Olena Zelenska: VMU Centre of Ukraine Restores Opportunities

“Dear Lithuanian and Ukrainian friends, it seems like only yesterday that we opened the Centre of Ukraine in Lithuania. It seems like only yesterday that Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) welcomed it so warmly, and today it is already celebrating its second anniversary. But these two years have been filled with so many events and achievements that they could span decades,” said Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska on June 29th, congratulating the Centre of Ukraine at VMU on its second anniversary.

The Centre was established in June 2022 on the initiative of the First Ladies of Lithuania and Ukraine, Diana Nausėdienė and Olena Zelenska, following the onset of Russia’s large-scale aggression. On this occasion, a picnic of Ukrainian communities, a fair of organisations supporting the VMU Centre of Ukraine, and various educational and cultural activities were held at the VMU Botanical Garden in Kaunas. In a remote video greeting at the event, Olena Zelenska emphasised that the Centre’s activities are best defined by the word “opportunities”.

“The opportunities taken from Ukrainians by the Russian invasion are being restored and even expanded by the Centre of Ukraine: opportunities to learn, to grow, to work, to feel needed, to be among their own, and to feel supported. Opportunities to not be forced migrants or victims of war, but members of a community, free, confident individuals who have something to say and know what to do,” said the First Lady of Ukraine.

Olena Zelenska not only praised the work of the Centre of Ukraine, which has made the country’s voice widely heard internationally, but also expressed gratitude to Lithuanians for their sincerity and understanding. “In Lithuania, no one would ever ask, ‘What is Ukraine defending?’ or ‘Aren’t we tired of the war?’ because Lithuania knows how crucial it is to overcome Russian aggression so that it doesn’t threaten anyone else. There is a Ukrainian saying: May all your good deeds return to you a hundredfold. That is exactly what I wish for you: today and always,” said Olena Zelenska, also expressing pride in Lithuanian Ukrainians for their dignified representation of Ukraine.

The participants of the event were also greeted by Lithuania’s First Lady Diana Nausėdienė, who expressed her joy that in two years, the number of like-minded supporters of the Centre of Ukraine has grown significantly and continues to increase, united by humanistic ideas.

“Two years ago, together with Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska and the university community, we opened a space of international friendship and cooperation at VMU Education Academy in Vilnius for people affected by war and aggression in Ukraine. Over these two years, we have built bridges not only of humanitarian aid but also of educational, academic, cross-border, interinstitutional, and regional cooperation,” Diana Nausėdienė noted at the VMU Botanical Garden.

The First Lady of Lithuania expressed her gratitude to the ambassadors of Ukraine, Japan, Latvia, the Netherlands, and Spain, the British Council, the Rector and Vice-Rector of VMU, and all the partners of the Centre of Ukraine. She thanked the Centre’s staff and representatives of other organisations for offering a European future perspective, emphasising that Ukraine’s victory is a victory for all people of the democratic world.

“We all have an obligation to stand up for good and peace and to ensure children’s rights in times of historical decisions. We must choose not aggression, not destruction, but friendship, coexistence, and the consistent creation of a common future. Let us do good deeds together. The Centre of Ukraine has not only ignited a beacon of hope for the people of Ukraine but also shown all of us how much we can achieve when we act in unity,” said Diana Nausėdienė.

While greeting the attendees, VMU Vice-Rector for Communication, Associate Professor Vilma Bijeikienė, expressed her joy at the opportunity to meet in the oasis of peace and beauty – the VMU Botanical Garden. However, she reminded everyone that the establishment of the Centre of Ukraine was prompted by the hellish circumstances of brutal Russian aggression.

“On one hand, it is a joy to see how extensive and united the community of the Centre of Ukraine has become, not only in Vilnius and Kaunas but also across all regions of Lithuania; how meaningful our numerous activities are; and how many wonderful and loyal partners contribute to their implementation. On the other hand, we feel a deep commitment to Ukraine’s victory, freedom, and its European future, as Ukraine tirelessly sacrifices for us,” emphasised the VMU Vice-Rector for Communication.

Associate Professor Bijeikienė expressed her delight that the Centre of Ukraine can offer academic engagement and foster a sense of community among the university and all its partners. “I believe that at VMU and the Centre of Ukraine, we are nurturing and developing Ukraine’s future talents, community leaders, cultural diplomats, creators, and extraordinarily strong and resilient individuals,” she said, wishing the event participants to remain united until and after Ukraine’s victory.

During the Centre of Ukraine’s anniversary celebration, a fair was held showcasing the Centre’s initiatives such as the Playback Theatre “Vahtery,” the “Community Accelerator,” “Books Without Borders,” and the partners who help to implement them: the Embassy of Japan, the Polish Cultural Institute, Ukrainian communities in Jonava, Alytus, and Kaunas, Ukrainian youth NGOs, and many others. The event was attended by the ambassadors of Ukraine, Japan, Spain, the Netherlands, Latvia, and Poland in Lithuania, as well as representatives from Caritas, the Red Cross, Save the Children, the Food Bank, cultural institutes, and other organisations.

At the picnic dedicated to celebrating the anniversary, attendees had the opportunity to taste Ukrainian snacks, enjoy the VMU Botanical Garden, and participate in activities for people of all ages, including face painting, flower bouquet making, and more. The picnic participants were also entertained by live Ukrainian music.

Photos by Jonas Petronis

Photos by the Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania

About the VMU Centre of Ukraine

Since June 2022, the Centre of Ukraine at the VMU Education Academy in Vilnius has not only united the Ukrainian community in Lithuania but also catered to its needs by offering an open space for cultural, educational, and community services, and organising conferences involving Lithuanian and international experts. The Centre, which has become a second home for Ukrainians, attracts thousands of visitors each month and hosts hundreds of activities, including psychological, educational, and cultural sessions. In collaboration with the British Council and other institutions, the Centre organises youth think tanks and discussions on various topics, such as artificial intelligence and multiculturalism, among others. The Centre’s initiative, the “Community Accelerator,” conducts training for leaders of Ukrainian and Lithuanian communities, aiming to promote civic engagement and community empowerment. Thanks to this initiative, the Centre of Ukraine has become a unifying hub for Ukrainian communities across Lithuania. In cooperation with the VMU Centre of Ukraine, similar institutions are being established in other parts of the country – the first regional Centre of Ukraine opened its doors in Kupiškis in February this year.