In a bold protest outside the Ministry of Health in Kyiv, FEMEN activist Alina Kovalchuk, who is battling stage two lymphoma, confronted Ukraine’s Ministry of Health. Kovalchuk protested topless, holding signs with messages such as “I’m Dying, and You’re Stealing!”, “Cancer of Conscience Epidemic,” and “Momento Mori, Yemets!” aimed at drawing attention to the country’s growing cancer crisis.

The demonstration was FEMEN’s unconventional way of expressing concern over the rise in cancer rates in Ukraine, a problem they link to the long-term effects of the Chernobyl disaster. Official statistics show that one in fifty Ukrainians is affected by cancer.

“An epidemic of cancer, compounded by chronic embezzlement and the pathological cynicism of medical officials, kills hundreds of Ukrainians every day. The lack of a state cancer program and insufficient funding for Ukrainian oncology centers are just empty words behind which the government hides a well-established corruption scheme enriching officials in white coats,” stated the FEMEN activists.

“I, along with hundreds of thousands of my fellow sufferers, have only one desire—to survive in this country no matter what,” said FEMEN activist Alina Kovalchuk.

This protest follows FEMEN’s recent anti-fascist demonstration in Kyiv, which nearly triggered a landslide. The group continues to use provocative methods to bring attention to critical issues in Ukraine.