'Puzzle da Unidade' Exhibition
An interactive exhibition titled 'Puzzle da Unidade' ('Puzzle of Unity') has been launched at the Legislative Chamber of Brazil’s Federal District, showcasing Ukraine’s rich history, culture, and regional diversity. This event commemorates the 35th anniversary of Ukraine regaining its independence. The exhibition was organized through a collaboration between the Ukrainian Embassy in Brazil, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Port Culture, and the European External Action Service. Support came from the EU delegation in Brazil, the Federal District Government’s Ministry of International Relations, and the Legislative Chamber’s Cultural Curators Council.
The exhibition features a large map of Ukraine divided into 20 illustrated segments, each containing double-sided content. One side displays artwork by the Feldman sisters, Ukrainian artists, while the historical and cultural information was curated by historian and museum director Oleksandr Fedorishen from Vinnytsia. Visitors have the opportunity to explore fascinating topics such as:
- Askania-Nova nature reserve, home to zebras thriving in Ukrainian steppe;
- The Drohobych saltworks, still producing salt today;
- The acclaimed Ukrainian writer Lesya Ukrainka;
- The Cossacks, also known as 'seagulls';
- Traditional Kosiv ceramics;
- And 'Mriya,' the largest cargo plane ever built, destroyed by Russia in 2022.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
During the opening, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Brazil, Francisco Andre, emphasized the ongoing threat posed by Russia’s war of aggression. He stated:
“Russia continues its aggressive war, targeting our cities, endangering our cultural heritage, and attempting to erase our identity.” — Francisco Andre
Ambassador Andre also revealed that nearly 10 million books were destroyed in Ukraine within a single month, a loss comparable to the entire collection of Rio de Janeiro’s National Library. The event also featured speeches from Igor Abdalla Medina de Souza, head of the European Union delegation in Brazil, and the director of the Central and Eastern Division of Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In addition, the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) inaugurated a 'Ukrainian Book Shelf' to promote Ukrainian history, culture, and literature. This initiative highlights the importance of cultural exchange between Ukraine and Brazil and fosters greater mutual understanding.
Both the 'Puzzle da Unidade' exhibition and the Ukrainian Book Shelf symbolize growing Brazilian interest in Ukrainian culture amid ongoing conflict. These efforts play a vital role in strengthening cultural ties between the two countries, allowing Brazilians to engage deeply with Ukraine’s heritage and contemporary challenges. They also raise awareness about the cultural losses Ukraine has suffered due to the war.
In addition to the 'Puzzle of Unity' exhibition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has launched an interactive map that allows individuals to engage with the country's rich cultural and historical tapestry. This innovative approach not only enhances understanding of Ukraine's diverse heritage but also sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced due to external aggression. For more insights on this initiative, visit the interactive map of Ukraine.