To learn more about UAnimals’ mission and impact, we spoke with Olga Chevganiuk, Head of the Strategic Initiatives Department. In this interview, she shares insights into the organisation’s work, the challenges they face, and how support makes a difference.
I am Olga Chevganiuk, a civil activist advocating for animal rights in Ukraine. I have been working at UAnimals since 2018, holding various positions depending on the foundation’s needs at different times. Currently, I head the Strategic Initiatives Department at UAnimals.
One of my main areas of work is the #StopEcocideUkraine campaign, which aims to recognise Russia’s environmental crimes in Ukraine. I also lead advocacy efforts to bring systemic changes to Ukrainian legislation to improve animal rights.
By working with strategic partners, including donors, we strengthen the movement to save animals and nature from the consequences of war in Ukraine.
UAnimals is a Ukrainian humanitarian movement that protects animals from cruelty, changes social norms and implements systemic legislative solutions. The organisation was founded by Oleksandr Todorchuk in 2016, starting with a campaign against circuses that use animals. In 2018 UAnimals was officially registered as a non-profit organisation.
With the full-scale invasion, our activities have expanded significantly. Today, we focus on:
Currently, UAnimals involves dozens of employees and hundreds of volunteers in Ukraine and abroad. We are proud of our community, which continuously supports national parks and shelters and even participates in evacuation missions.
Over nine years, UAnimals has significantly expanded its influence and transformed the approach to animal protection in Ukraine. We started with campaigns against the exploitation of animals in circuses. Later, we extended our efforts to combat the use of animals in petting zoos, dolphinariums, fur farms and more. We actively organised animal rights marches and other actions.
With the full-scale war, UAnimals has become a humanitarian mission for animals: we evacuate, support shelters and provide veterinary assistance. We also launched the #StopEcocideUkraine campaign to draw global attention to Russia’s environmental crimes.
Among the key legislative changes, a law was passed strengthening criminal and administrative liability for animal cruelty. It also bans photo services with animals, keeping animals in extreme heat or cold in vehicles and permanently keeping them on chains.
Society has become more aware: every year, thousands of people join animal rights marches, and cases of animal cruelty receive significant public attention.
In February, we conducted training sessions for prosecutors and investigators in cooperation with the Prosecutor General’s Office, demonstrating the growing recognition of this issue by law enforcement agencies.
There have been negative changes due to the war. Russia has destroyed natural ecosystems, wiped out nature reserves and increased the number of stray animals.
The biggest challenge is the risks our evacuation and medical mission teams face while working in combat zones. Recently, a Russian drone hit one of our vehicles. Fortunately, both people and animals were unharmed. The Prosecutor’s Office has already opened a case, as this constitutes a war crime.
Another challenge is the gradual decline in international attention to the war in Ukraine. This affects both engagement in international events and funding. It is particularly difficult to find donors for institutional activities. It is often hard to explain that behind every project are people who need resources to implement it.
We need support on several levels:
Yes, we are sincerely grateful to Pwrteams for your support and love for animals. These funds were directed towards the work of our foundation’s rescue team, enabling us to continue our efforts in saving animals from the war.
You can make a meaningful impact by supporting UAnimals in their mission with your donation on their website:
At Pwrteams, giving back is more than a seasonal gesture – it’s a core part of who we are. Supporting organisations like UAnimals is just one way we strive to make a meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work.
We’re proud to stand alongside our employees and partners in this journey of generosity and social responsibility. Want to learn more about how we give back? Read about the initiatives we are supporting and how we’re making a difference together.