How Ukrainian Heritage is Unveiled to Diplomats: VR Projects of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

New Formats: from Medieval Kyiv to Chernobyl

According to МЗС: Last week, a meeting of heads of Ukraine's diplomatic missions abroad took place in Kyiv. Participants were presented with updated ways to showcase the country's historical and cultural heritage. One of the key projects was an exhibition dedicated to the Kyiv Principality of the 14th-15th centuries and the role of the Ukrainian factor in European security. The exhibition tells about Kyiv during that era and the activities of princely dynasties, showcasing documents, maps, seals, weaponry, and banners.

The exhibition was developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Ministry of Culture, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the State Archive Service, the Sheremetyev Museum, as well as researchers Oleg Odnorozhenko, Boris Cherkas, Igor Poluektov, and Marina Trattner. Historians and costume restorers serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, along with partners from Sweden, Ukraine, and Lithuania, joined the project.

Special attention was also drawn to the interactive VR tour “The House Where Ukrainian Diplomacy Was Born.” It was created by the public organization “eMuseum” together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project recreates the offices of the first diplomats of the Ukrainian People's Republic and archival documents from that era.

Additionally, diplomats were shown the educational project “Chernobyl VR” - it allows for a risk-free exploration of Pripyat and the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Another novelty is the virtual exhibition “Masterpieces of NAMU,” which unveils a three-dimensional space of classical art from the collection of the National Art Museum of Ukraine.

Why This Matters

Such initiatives demonstrate Ukraine's desire to promote its own history and culture on the international stage. Against the backdrop of Russian aggression, these projects help to preserve national identity and strengthen diplomatic contacts through culture. Emphasizing Ukraine's contribution to European history can bolster the country's positive image in the world. For the Russian-speaking audience, this is an opportunity to see how modern technologies are used to preserve historical memory and cultural dialogue.