Media Center Ukraine Producer Department

The National Museum of the History of Ukraine will officially open the large-scale exhibition project “THE PATH OF HEROES. In Memory of Symon Petliura” on May 25, featuring unique artifacts from the era of the Ukrainian People’s Republic.

The exhibition marks the 100th anniversary of the tragic death of Symon Petliura, head of the Directorate of the Ukrainian People’s Republic and Supreme Otaman of the Army of the Ukrainian People’s Republic.

The exhibition is based on artifacts from the collection of the Military Historical Museum and Archive of the Ukrainian Free Academy of Sciences (UVAN) in Canada. For decades, the Ukrainian diaspora preserved these items in exile with the intention of transferring them to Ukraine after the restoration of independence.

In accordance with the founders’ “Testament,” the collection was transferred to the National Museum of the History of Ukraine. The return of this heritage has become an event of historical significance, representing not only the repatriation of museum artifacts, but also the restoration of the continuity of Ukrainian historical memory.

The exhibition features more than 200 artifacts illustrating the Ukrainian liberation struggle of the first quarter of the 20th century. Among them are personal belongings of prominent military and political figures of the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921, including:
— the “Corona” typewriter that belonged to Symon Petliura;
— the officer’s bayonet of Volodymyr Salskyi, a lieutenant general of the Army of the Ukrainian People’s Republic;
— elements of the military uniforms of Yevhen Konovalets and Andrii Melnyk.

Journalists are required to obtain accreditation for the event.

Background: With support from the Pylyp Orlyk Foundation, the exhibition space on the museum’s second floor has been renovated and equipped to host “THE PATH OF HEROES. In Memory of Symon Petliura” as a permanent exhibition.

• culture
• Kyiv

If you are interested in this topic, you can obtain the subjects’ contacts from the Producer Department of Media Center Ukraine.

Participants:

– Oleksandra Romantsova, Executive Director of the Center for Civil Liberties;

– Kateryna Rashevska, Expert on International Justice and Legal Analysis at the Regional Center for Human Rights;

– Roman Koval, Head of Research at the non-governmental organization Truth Hounds;

– Hanna Rassakhamina, Head of the “War and Justice” Department at the Media Initiative for Human Rights.

Moderator:

– Scott Jacobsen, independent reporter.

Topics for discussion:

– Documentary evidence of human rights violations;

– Promising avenues for implementing reparations;

– Victim-centered justice: civilians, prisoners of war, torture victims, missing persons, deported children;

– Key areas of cooperation between institutions on human rights issues.

• casualties
• Kyiv

If you are interested in this topic, you can obtain the subjects’ contacts from the Producer Department of Media Center Ukraine.

A public discussion titled “Accessibility in Cultural Spaces: From Access to Inclusion” will take place at the War Museum on May 26.

The event is being held as part of National Accessibility Week and is part of the nationwide social change campaign “Accessibility Means Possibility,” implemented within First Lady Olena Zelenska’s “Without Barriers” initiative with the support of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and partner organizations.

Participants will discuss practical approaches to creating accessible cultural environments — from physical accessibility to communication, language, and service solutions that ensure inclusion for visitors.

The program includes the opening of a poster exhibition dedicated to inclusive language, as well as two panel discussions featuring representatives of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture, the National Philharmonic of Ukraine, the National Museum of the History of Ukraine, the European Business Association, and accessibility ambassadors.

Speakers:
— Anastasiia Bondar, Deputy Minister for Digital Development, Digital Transformation, and Digitalization;
— Lesia Khemraieva, Head of the Department for Accessibility Policy, Gender Equality, and Mental Health at the Ministry of Culture;
— Alona Lebedka, Accessibility Program Manager at the European Business Association;
— Mykhailo Shved, Director General of the National Philharmonic of Ukraine;
— Olena Zemliana, Director General of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine;
— Yurii Ivaskevych, Accessibility Ambassador at the Ministry of Culture.

The discussion will be moderated by Iryna Uzhakova, Head of the Cultural Rehabilitation and Accessibility Unit at the War Museum.

Background: Project partners include UNICEF, Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture, the Presidential Commissioner for Accessibility, and the NGO Bezbariernist (“Barrier-Free”).

The project is implemented with support from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the KfW Development Bank and the Government of the United Kingdom.

• culture
• Kyiv

If you are interested in this topic, you can obtain the subjects’ contacts from the Producer Department of Media Center Ukraine.

A new season of dragon boat training sessions and competitions — Dragon Boat Veterans Kyiv 2026 — will begin in the capital on May 30.

The event will bring together veterans, active-duty military personnel, and people with disabilities through sports, teamwork, and recovery through physical activity. No prior athletic experience is required to participate.

Program highlights include:
— exhibition and training dragon boat races;
— presentation of the 2026 season teams;
— sports and interactive activities for participants and guests;
— children’s and recreation areas;
— live music and informal networking within the veteran community.

Dragon boat racing is an international sport. For veterans and military personnel, it serves not only as physical activity but also as an effective tool for psychological recovery, social reintegration, and returning to active life.

Journalists are required to obtain accreditation. The event will take place in Kyiv. The location will be disclosed to registered participants and media representatives.

Background: The event is organized by the Military Sport municipal enterprise, the Veteran Corps All-Ukrainian Association, and the Mala Flotyliia Children’s Sports and Recreation Club.

• culture
• Kyiv

If you are interested in this topic, you can obtain the subjects’ contacts from the Producer Department of Media Center Ukraine.