KyivPride apologizes, reschedules its controversial Queer Propaganda Fest
Source: KyivPride
KyivPride organizers said on Friday they will be moving their “Queer Propaganda Fest” event to a later date after it was found the event can coincide with Holodomor Remembrance Day events scheduled for November 25.
Planned for November 23–24, “Queer Propaganda Fest” faced backlash over what many called out as a tone-deaf idea, it even made KyivPride issue an official apology.
“We regret that some perceived the festival as disrespectful to the Ukrainian tragedy. The event’s goal was purely educational and charitable. Yes, we acknowledge the mistake and sincerely apologize,” said the organization.
The story generated a strong public reaction. KyivPride admitted they had failed to check the calendar. Many were angered as it was initially reluctant about rescheduling the event.
Its apology also got mixed response. Some commentators on social media supported KyivPride for owning up to the mistake while others doubted their apologetic statement was earnest.
On October 6, the Administrative Cassation Court within the Supreme Court of Ukraine continued hearing case No. 990/80/25, in which the fifth President and leader of the party “European Solidarity”, Petro Poroshenko, seeks to have Presidential Decree No. 81/2025 from February 12, 2025 — enacting sanctions by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) — declared illegal and annulled. The plaintiff claims the document was falsified and that the sanctions are a tool of political persecution of the opposition, contrary to international norms. Government representatives deny the allegations and insist their actions were lawful. Journalists of Bukvy were present at the hearing.
Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group has completed the construction of an upgraded underground NATO Role 2 hospital in one of the hottest sectors of the frontline. This is the second stabilization point established under the Steel Front initiative in cooperation with the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new facility, funded by Metinvest with an investment of UAH 21 million, is more secure than the first one thanks to its deeper location underground (over 6 meters) and additional fortifications.
Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.
A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.
To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).