UNITED24 has Launched Arina’s Story, an Innovative Immersive Documentary With Support From Microsoft and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine

Thousands of buildings have been destroyed or heavily damaged during the war, with reconstruction costs estimated by the World Bank to exceed $486 billion.

In response, UNITED24 has partnered with leading global and local technology companies to develop innovative tools that engage international donors in meaningful and impactful ways.

Central to the project is the story of Arina, an eight-year-old dancer from Irpin, whose life was upended by the war. Her hometown endured extensive destruction, forcing Arina to flee with her mother. Upon returning, they were met with the ruins of their community. Her story encapsulates the wider suffering of Ukrainian children and forms the emotional foundation of this deeply personal documentary.

Arina’s Story invites viewers into a child’s perspective through immersive technologies. Users are transported to a virtual reconstruction of the Irpin House of Culture — once a vibrant community hub, now a symbol of resilience. Within this digital space, Arina shares her dream of dancing on a grand stage, even as the war’s devastation looms around her. Audiences move seamlessly between the stark reality of war and the imaginative world of Arina’s dreams, expressed through the universal language of dance — a narrative that reflects the struggle between light and darkness.

Participants can explore a metaverse-based restoration of the Irpin House of Culture, which showcases Ukraine’s rich cultural legacy. Featured elements include traditional customs such as the Carol of the Bells and Malanka, alongside contemporary works by globally renowned artist Masha Reva, who recently illustrated a music videos for international pop icon Harry Styles.

The project sheds light on the experiences and aspirations of Ukrainian children living through war, while forging a global connection to Ukraine’s ongoing reconstruction efforts.

Microsoft played a crucial role in the project’s technical development, providing consultancy and support through its Azure cloud platform. The experience was built using Unreal Engine and is accessible via any web browser through Pixel Streaming — no app downloads or high-performance hardware required. Leveraging Microsoft Azure infrastructure, the platform ensures security, performance, and broad accessibility across devices.

“Our work with Ukraine shows what’s possible when innovation meets mission. We’re proud to be a trusted technology advisor. From secure infrastructure to immersive storytelling, Microsoft helped to enable a digital experience that drives real-world impact,” said Andy Pratt, CVP of Emerging Technologies at Microsoft.

Arina’s Story appeals to the inner child in every adult, evoking memories of hardship and the need for support during formative years. It calls on the international community to invest in Ukraine’s future by supporting UNITED24’s Education and Science program — a program dedicated to rebuilding schools and equipping Ukrainian students with safe and functional learning environments. Contributions support critical needs ranging from classroom restoration to the provision of bomb shelters and power generators.

“Thanks to the UNITED24 presidential platform and with the support of Microsoft, we are able to show the world the scale of destruction caused by Russia in Ukraine. Initiatives like this elevate fundraising — making it more effective and innovative, while drawing global attention back to Ukraine,” stated Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister for Innovations, Education, Science and Technology Development and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

This project is not only about physical reconstruction but also about rekindling dreams and inspiring a brighter future for Ukraine’s next generation.

As of 2025, 217 schools across Ukraine have been completely destroyed, and an additional 1,705 have sustained damage. At least 330 institutions urgently require protective shelters, without which students are unable to attend classes.

Earlier, Russian forces carried out a second airstrike on Kharkiv’s Shevchenkivskyi district within a single day, targeting civilian infrastructure. According to Ukrainian officials, the attack killed at least one person and left several others injured.

The strike damaged facilities belonging to the Kharkiv Small Southern Railway, also known as the children’s railway — a long-standing educational and recreational site for young residents.

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