Direction:

Tech

Dancing Through the Rubble: How Ukraine Is Using the Metaverse to Rebuild Dreams and Raise Funds

Publication date and time:

Jun 05, 2025, 16:05

Reading time:

3 min

Ukraine is redefining the future of fundraising by combining immersive storytelling, advanced cloud computing, and digital reconstruction in its latest initiative, Arina’s Story. Developed by UNITED24, the official fundraising platform of Ukraine launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and supported by Microsoft and the Ministry of Digital Transformation, this project leverages cutting-edge technology to connect global audiences with Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction efforts, particularly through the lens of its children.

Built with Unreal Engine and powered by Microsoft Azure, «Arina’s Story» is a high-fidelity, browser-based immersive experience. Thanks to Pixel Streaming, it runs entirely in the cloud — no downloads, no heavy hardware — delivering cinematic quality across all devices. Immersive tech that was once limited to high-end VR is now accessible to anyone with a browser.

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

A Child’s Perspective in a War-Torn World

At the heart of the experience is Arina, an eight-year-old dancer from Irpin, whose town was devastated by russia’s invasion. The interactive journey transports users into a digital reconstruction of the Irpin House of Culture, blending physical destruction with the rich inner world of a child who continues to dream of dancing on a global stage.

As visitors explore the ruins and navigate Arina’s story, they encounter key elements of Ukrainian cultural identity—from Malanka traditions and the «Carol of the Bells» to the visual artistry of Masha Reva, known internationally for her work with global artists like Harry Styles.

Thanks to 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 take fundraising to a new level — making it more effective, more technological, and helping bring global attention back to Ukraine

Education at the Center of Recovery

According to the latest figures:

• 217 schools in Ukraine have been completely destroyed
• 1,705 schools have been damaged
• At least 330 of them urgently require bomb shelters to operate safely

Arina’s Story supports UNITED24’s Education and Science program, which directs donations toward rebuilding safe and modern educational environments. Contributions help fund bomb shelters, power generators, and essential school supplies, ensuring students can learn despite the ongoing war.

The project encourages international donors to reflect on their childhood dreams and support Ukraine’s next generation in achieving them.

ABOUT UNITED24

UNITED24 was launched by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the main platform for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. More than $1,450,000,000 has been raised through donations from over 120 countries during more than 3 years of operation of the UNITED24 fundraising platform. UNITED24 ambassadors include singer and actress Barbra Streisand, actors Liev Schreiber, Mark Hamill, Mark Strong, Katheryn Winnick, Ivanna Sakhno. and Misha Collins, music band Imagine Dragons, Balenciaga art director Demna, film director Michel Hazanavicius, astronaut Scott Kelly, British adventurer Bear Grylls, historian Timothy Snyder, businessman Richard Branson, country singer Brad Paisley, philosopher and economist Francis Fukuyama, Chef José Andrés, Nobel laureates Paul Nurse, Edward Moser, and May-Britt Moser, as well as famous Ukrainian athletes, Andriy Shevchenko, Elina Svitolina, Oleksandr Usyk, and Oleksandr Zinchenko. https://u24.gov.ua/