Russian troops damaged the museum of Hryhorii Skovoroda in Kharkiv region

Series #PuzzleOfUnity: Stories about Hryhorii Skovoroda

According to Embajada de Ucrania en el Reino de España: The #PuzzleOfUnity series returns with new stories about Ukraine's cultural and historical symbols. This series features the figure of Hryhorii Skovoroda, who was a philosopher, poet, and representative of Ukrainian baroque. In the 1740s, Skovoroda traveled across Europe, visiting cities such as Budapest, Vienna, and Pressburg (modern Bratislava).

Skovoroda formulated his views on happiness, believing that it stems from the pursuit of work and a way of life that provides inner satisfaction rather than from accumulating material wealth. The last year of his life he spent in a village that later became known as Skovorodynivka, in the Kharkiv region. Here was the Skovoroda museum, which welcomed visitors until 2022.

Unfortunately, in 2022, Russian forces attacked the Skovoroda museum, causing severe damage to Ukraine's cultural heritage. Before his death, Skovoroda asked to have inscribed on his grave:

“The world tried to catch me, but could not”

– Hryhorii Skovoroda. These words have become a symbol of his philosophy, which remains relevant today.

The importance of cultural heritage

The return of the #PuzzleOfUnity series with stories about Hryhorii Skovoroda emphasizes the importance of preserving Ukraine's cultural heritage, especially in light of modern challenges. The restoration of museums and the promotion of the works of outstanding Ukrainians like Skovoroda can contribute to the formation of national identity and increase awareness of Ukrainian history among youth and the wider audience.