Olena Zelenska: Ukrainian culture works for the country in 59 states around the world

Summary of Ukraine's cultural diplomacy in 2025

According to МЗС: Olena Zelenska summarized Ukraine's cultural diplomacy in 2025, emphasizing the importance of language, culture, literature, and science in representing Ukraine globally. According to her, these elements work for the country and for its benefit, breaking down prejudices and fostering understanding.

In Ukraine, cultural diplomacy is actively implemented, which is confirmed by numerous achievements. In particular, 116 Ukrainian audio guides are available in 59 countries, including:

• Turkey
• France
• Denmark
• Armenia
• Kazakhstan
• Azerbaijan
• Sweden
• Uzbekistan
• Austria
• Bulgarian
• Kyrgyzstan
• Kenya
• Rwanda
• Germany
• Great Britain
• Greece
• North Macedonia
• Spain
• the USA
• and others.

This indicates a growing interest in Ukrainian culture beyond the country's borders.

Moreover, the opening of over 380 Ukrainian book shelves with 75,000 books in 70 countries has become an important step in promoting Ukrainian literature. In 2025, one hundred new book shelves were opened in 18 countries, adding even more opportunities to familiarize with Ukrainian literary heritage. Countries where new book shelves were opened include:

• Greece
• Finland
• Hungary
• Poland
• Portugal
• Morocco
• Germany
• Moldova
• Turkey
• Botswana
• Chile
• Switzerland
• Canada
• Czech Republic
• Kazakhstan
• Norway
• South Africa
• Australia
• Thailand
• Georgia
• Philippines
• Paraguay
• Dominican Republic
• Korea
• Turkmenistan
• Spain
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Pakistan
• Tajikistan
• Colombia
• Nigeria
• Estonia
• Ghana
• and Congo.

60 scientific and educational institutions from 23 countries have also joined the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, confirming the growing interest in Ukrainian science and education in a global context. This emphasizes the importance of cultural diplomacy as a tool for strengthening Ukraine's international connections and improving its image worldwide.

Conclusions

Thus, active engagement in cultural diplomacy promotes Ukraine's representation on the international stage, helping to break down stereotypes and fostering a better understanding of Ukrainian culture.

These achievements in cultural diplomacy testify to Ukraine's active aspiration to integrate into the global cultural space and raise its international prestige. In the context of globalization and information challenges, cultural diplomacy becomes an essential tool for forming a positive image of Ukraine, fostering mutual understanding between nations and promoting Ukrainian identity on an international level.