Odessa, May 11th, 2022

Valmax Digital is a professional and enthusiastic digital agency based in Ukraine. From branding and design concepts to final production and release, it’s staff members carry out projects from start to end and bring the wow factor to its customers. The agency works with local and foreign clients and offers a wide array of services.

For everyone at Valmax, the last few months have been largely disrupted on a personal and professional level due to Russia’s Ukraine invasion. In an interview with TIA, Vladyslav Bahatskyi, CEO of Valmax Digital, gave his own impressions of the conflict and described what’s it like to be working amid bombs and troops walking on the streets.

To kick things off please can you tell us, how is your family, friends and colleagues?

They are doing well in general. Our team has moved to a safe place to stay and proceed to work on projects. My family is also staying in a safe place. Some of my friends have joined the army and are defending the country now. Also, our team and my family are taking part in helping our army and humanitarian help.

From your personal standpoint, why does Russia care so much about Ukraine?

I think because it stuck in their mind that we are still one country like it was in USSR and wanted to resume that. But it’s absolutely not true and we are different people in mentality and future vision.

Was it possible to predict this turn of events just a year ago?

I think it could be predicted eight years ago when Russia occupied Crimea. If at the time, the world had stopped them, they wouldn’t have done it again. But it was allowed to them and they felt they could do it again. Also, they were allowed to send their troops and machines to occupied territory by fake separatists that are actually Russian troops.

What more can civil society groups do to increase awareness at this moment?

They can share information on social media, talk about that, and make protests. Not only among Ukrainian people but also all the World. The governments of EU countries listen to EU citizens – they need to act to push their governments to action, to stop Russia.

How are you dealing with this crisis at Valmax Digital?

We have focused completely on the foreign markets. Thankfully, we already had 50% of clients from other countries. But now we are looking for new projects internationally and can work remotely. Also, we made partnerships with other companies to work on common projects and are open to new partnerships as well, with digital agencies, web studios, or any other companies.

What unique challenges do creative agencies have at this moment?

I am in contact with friends’ agencies and partner agencies. The greatest problem that agencies have is lack of projects, especially agencies who had focused on the local market. Also, in the beginning, there were problems with team members that were staying close to occupied territory or in it. But as far as I know, most agencies have evacuated their teams to safe regions.

How would you describe the creative industry in Odesa compared to other major cities?

We have a lot of talented specialists in the creative industry and the city itself push it to be such since it has a creative atmosphere, beautiful places, and people. Odesa is among the top cities regarding creative industries.

In confronting an issue as disturbing as war, what gives you hope?

Believing in people, that makes a great defense. Also, the hope to be together with family and friends.

How can our global interactive community help the people of Ukraine during this crisis?

Just simply – work with Ukrainians. Today, a lot of companies in different industries are not able to work during the war. But creative agencies, as well as web, design, or digital studios are able to work remotely and they are drivers of Ukraine’s economy that need help at the moment. Give the opportunity to work and earn – all that will help the economy. We have an economical frontline as well that needs help.

Thanks Vladyslav!

• Learn more about Valmax Digital at http://valmax.com.ua/
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