who managed to endure.
“This book is not about the war as a chronology of events. These are the stories of people who found themselves at the center of the battles for Hostomel, for Kyiv, under Russian occupation in the first days of the full-scale invasion. I wanted their voices to remain not only in memory, but also on paper,” says Kseniia Dvornikova.
Who Will Share Their Stories
The book includes 21 stories of Hostomel residents and the surrounding area, of service members who defended the town, and of rescuers who evacuated people from the combat zone. Instead of a traditional afterword, the author includes a 22nd interview about war crimes in Hostomel with an investigator from the National Police of Kyiv Oblast.
During the presentation, the author and the book’s protagonists will meet in one space and share their stories live. For many of them, this will be their first public conversation about their experience since the book’s release.
The event will be moderated by Kateryna Pavlenko, head of the Culture, Youth and Sports Department of the Hostomel Settlement Council.
Presentation Program
- conversation with the author about the making of the book
- dialogue with the book’s protagonists
- Q&A with guests
- autograph session
During the presentation, everyone interested will be able to purchase the book at a special price.
About the Author
Kseniia Dvornikova is a journalist, a host on Ukrainian Radio, and head of the communications department at the Pylyp Orlyk Foundation. In 2022, as part of the team of the National Museum of the Revolution of Dignity, following the de-occupation of Hostomel, she helped collect exhibits documenting the Russian occupation.
Details and Contacts
Date of presentation: July 24, 2026
Start time: 16:00
Venue: Kyiv Oblast, Hostomel, 81-B Sviato-Pokrovska St. (Culture and Leisure Complex)
Admission is free.
We invite media representatives, community residents, educators, librarians, volunteers, service members, and everyone who wishes to hear firsthand testimony about the occupation of Hostomel, to support Ukrainian documentary work, and to help preserve the memory of those who lived through the war.
For additional media inquiries: +38 097 602 34 22.
Facebook: vizhitivgostomeli
