On February 24, 2022, russia launched a full-scale invasion, driven by years of hatred and imperial ambitions. The kremlin used false historical claims to justify its attack, denying Ukraine’s right to exist. This gave rise to “rashism” – a totalitarian ideology that seeks to justify the destruction of Ukrainians. From day one, the russian army has used terror as its main weapon, committing war crimes, mass killings, and forced deportations.
The occupiers aim to erase Ukrainian identity, culture, and history. They ban the Ukrainian language, close schools, and persecute those who resist. They loot Ukraine’s cultural property. This is more than a war over land – it is an attempt to erase the Ukrainian nation. russian propaganda calls Ukrainian culture a “threat” because it proves Ukraine is an independent state. It is the foundation of our strength and resilience.
This is not the first time russia has tried to silence Ukrainian culture. Just as stalin’s regime destroyed the “Executed Renaissance” of the 20th century, today’s war has already taken the lives of 182 artists, cultural workers, and 97 journalists. Under russian attacks, writers, musicians, actors, and painters are being killed. russia wants to silence Ukraine, but the truth of this war lives on in books, films, songs, and reports.
At the same time, russia is deliberately destroying Ukraine’s cultural heritage. In three years, it has damaged or destroyed 1,390 cultural heritage sites and 2,205 cultural institutions. The occupiers demolish theaters, burn libraries, destroy churches, and loot museums. This is an attempt to erase Ukraine’s history – because a nation without memory is easier to control.
russia’s war against Ukraine is genocide. War crimes, mass killings of civilians, child abductions, filtration camps, and forced deportations are crimes against humanity. The aggressor must be held accountable.
Despite everything, Ukrainian culture survives. Our nation stands strong. Our identity grows even stronger.
We have proven to the world that Ukraine has always existed and always will. We must endure, prevail, and defeat this darkness.
To everyone who fights, believes, and lives despite the pain and losses – thank you. To the soldiers defending our land, the medics saving lives, the volunteers making miracles happen, the energy workers keeping Ukraine warm and lit, the artists preserving our culture, and our international partners for their support. To all who have not broken, not betrayed, not given up – Ukraine lives because of you. Ukraine will prevail because of you. We are strong because we stand together.
Glory to Ukraine!
