Yesterday, on September 26, the Permanent Representative attended an event where a unique project “Qalqan / Shield” by Crimean Tatar ceramic artist Rustem Skybin was presented with the financial support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation. 

The event featured ceramic panels in the form of protective 

“Shields” decorated with floral ornaments as a symbol of rebirth, resistance to injustice, preservation and prolongation of life.  To create the artistic image, one of the elements of martial art was chosen – a military shield, which serves to protect the Warrior and the State of Ukraine in a broad sense.

In addition to the Permanent Representative, the Ambassador of Lithuania to Ukraine Valdemaras Sarapinas, Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Refat Chubarov, actor and director Akhtem Seitablaev and other distinguished guests delivered greetings. 

In her speech, Permanent Representative Tamila Tasheva noted that in the context of Russia’s hybrid war against Ukraine, it is very important to preserve our cultural and historical heritage, which the aggressor state is so eager to take away from us. She also emphasized that it is necessary to support Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar artists who make a significant contribution to the development of Ukraine’s cultural identity through their work. 

The presentation of the project took place at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania, which is a very symbolic sign, because today the shield can be interpreted not only as a weapon but also as a symbol of the common heritage of Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars, and Lithuanians.