This year marks the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Over the past three years, Ukraine has not only defended its sovereignty on the battlefield but also worked tirelessly to preserve and promote its cultural identity worldwide. One institution playing a crucial role in this effort is the Ukrainian Institute in Slovakia. Established in 2022, the Institute aims to bridge cultural gaps between Ukraine and Slovakia. In this interview, Ľudmila Verbická, the director of the Ukrainian Institute, discusses the organization's mission, its various cultural initiatives, and the impact it has had since its foundation.
UKRAJINSKY INSTITUT
Máte problém s prehrávaním? Nahláste nám chybu v prehrávači.
So, what is the main goal of the Ukrainian Institute, and how does it work?
L.V.: The Ukrainian Institute is an institution of cultural diplomacy, similar to other institutes such as the French or German ones. Unfortunately, the Ukrainian Institute did not exist in Slovakia until 2022. Suddenly, the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, and we realized that our neighboring country was terra incognita for Slovakia. Instead, myths were circulating about what Ukraine is and who Ukrainians are.
Although Ľudmila Verbická comes from Ukraine, she has been living in Slovakia for more than 30 years.
L.V.: When I first came to Slovakia, people often asked me if I was from Russia. In my early years working in the civil sector, I wrote many articles to dispel myths about Ukraine and bring its history closer to Slovaks.
When Russia invaded Crimea in 2014, the need to explain to Slovaks what was happening in Ukraine became even more urgent. Everything culminated eight years later.
L.V.: In 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine with the declared intent to destroy Ukraine as a state—words directly from the President of the Russian Federation—the Institute was created. I understood that, in addition to the humanitarian aid provided by many organizations and the Slovak public, we needed something more. Humanitarian aid was not enough. During war, cultural diplomacy is one of the factors of national security. That is why the Ukrainian Institute was founded. Its primary target audience is not Ukrainians but Slovaks. Just as other cultural institutes represent their respective countries, the Ukrainian Institute represents Ukrainian culture.
The Ukrainian Institute offers a diverse range of cultural events.
L.V.: We have a large library of Ukrainian literature for both children and adults. We regularly organize literary meetings with Ukrainian writers, which are interpreted into Slovak. Additionally, we strive to translate at least some of their works into Slovak so they are accessible to the Slovak audience. We also have reading clubs for children, schoolchildren, and adults.
In addition to literature, the Institute is also involved in music.
L.V.: Of course, music is a universal language, so we are also active in this field. Unfortunately, awareness of Ukrainian music and composers in Slovakia is still quite limited. That is why we have organized numerous concerts featuring Ukrainian musicians and large ensembles that exclusively perform works by Ukrainian composers. Our goal is to familiarize the Slovak public with Ukrainian music and its creators.
On February 24, the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, visitors were able to attend a theatrical performance titled Diaries of War. It tells the stories of families torn apart by the war. On the same day, we also screened part of the documentary My War and Me, directed by Kharkiv-based filmmaker Roman Sadovsky. The event included a discussion with Ukrainian poets as well.
L.V.: Beyond these activities, we collaborate with other institutes to co-organize various discussions. For example, we held a discussion with the French Institute, attended by representatives from multiple countries. It was a very engaging conversation about democracy and the future of Europe.
The Ukrainian Institute also successfully organized its first Ukrainian Festival in September last year.
L.V.: During the festival, we aimed to present Ukraine on a broader scale. The event featured applied arts, a children's section where Ukrainian books were read, a gastronomy area, panel discussions, and, of course, concerts. The festival also showcased three exhibitions: one focused on photography, another on sculptures, and the third on prints.
The Ukrainian Institute is headquartered in Bratislava on Námestie 1. mája in a beautiful new building. Ľudmila Verbická managed to secure the space with the help of supporters who recognized the need for the Institute and its societal importance.
L.V.: Our greatest support came from Taiwan, and we are incredibly grateful for their assistance in making this space a reality.
Since December 2022, the Ukrainian Institute has hosted over 400 events, welcoming more than 7,800 visitors. The Ukrainian Festival alone attracted over 5,000 attendees in 2024. The Institute operates thanks to the support of donors and charitable contributions from visitors.
One of the upcoming events organized by the Ukrainian Institute will take place on March 9 to mark the anniversary of the birth of Ukrainian writer, poet, humanist, and painter Taras Shevchenko.
Shevchenko is regarded as a spiritual symbol of Ukrainians' struggle for freedom and independence. By attending this event, during which his poetry will be read, visitors can support the work of the Ukrainian Institute and show solidarity with all Ukrainians fighting for their country.
