Save Pets of Ukraine by Kormotech Supports Film on Animals in War, Featuring Sean Penn and Imagine Dragons

The Kormotech's initiative Save Pets of Ukraine became one of the film’s key partners. Launched in the early days of the full-scale invasion, it operates under the umbrella of the international U-Hearts Foundation, founded by the company in 2022 to coordinate global support for animal shelters, volunteers, and rescue teams across Ukraine.

Animals in War is a collection of short films, most of which are based on true events. Each story centers on the tragedy of animals whose lives have been changed by war. The anthology encompasses various genres and narrative styles, all united by a common theme — compassion.

The project was developed over two years by around 500 Ukrainian and international filmmakers. The film was produced by Oleg Kokhan and Oleksiy Makukhin, while the opening episode was directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Myroslav Slaboshpytskyi, whose film The Tribe was showcased at more than 100 film festivals worldwide. The emotional depth is further heightened by a brand-new, original song from Imagine Dragons, long-time supporters of Ukraine.

“The way a nation treats animals is a clear marker of its level of civilization, and the test of humanity that we face daily reveals our values just as much as military victories,” says Animals in War creator and producer Oleg Kokhan. “Our collaboration with Save Pets of Ukraine and Kormotech is a vivid example of how socially responsible business and the arts can work together effectively to amplify these urgent topics and resonate with audiences around the world.”

According to estimates by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food Of Ukraine, only in 2022 around 6 million domestic animals died that year. In frontline and occupied regions, animals are forced to survive under conditions of hunger, stress, and constant danger. They lose their homes and the people who cared for them, ending up on the streets or in shelters.

According to a study by Save Pets of Ukraine and Kormotech, conducted in 2023, the number of animals in shelters and under the care of animal welfare volunteers has surged since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion: by 20–30% in areas away from the front lines, by 60% among volunteers, and by 100% or more in frontline shelters. In 2023 alone, nearly 26,000 dogs and 20,000 cats in Ukraine were under the care of shelters and volunteers — and those numbers continue to rise.

Another devastating consequence of the war in Ukraine has been the destruction of ecosystems: mined forests, polluted water bodies, and ravaged nature reserves are depriving animals of their natural habitats — and often, of any chance of survival. Animals in War portrays war as both a humanitarian and ecological disaster, one that knows no borders and is relevant to the entire world. The creators convey this not through scenes of combat, but through the silent suffering of animals caught in a human conflict.

“Animals in War draws attention to a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of war — its impact on the environment and animal life," says Rostyslav Vovk, CEO and Co-founder of Kormotech. “For us, supporting the creation of Animals in War is a natural extension of our mission as a pet food producer: to foster a responsible attitude toward animals and to make their lives better.”

Save Pets of Ukraine has funded the rescue of animals from frontline regions and delivered 1,900 tons of food to shelters and volunteers caring for cats and dogs saved from combat zones. The organization has also helped find new homes for over 2,000 animals left without care due to the war and facilitated more than 21,000 vaccinations.

As part of the Animals in War release, Save Pets of Ukraine is launching the campaign "We save animals — animals save us." This charitable initiative will raise funds for the U-Hearts Foundation to support animals in Ukraine. A QR code linking to the fundraiser appears in the anthology’s end credits, allowing every viewer to contribute.