Ukraine House in Denmark at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2023

Nataliia Popovych, international communications expert and activist, chairperson of Ukraine House in Denmark, and Solomiya Borshosh, executive director of the Ukrainian Institute, will advocate supporting Ukrainian culture as a key investment into European democracy. Their intervention is planned for 11:10 CET on the first day of the Summit, May15th. More details about the program and speakers of the Copenhagen Democracy Summit are here. Please note that the Summit is by invitation only. 

During the Summit Ukraine House in Denmark and Ukrainian Institute will introduce two projects devoted to Ukrainian culture which has been affected during the Russian full scale invasion of Ukraine.   

Postcards from Ukraine

The project “Postcards from Ukraine” aims to record and demonstrate the damage caused to the Ukrainian culture by the Russian troops as a result of the bombings and shelling during the full-scale war. Since February 24th 2022, Russia has been cynically and ruthlessly destroying Ukraine’s historical, architectural, and archaeological monuments every day, shelling museums, memorials, university buildings, churches and more. By doing this, Russia is not just destroying Ukrainian cities and villages but systematically destroying Ukraine’s cultural heritage, which dates back thousands of years. “Postcards from Ukraine” is implemented by the Ukrainian Institute, a state cultural diplomacy institution operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, with the support of USAID. 

It's Not Over

The "It’s Not Over" project portrays photographs of the visual transformations brought upon Ukrainian cities by Russian aggression. Due to the threat of Russian army air strikes, many Ukrainian monuments, sculptures, and art objects bearing cultural significance now need to be protected by sandbags placed around them. The photographs provide the public with an opportunity to witness Ukraine’s ongoing reality and serve as a reminder that the war is not over. "It’s not Over" project project has been initiated by Resilient Ukraine CSO, home to the repository of truth about Russian-Ukrainian war WeAreUkraine.info.  

“Our whole theme at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit is about securing Ukraine’s victory – but also Ukraine’s cultural identity and contribution to the European family - that is why I am delighted that Ukraine House is showcasing these important messages”, highlights Jonas Parello-Plesner, executive director of the Alliance of Democracies Foundation.

“When culture dies, a nation dies. While Russia is trying to destroy the memory and identity of Ukrainians by killing civilians, routinely shelling Ukrainian towns and cities, and deliberately destroying libraries, books, cultural institutions, Ukrainians are strengthened by the memory of all previous generations of Ukrainians who have stood up for our freedom and by the cultural heritage we are protecting. Today, Ukraine continues its tradition of resistance to Russian oppression that it seeks to put to a final end, " - comments Nataliia Popovych, chairperson of Ukraine House in Denmark.

“Russia’s aggression caused tens of thousands of deaths, suffering, and destruction. None of that will be ever forgotten or forgiven: every loss reassures the Ukrainian people in their fight for justice, both on the battlefield and in tribunals. Our project Postcards from Ukraine reminds us that every suffering has its own distinct image, victims, and specific perpetrators that are yet to be held accountable for the sake of sustainable peace,” - adds Solomiya Borshosh, executive director of the Ukrainian Institute.

After the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, Ukraine House in Denmark invites the participants of the summit and the public to Gammel Dok (Strandgade 27B) at 15:30, on May 16th. 

The guests will have a guided tour around the war time art exhibition “The Muses Are Not Silent” and will take part in reflections on the connection between defending culture and democracy in Ukraine and Europe. The chat will take place with the participation of the Ukrainian and Danish parliamentarians, activists and diplomats.    

To learn more about the House of Ukraine in Denmark and its activity, visit www.ukrainehouse.dk  

To support the programs of Ukraine House of Denmark and its team of volunteers, including research, curation and integration of the Ukrainian content into leading Danish cultural platforms, bringing of the Ukrainian artists and influencers to participate in the Ukrainian-Danish dialogues and joint academic and research projects - use MobilPay 311511.

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For more information please contact Maya Zakhovaiko, communications lead at Ukraine House in Denmark +45 29 74 47 05 or write us press@ukrainehouse.dk