A Unique Memorial Artifact for Fallen Mariupol Athletes to be Unveiled in 2026

Unveiling of the 'Helmet of Memory' at the 'Voices of Peace' Museum

According to Главком: An original 'Helmet of Memory,' created by skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, along with its artistic continuation crafted by Ukrainian artist Iryna Prots, will be presented in April 2026 at the 'Voices of Peace' Museum in Kyiv. This event will honor athletes from Mariupol who lost their lives, serving as a poignant chapter in the nation's contemporary history. The museum is dedicated to documenting the experiences of civilians affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Vladyslav Heraskevych first wore the original helmet during the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The new helmet, created by Iryna Prots, features portraits of 22 athletes from Mariupol, including 8 child athletes. The artist stated:

“We are continuing the series of memorial helmets. This time, it is in memory of the athletes who lived in Mariupol. These are not myths or fantasies-this is the reality people endured. Preserving this for the future is of utmost importance.”

The presentation will take place at the 'Voices of Peace' Museum, located at 7 Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street in Kyiv. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM and houses a collection of over 140,000 personal stories. This event underscores the critical need to honor the fallen and preserve historical memory for future generations.

In a related development, Vladyslav Heraskevych has filed a report with Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) concerning the actions of Russian Olympic taekwondo champion Vladyslav Larin, demonstrating the athlete's active stance on issues affecting his peers and the sporting community. Consequently, the unveiling of the 'Helmet of Memory' will be not only a cultural but also a socially significant event, fostering discussion on complex contemporary issues.

The Event's Significance

The presentation of the 'Helmet of Memory' at the 'Voices of Peace' Museum represents a vital step in preserving the memory of conflict victims and honoring the contributions of athletes who perished. It highlights the power of art as a medium for remembrance and support for those impacted by war. The event may also serve as a catalyst for broader conversations about the consequences of war and national identity in Ukraine.