Deputy Permanent Representative Denys Chystikov attended the opening of the Unseen Force exhibition at the Powder Tower in Lviv. This exhibition honors the resilience of nonviolent resistance among Ukrainians in temporarily occupied territories, including Crimea, Donbas, and other regions impacted by Russian aggression. The project showcases creative resistance methods, encompassing information, artistic, and women’s resistance, and shares real stories of individuals standing up against occupation.
Speaking at the opening, Denys Chystikov emphasized that the policy of systematic repression by occupiers in Crimea remains unchanged. As of October 28, the Russian occupation administration unlawfully detained 218 individuals, including 132 Crimean Tatars. The Deputy Permanent Representative stressed that the policy of persecution aims not only at physical suppression but also at breaking the spirit of those who continue to fight for freedom and human rights in occupied territories.
“De-occupation is not just about liberating territory; it’s about freeing minds from fear and oppression. We must clear both our lands and our minds to restore justice and dignity to everyone fighting against occupation. Initiatives like today’s exhibition inspire people to maintain their strength and continue resisting occupation,” noted Denys Chystikov.
The exhibition showcases vivid examples of the steadfast resistance of local residents who, despite the threat of persecution, continue to defend their rights, culture, and identity. The display includes various forms of resistance, from symbolic acts of bravery to preserving cultural heritage, featuring documentary evidence, artworks, interactive installations, and multimedia materials.
The exhibition also includes works from the art project LOMYKAMIN. Women’s Resistance in Crimea, displayed at the Mission. It features diaries from activists in Zla Mavka, along with works by artists Mariia Kulikovska, Alevtina Kakhidze, Lia Dostlieva, Yuliia Po, and Emine Ziyatdinova. These works highlight the critical role of women in cultural resistance, revealing diverse facets of this struggle and its importance in preserving national identity and resisting occupation.
The exhibition will be open in Lviv for a month before traveling to Dnipro, Odesa, and European cities, including Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and Poland, spreading awareness of the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people in their pursuit of freedom and justice. For more details on the exhibition and specific works, please visit the official exhibition website at: https://bit.ly/48FK9Pj.