Abuja: The Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria has unveiled an exhibition marking the 35th anniversary of the restoration of the Eastern European country’s independence, showcasing its culture, history, and struggle for freedom. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exhibition was opened by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria, Mr. Ivan Kholostenko, in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Kholostenko said the exhibition was designed to present Ukraine beyond the ongoing war, highlighting its centuries of statehood, cultural heritage, and national identity. He stated that the exhibition featured traditional Ukrainian cultural artefacts, photographs documenting the realities of Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as patches and flags of Ukrainian military units defending the country.
The envoy emphasized that the centrepiece of the exhibition was an interactive installation titled ‘Puzzle of Unity: Mapping Ukraine’s Identity through Culture and History’. The installation consists of a map of Ukraine made up of 20 puzzle pieces, with each piece telling a story about the country’s people, architecture, art, traditions, inventions, and historical events.
Kholostenko elaborated, ‘The front side displays artwork by contemporary Ukrainian artist, Sestry Feldman, while the reverse contains narratives that provide cultural and historical context. By assembling the puzzle, visitors literally put Ukraine together while discovering the diversity of its regions. None of these pieces can be taken away by force. The map carries deep symbolism amid Russia’s aggression.’
He further explained that Ukraine comprised different regions, traditions, cultural features, and histories, but that they remained parts of one whole. He noted that Russia was seeking not only to seize Ukrainian territory but also to erase its historical memory, appropriate its culture, deny its identity, and challenge the right of Ukrainians to determine their own future.
The ambassador remarked, ‘This map has become a symbol of the resilience of Ukrainians and their categorical rejection of the idea that anyone can change the borders of their country by force. Ukraine is and will remain united in all its cultural, historical, and regional diversity.’
Kholostenko stated that the exhibition was intended to help Nigerians see Ukraine not only as a country fighting Russian aggression but also as a nation with a long history, rich culture, and strong national identity. ‘This is precisely the Ukraine that our soldiers are defending today. They are defending not abstract territories on a map, but our history, our culture, our families, our cities and villages, and our freedom to be who we are,’ he said.
He stressed the inseparable nature of independence, culture, and territorial integrity for Ukrainians. NAN reports that the exhibition was supported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Union. The ‘Puzzle of Unity’ installation was developed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the non-governmental organisation, Port of Culture, with support from the European External Action Service (EEAS). The exhibition is open to the public at the Embassy of Ukraine in Abuja.