September 27, 2025
On 25 September, an event that brought together hundreds of people took place in Lviv, in the Metropolitan Gardens — the National Project ‘Faces of Independence.’ It was an evening of gratitude, honour and unity, organised by the KAVA Charitable Foundation and the PIEMONT media platform with the support of Lviv Regional Military Administration.
The evening event, entitled ‘Faces of Independence,’ began with the national anthem performed by military orchestra and a moment of silence in honour of the heroes who gave their lives for freedom. On this day, soldiers, medics, volunteers, educators, entrepreneurs, artists, clergy — those who carry Ukraine on their shoulders every day — were honoured. A special issue of PIEMONT magazine dedicated to the project became a significant symbol of the evening — a kind of chronicle of our time, recording the stories of people who embody the strength and resilience of the nation. A charity auction was also held, during which UAH 735,000 were raised for the social project ‘Spiritual Victory.’
Among those honoured that evening was Rostyslav Melnyk, CEO of RIEL, recognized as one of the key figures behind the project, who received a medal for his significant contributions to volunteer work and philanthropic initiatives. ‘The Faces of Independence is not an award in the traditional sense, but a symbolic recognition of real people who are shaping freedom today and will determine the future of Ukraine,’ the organisers emphasised.
Rostyslav Melnyk, founder of the charitable foundation, has consistently supported the army, healthcare, and society. Through his initiatives, over 10,000 pieces of equipment and supplies have been donated, and more than UAH 238,000,000 has been raised for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. A notable example of his philanthropy is the organisation of charity raffles, where the main prizes included five apartments from RIEL. This innovative format raised hundreds of millions of hryvnias for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and demonstrated a successful integration of business and volunteering. With the support of medical institutions, more than 5,900 individuals have undergone rehabilitation following injuries, serious trauma, and strokes. Another key focus of Melnyk’s work is the development of sports: he has long supported the Ukrainian Tennis Federation, promotes children’s and youth tennis, and continues to organise tournaments even during wartime.
It is a great honour for RIEL that its leader has been awarded the ‘Face of Independence.’ This recognition affirms that the company’s strategy of combining business, social responsibility, and support for the country delivers tangible results and resonates strongly in society.
