Odessa's "Hayivky" 3.0: Young People Underwent Military Training

"Odessa Haiivky 3.0"—a youth event held in honor of Ukrainian Navy Day, which brought together military personnel, youth leaders, civic activists, student government representatives, volunteers, artists, and anyone interested in the idea of open dialogue between society and the Navy.

The event took place in two stages. During the day, more than fifty participants underwent military training alongside service members from the Ukrainian Navy’s 801st Special Purpose Center. The young people learned about the Navy’s structure, modern equipment, and the operating principles of individual units, and took part in practical exercises. A panel discussion titled “Youth and the Navy” was also held. 

Participants in the discussion included:

• Ivan Yefanov — commander of a unit at the Ukrainian Navy’s 801st Special Purpose Center;
• Oleksiy Shangin — head of the recruitment section at the Ukrainian Navy Recruitment Center;
• Pavlo Khazov — officer of the Unmanned Systems Directorate of the Ukrainian Navy;
• Dmytro Ivanov — Chief Sergeant of the Unmanned Ground Systems Platoon, 36th Separate Marine Brigade;
• Bader Mohamed Blag Hamdi Ben — Senior Commander of a small armored artillery boat of the Ukrainian Navy.

The discussion was moderated by Maria Chiley, founder of the “Odesa Haiivky” project.

“We want Navy Day to be not just an official date on the calendar, but also a day for the military and young people to come together. It is through open dialogue, shared experiences, and interaction that trust is built. And trust between society and the Defense Forces is one of our country’s most important resources today,” emphasized Maria Chiley.

Following the panel discussion, guests were treated to an evening cultural program: a performance by the Ukrainian Navy Orchestra, concerts by the bands “Tantsy-Depresuy” and VCHASNO, and the event will conclude with a DJ set by ANML Fit.

“Odessa Haiivky 3.0” is organized by the Civil-Military Movement as part of the project “Raising Youth Awareness of Recruitment Processes and the Security Sector,” with the support of the Ukrainian Navy Recruitment Center and the Ukrainian Navy’s 801st Special Purpose Center. The Civil-Military Movement is a Ukrainian civil society organization and initiative founded by veterans and volunteers. It aims to support military personnel, protect their rights, strengthen social unity, and promote the concept of “defensive democracy.”

Кирило Бойко