Zeeland stands with Ukraine

Описание: On 27 February in Middleburg, over 170 people (both Ukrainian and Dutch) gathered to affirm that Zeeland stands with Ukraine. United by a shared purpose, the evening was dedicated to honouring the victims of the war in Ukraine and to be together in these dark times through Ukrainian culture.

The event wove music, art, and shared stories into a powerful tapestry of unity. From soul-stirring performances and interactive installations to thoughtful speeches, together we created space both for grief and for new connections within the Ukrainian community in Zeeland.

We are deeply grateful for our performers and honoured guests who brought this cultural moment to life:

Victoria Hamar - bandura
Bozhena Hamar - sopilka
Yevheniia Krapivina - violin
Mariia Kalytiak - soprano

Mr. Anatolii Solovei, Minister-Counsellor of Ukraine, Embassy of Ukraine in the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Karel Burger Dirven, Honorary Consul of Ukraine
Loes Meeuwisse, Mayor of Gemeente Noord-Beveland
Jan Luteijn, Mayor of Gemeente Reimerswaal
Jeroen Louws, Deputy Mayor of Gemeente Middelburg

Carpet of Love & Grief – by Marfa Vasilieva
Memory Net – memorial social art installation by VATAHA Foundation
Children and War – is created by students (6-15 y.o.) Drohobych Children's Art Academy (Lviv region)
PIEP children's activity books – by Mieke Klaver
Tales of EUkraine – bilingual Dutch-Ukrainian children’s books The Federation of European Publishers EURead, The Ukrainian Book Institute
A special thanks to our moderator Simone van der Schelde - Kroes
Photos by Lera Manzovitova
Kindly hosted by ZB Bibliotheek van Zeeland

Organised by VATAHA Foundation, representative Natali Melnikova with the support of the Municipality of Gemeente Middelburg as an example of how civil society and government can work side by side through culture to foster remembrance, resilience, and a shared future.