Budanov wore a unique shirt featuring images of a cat, a frog, and an owl
Kirill Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, tried on a special embroidered shirt that Ukrainian children had made for him by hand.
This was reported by Kirill Budanov’s fan community on Facebook.
The unique garment for the head of the intelligence agency was created as part of a large-scale art project called “Vyshyvanka for a Hero.” The shirt’s design combines deep Cossack, national, and spiritual values of the Ukrainian people.
The artisans and creators of the idea also added original geometric figures of a cat, a frog, and an owl to the fabric, symbolizing vigilance, keen intuition, and keen observation. These images are very close to Kirill Oleksiyovych’s heart, as the famous cat Günter and the popular frog are permanent residents of the GUR chief’s office. For a long time, these animals have served as living talismans for Ukrainian military intelligence officers.
In Ukraine, a new annual initiative is being launched to mark World Vyshyvanka Day—the “Embroidered Ribbon of Remembrance” campaign, dedicated to honoring the memory of fallen Ukrainian defenders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with First Lady Olena Zelenska, addressed the public with a greeting on the occasion of Vyshyvanka Day, which is traditionally celebrated on the third Thursday of May.
In honor of Vyshyvanka Day, Ukrainian artisan Nadiya Vakulenko shared details about the creation of traditional wedding towels in Reshetylivka. She explained how authentic towels are made, the differences between machine and hand embroidery, and the price differences: machine-made items cost around 10,000 hryvnias, while hand-made ones can reach 30,000–35,000.
On May 21 in Kyiv, in honor of Vyshyvanka Day, the mini-sculptures of the city’s founders—Kyiv, Shchek, Khoriv, and Lybid—were updated. The bronze figures on Poshtova Square were adorned with vyshyvankas from various regions of Ukraine. Sculptor Volodymyr Zhuravel also spoke about upcoming updates to these art installations.
The men and women of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine released a festive message on the occasion of Vyshyvanka Day.
