Festival “Ukraine Is Ukraine” Opens in Milan, Celebrating Ukrainian Culture and Resilience
A powerful cultural event titled “Ukraine Is Ukraine” opened in Milan, Italy, marking its second year as a celebration of Ukrainian identity, resilience, and shared European values, The Gaze reports.
The festival was initiated by the Ukrainian association Borysthene, with the opening concert featuring Ukrainian pianist Marta Kuziy from the Ukrainian Catholic University. Her performance, dedicated entirely to Ukrainian composers, transformed the evening into a space of remembrance, reflection, and connection.
“This was not just a concert—it was an invitation to a conversation,” said Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, who addressed the audience during the event. “A conversation about life that continues despite war. About a culture that heals.”
Yermak also shared emotional stories from Ukraine, including that of Jack, a dog from Kupiansk who lost his hearing due to the war and was later adopted by the family of famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
“We feel a deep kinship with Italians—shared values, dignity, and faith in humanity. This unity is especially important today,” Yermak emphasized.
The festival’s program continues in June with a screening of the 2022 Ukrainian-French war drama “Shttl” and a lecture by renowned Ukrainian historian Dr. Yaroslav Hrytsak.
As Ukraine defends its sovereignty, cultural diplomacy like the “Ukraine Is Ukraine” festival plays a vital role in fostering solidarity and understanding across Europe.
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