On 12 February 2026, a photo exhibition titled “Brave to be Strong” (“Сміливі бути сильними”) opened in the State of Kuwait, attended by its author, photographer Eduard Kryzhanivsky. Kuwait became the first Arab country to host the exhibition. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Press Service of the Delegation of the European Union to the State of Kuwait.
The event, dedicated to the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, was jointly organized by the Embassy of Ukraine in Kuwait and the Delegation of the European Union to the State of Kuwait at the EU Residence. The event was held under the title “Brave to be Strong: Voices of Resilience.”
Previously, the exhibition had been presented in Pakistan, Poland, the Czech Republic, Israel, Moldova, and Türkiye.
The exhibition features original photographs by Eduard Kryzhanivskyi, the official photographer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, documenting the realities of war. The images capture pain and loss, forced displacement, destruction, as well as the courage, resistance, and endurance of Ukrainian military personnel and civilians.
In addition to the photographs, visitors were shown posters by Ukrainian artists created during the full-scale war. The works reflect themes of loss and displacement, daily life under threat, civic resilience, solidarity, and the strength of Ukrainian society. Each poster was accompanied by a short text in which the authors recall the first days of the full-scale invasion.
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, foreign diplomats, representatives of international organizations, charitable foundations, and leading media outlets.
The Ambassador of the European Union to Kuwait Anne Koistinen stated in her remarks that the joint exhibition of the Embassy of Ukraine and the EU Delegation in Kuwait tells a human story of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people. According to her, the poster exhibition brings together works by Ukrainian artists created during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reflecting the realities of war — loss, forced displacement, life under constant threat, solidarity, and societal strength.
She also emphasized that energy has become a new frontline. The European Union is responding with the largest winter assistance package in its history, covering the supply of emergency equipment, funding, and energy resources. According to her, the volume of the energy fund has exceeded €1.6 billion, while the total EU assistance to Ukraine, including financial support and aid to Ukrainian refugees, amounts to €193.3 billion. The Ambassador added that the Ukrainian people are an inspiration to Europeans and can rely on EU support.
The Ambassador of Ukraine to Kuwait Maksym Subkh emphasized, that the event takes place on the eve of a tragic date — four years since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has become one of the largest humanitarian crises of modern times. According to him, behind the words about resilience stand significant human suffering, which makes international solidarity essential. He noted that humanitarian assistance aimed at supporting the energy sector during periods of severe frost directly saves lives and reduces the suffering of civilians. The Ambassador also reported that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, called on international partners to support Ukrainians during the winter period within the framework of the “#WarmthForUkraine” information campaign, aimed at providing heat and electricity to those in need.
During the event, works by Ukrainian composers Mykola Lysenko and Yurii Shchurovskyi were performed. Mykola Lysenko and Yuriy Shchurovsky.
The organizers noted that the exhibition aims to honor the resilience of Ukrainian society and draw attention to the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Photo source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
