Applications Open for the Annual “Spivprostir” Journalism Competition

The competition is organized by U-Hearts (formerly Save Pets of Ukraine), an initiative that helps shelters and volunteers improve the lives of animals more effectively. The event is supported by Kormotech, a producer of food for cats and dogs, and the NGO Internews Ukraine.

Applications are open until December 1 via this registration form. 

U-Hearts believes “Spivprostir” brings people together around an issue that deserves more attention: the lives of animals during wartime.

“Since the full-scale invasion, we’ve witnessed how closely intertwined the fates of people and their pets have become. They evacuate together, lose homes together, and start over together. The stories that emerge from this competition will shed light on this invisible struggle — and support those still risking everything to rescue animals in the harshest conditions,” says Iryna Lozova, Senior CSR Manager at Kormotech and U-Hearts social project expert.

“This contest gives us more than just a way to document the truth — it’s a tool for building a more compassionate world for both people and animals, based on empathy and respect. We believe the voices in these stories will help shape a future Ukraine — one that’s more responsible, caring, and resilient.”

Responsible pet care has become more urgent during the war — from treatment and rehabilitation to rehoming strays and shelter animals. That’s why Kormotech has made animal welfare a core pillar of its business strategy.

“Humanity isn’t selective. How we treat animals today reflects how we’ll treat each other tomorrow. At Kormotech, this is a cornerstone principle. We don’t just feed — we nurture a culture of care,” says Alina Smyshlyak-Boroda, Chief Reputation Officer at Kormotech.

“This competition is a chance to spotlight hopeful, heartfelt stories through the media — and to highlight practical solutions that support those who’ve always been there for our pets,” adds Dmytro Zinchuk, Project Lead at Internews Ukraine.

Competition Details:

Entries must be published between October 6 and December 1, 2025, in print, on official media websites, or aired on TV/radio. Social media posts alone are not eligible unless they also appear on official media accounts or platforms, such as YouTube.

Each entry must include this mandatory phrase at the beginning or end:
“This material was created as part of the ‘Spivprostir’ competition, supported by U-Hearts Ukraine and Kormotech.”
Submissions without this disclaimer will not be considered.

To participate:

• Publish a piece on one of the proposed topics within the competition period.
• Fill out the registration form and upload your article or include a link to the publication.

Submission deadline: December 1, 2025

Awards:

• Grand Prix — UAH 30,000
• First Prize — UAH 25,000
• Second Prize — UAH 20,000
• Third Prize — UAH 15,000
• Special Mention — UAH 10,000

The awards ceremony will take place in late December 2025. Details to follow.

Topics for submission:

1. Animals in Culture and Society

• Symbols of resilience: from memes and art to animal heroes
• Animals in the media: influencers and cultural narratives 

2. Humans and Animals at War

• Shared survival: families evacuating with pets
• Shelters under fire: frontline rescue stories
• Evacuating animals: logistics, solidarity, and friendship

4. Psychology and Therapy

• Four-legged partners in recovery: mental health, PTSD, trauma healing
• Everyday therapy: emotional support during collective trauma

5. Law and Policy

• Legal protections for animals: gaps and progress in Ukrainian law
• Animal diplomacy: how rescue stories shape Ukraine’s image abroad

6. New Beginnings and Global Connections

• Second chances: international adoptions and new homes for Ukrainian pets
• Life-changing bonds: how Ukrainian pets transform lives in Europe and the U.S.

7. Environment and the Future

• War and the ecosystem: habitat destruction and long-term consequences
• Innovation for animals: wartime startups and pet tech

Organized by:
U-Hearts Ukraine (EDRPOU 45387375)
Legal address: 79026, Ukraine, Lviv, 4a Lukasha St., apt. 4

General Partner:
Kormotech LLC (EDRPOU 32673400)
Legal address: 81062, Ukraine, Lviv region, Yavoriv district, Prylybychi village

Information Partner:
Internews Ukraine (EDRPOU 23731143)
Legal address: 04112, Kyiv, 15 Rizka St.

Contacts:

Valeriia Volyk, Communications Manager, U-Hearts Foundation
📞 +38(063)9859287
📧 [email protected]

Anastasiia Stolyar, Communications Manager, Kormotech
📞 +38(096)4184102
📧 [email protected]