At the end of the first day of the Second International Conference Crimea Global. Understanding Ukraine through the South, a special event titled “Executed Culture” took place at the Sens Bookstore in Kyiv. The event honored Ukrainian artists and cultural figures who lost their lives as a result of Russia’s war against Ukraine. It was attended by international and Ukrainian guests, conference participants, as well as families of artists and service members. Symbolically, the event was held on Dignity and Freedom Day.

The event began with a moment of silence to honor those who have died in the Russo-Ukrainian war. This was followed by the screening of a video that commemorated deceased Ukrainian artists and cultural figures, highlighting their fields of work before the full-scale invasion. The video featured photos of 108 individuals, including writer Volodymyr Vakulenko, journalist and paramedic Iryna Tsybukh, photojournalist Max Levin, writer Viktoriia Amelina, poet and serviceman Maksym Kryvtsov, and many others.

Among the speakers were writer Sashko Dermanskyi, writer Svitlana Povaliayeva, as well as relatives and friends of the deceased. The event was moderated by military paramedic and poet Yaryna Chornoguz.

Sashko Dermansky spoke about the life of Volodymyr Vakulenko, who not only created literary masterpieces but also defended Ukraine’s freedom as an activist and volunteer. He read several of the writer’s poems, including “Lelecha poshta” (Stork Post).

Writer Svitlana Povaliayeva shared memories of Viktoriia Amelina, who became a voice for Ukraine’s eastern regions and the founder of a literary festival in the front-line town of New York. Viktoriia lost her life while accompanying Colombian journalists who came under a missile attack in Kramatorsk. Svitlana recited Viktoriia’s poignant poems, including “I Have a Son and She Has a Son” and “Testimony.”

Valentyna, the mother of photojournalist Max Levin, shared memories of his work, noting that he dedicated his life to documenting the war so the world could see the truth. Guests also viewed a segment of Max’s documentary report titled “I’m Not Like Most Homeless People: The Story of a Homeless Veteran.”

Oksana, the mother of Iryna Tsybukh, spoke about her daughter’s life, achievements, and kindhearted nature. She emphasized that Iryna not only saved lives as a paramedic but also contributed to the development of public broadcasting and initiated educational projects in Ukraine’s most remote regions. Iryna’s brother, Yurii, read her farewell letter, written a year before her death.

The father of poet and soldier Maksym Kryvtsov, Oleksandr, spoke about his son’s creative work and indomitable spirit. He recited Maksym’s poem “He is in the Armed Forces, She is in the Territorial Defense,” and performed the poem “The World Hurts” as a song, emphasizing his son’s unique talent, which combined artistry with the fight for Ukraine’s freedom.

The event concluded with a musical performance by the band Vivienne Mort, who performed a song based on Maksym Kryvtsov’s poem “Don’t Walk Here, Don’t Walk” and another titled “Fly.” This marked the final note of the evening, reminding everyone that culture is a powerful and unique force in the struggle for freedom and identity.

The event highlighted the importance of unity and preserving the memory of those who gave their lives for each and every one of us. Remembering and valuing their sacrifice is what we must do for the sake of our future and in honor of those who gave their all to defeat the enemy.

The event was organized by the Maksym Kryvtsov Foundation and the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea/Office of the Crimea Platform, with the support of PEN Ukraine. Special thanks to the Sens Bookstore on Khreshchatyk for their collaboration, and a heartfelt thanks to the band Vivienne Mort.