As part of the “Repower Ukraine” event commemorating Ukraine’s Independence Day on August 24th, the “Power of the Free” panel brought together inspiring voices dedicated to supporting Ukraine during wartime. The event took place at the The European-Ukrainian Hub, and the discussion, moderated by Julia Zaitseva-Kirk, a historian and educator from Ukrainian Dialogues, explored the motivations and experiences that drive individuals from diverse backgrounds in their tireless efforts to defend Ukraine.
Olena Herasymyuk, a Ukrainian poet and combat medic from the medical battalion Медичний Добровольчий Батальйон Госпітальєри • Hospitallers Paramedics (Hospitallers Batallion), shared her journey from literature to the frontlines. She emphasized the importance of understanding the nature of Russian aggression and highlighted how military literature serves as both a testament to personal experience and a counter to Russian propaganda. Olena stressed the value of protecting lives in a free society and advocated for the necessity of life-saving skills in challenging times. She reflected on the personal transformation brought by war and emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of war heroes in the ongoing fight for European democracy.
Andreas Foss from KOLO Nordic discussed how his 35 trips to Ukraine over the past two years have reinforced his belief in the necessity of supporting the Ukrainian people. He introduced the Repower project, successfully implemented in Denmark under KOLO Nordic’s patronage, helping war-torn paramedics heal from their traumas and rebuild their lives. Lesia Ignatyk-Eriksen of Hjælp Ukrainske Børn, a long-time advocate for Ukraine’s democratic development, spoke about how even small actions can make a big difference, literally saving lives and offering everyone involved the chance to become a part of something truly meaningful. Kenneth Rasmussen from Frihed for Ukraine concluded the discussion by addressing the vital role of information work in shaping Danish perceptions of the conflict, noting a growing awareness and shift in public opinion.
We are sincerely grateful to all the guests and visitors for their incredibly honest talks, for making Ukraine’s Independence Day 2024 so special, and for bringing Ukraine’s victory closer!
Thank you to our wonderful photographers – Давид Авакян Volodymyr Martynov and Anna Bovkun, and reliable partners WomenforUkraine Olga Melnyk and Anna Voloshchenko