As you may know either from my previous post Using Google Maps in the wartime or from the news, the key map functions were suspended in Ukraine due to the full-scale invasion in 2022: reviews, edits, and adding new places. And personally, I missed them strongly, so continued reviewing just for myself.
Earlier this year, we got back the possibility to post reviews and then make edits. However, adding places was still unavailable both for Local Guides and business owners. That meant Maps were seriously outdated, which had a negative influence both on map users and business owners. Since February 2022, numerous businesses have closed, others have relocated to safer areas, and plenty have opened all over Ukraine. Moreover, around 5 million people have been displaced due to the hostilities and need to find their way around in new locations. So, you can imagine the scale of the impact.
A few months before, I tried adding new places to help them become more visible but all was in vain.
And the recent glorious news was that adding places was becoming available again. My first attempt some time ago was rejected. Yet this week, I’ve already added 6 local businesses successfully, and they are displayed on the Maps. So, I simply want to celebrate the resumption of the key map features with the Connect community. And then continue my mission of supporting local businesses who dare provide services and goods despite all the obstacles in the war-torn country.
Hi @YuliiaZa I hope Ukraine, which is a wonderful country with its history and places, will return to its former state as soon as possible. We dream of having a party there as soon as possible with many of my Ukrainian friends in my country. We hope to see the vibrant and beautiful Ukraine on the maps again as soon as possible.
Now both edits and new places are approved and it’s fast. I’ve got only one new POI pending. In this case, I’m blaming it on the abundance of chemist’s shops in the area - literally almost side by side, which is confusing indeed.
Thanks for the remark about pharmacies @MortenCopenhagen . In fact, I’ve definitely added some pharmacies in Ukraine. I can see at least one approved but it was back in 2020. So, the restriction might have spread later in Ukraine.
So wonderful to hear that the use of Google Maps has resumed @YuliiaZa . Love to hear how in spite of all the hard times, you are generously helping out local businesses on Google Maps.
Love to hear how in spite of all the hard times, you are generously helping out local businesses on Google Maps. 
