Today, Ambassador of Ukraine to Switzerland Iryna Venediktova visited the “Reporting from the Frontline” exhibition at the Yehudi Menuhin Forum in Bern and spoke at an evening of cultural solidarity organised by the Ukraine Culture Network.
In her address, the Ambassador thanked the Ukraine Culture Network for more than 20 years of work dedicated to strengthening ties between Ukrainian and European cultural communities, supporting Ukrainian artists and cultural institutions, and bringing Ukrainian culture closer to Swiss audiences.
“Culture helps us preserve our identity, strengthen our resilience, and make Ukraine more visible and better understood in Europe.”
A special place during the evening was given to the “Reporting from the Frontline” exhibition, which speaks directly about the reality of the war.
The Ambassador expressed her sincere gratitude to Ukrainian photographer Viktor Holikov for his work and for bringing to Bern these powerful and deeply personal testimonies of the war — photographs, objects and letters.
These works show the war through the eyes of those who experience it directly. They tell the story of everyday life on the frontline, the difficult conditions, the courage of Ukrainian defenders and, above all, the human dimension of this war.
The Ambassador also thanked Serhii Melnychenko, who was unfortunately unable to attend in person, for his important contribution to the exhibition.
“We must not forget: the freedom that we in Europe often take for granted is being defended every day in Ukraine with tremendous courage, personal sacrifice and, tragically, lives.”
This is precisely why cultural diplomacy is of particular importance today. It helps us speak about Ukraine not only through the language of news and statistics, but through human stories, art and personal experience.
Our sincere gratitude to Viktor Holikov, Serhii Melnychenko and to everyone who helps Ukrainian artists be heard and seen in Switzerland and around the world.
Culture unites. Culture bears witness. Culture helps Ukraine be heard.