Vira Konyk: Photo exhibition on Mariupol opens in Tallinn

by Vira Konyk, head of the Congress of Ukrainians of Estonia (CUE)

A photo exhibition titled “Mariupol – City of Happiness, City of Ghosts” opened in Tallinn, showcasing the work of photographers Dmytro Chychera and Tetiana Lytvyn. The exhibition contrasts peaceful images of Mariupol with those of the city devastated by bombardments and missile attacks. This combination of contrasts is very sensitive to the viewer’s perception. 

The event saw a large turnout, including many official guests, underscoring the continued attention to the war in Ukraine within Estonian society. Among those in attendance were US Ambassador to Estonia George Kent, Norwegian Ambassador to Estonia Marius Dirdal, Ukrainian Embassy advisor Oleksandr Kushnir, members of parliament, local authorities, and journalists.

The emotional event reflected the deep empathy felt by many for the suffering of the Ukrainian people and the destruction of their cities and villages. 

In a video message, Liudmyla, the wife of photographer Dmytro Chychera, spoke passionately about the purpose of the exhibition. She hopes it will bring global attention to those who have gone missing or are held in captivity. Dmytro Chychera, who remained in the occupied city of Mariupol in Donetsk region to help others, has been missing since March 2022.

Ukrainian journalists continue to focus on the fates of people from occupied territories. At the event, a segment from the Inter TV channel was shown, highlighting the story of Dmytro and Liudmyla’s family and shedding light on the scale of Ukraine’s volunteer movement.

Mariupol residents Nataliia Lohozynska, Petro Kovalevskyi, and Serhii Zabohonskyi, who endured the brutal days of Russian attacks on their city, delivered deeply moving speeches at the event. Serhii, in particular, expressed his surprise, saying, “I was very surprised that such an exhibition opened because I thought everyone had already forgotten about Mariupol.”

The exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Congress of Ukrainians of Estonia, the Free Mariupol Society, and the Open Estonia Foundation, with support from the Norwegian Embassy and funding from the European Economic Area.

After Tallinn, the exhibition will travel to other cities in Estonia.

Congratulations to the Honorable Judge Bohdan Futey!

Bohdan Futey has been awarded the prestigious Gareth Jones Medal in recognition of his significant contributions to the study of the Holodomor and his dedication to preserving historical truth. In addition, he has received the title of Honorary Doctor from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.  

The awards were delivered by Professor Volodymyr Serhiichuk, with Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya hosting the ceremony at the Ukrainian Mission in New York City.  

A heartfelt congratulations on these remarkable honors!