Ukrainian Cultural Diplomacy Reaches 55 Countries Worldwide

The Culture vs War Initiative

According to МЗС: Since the onset of the full-scale war, the "Watch Ukrainian" Association, with backing from Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has orchestrated over 700 international events spanning 55 countries. In May 2026, the Culture vs War initiative featured film screenings, project presentations, and global discussions held in Germany, Poland, Estonia, the United Kingdom, and France. This effort underscores how cultural outreach serves as a vital tool for Ukraine to maintain global engagement during wartime.

Key Events in May 2026

• On May 15–16, Hamburg hosted a Ukrainian cinema program featuring director Olesya Nogina.
• In Warsaw on May 15, the documentary 'Palianytsia' by directors Kadim Tarasov and Yulia Bolshynska was screened.
• On May 17, Tallinn presented the documentary 'Culture vs War' directed by Kadim Tarasov.
• That same day in Liverpool, the project 'Empowered / Spromozhni' was unveiled, realized with support from the European Union in Ukraine and the MHP-Gromadi Foundation.
• On May 18, an international discussion took place at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, featuring Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk.

Alongside this event, the documentary 'Spromozhni' (directed by Kadim Tarasov) and a photo exhibition from the 'Spromozhni' project (photography by Serhiy Mykhalchuk) were showcased. The Culture vs War initiative is carried out by the "Watch Ukrainian" Association with support from the MHP-Gromadi Foundation, Babylon Company, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Through these efforts, the "Watch Ukrainian" Association under the Culture vs War banner promotes Ukrainian culture on the international stage while drawing attention to war-related issues. These activities not only highlight Ukrainian cinema but also create a forum for discussing critical social and humanitarian topics tied to the conflict's aftermath. By involving international experts and activists, the initiative helps raise global awareness about Ukraine's situation and its cultural achievements amid war.

In addition to these significant events, the global promotion of Ukrainian culture continues to flourish, as evidenced by the recent showcase of ten Ukrainian artists in New York. This exhibition highlights the resilience and creativity of Ukrainian artists, further emphasizing the importance of cultural diplomacy during these challenging times.