Beyond the Battlefield: Exhibition in Kuwait reveals the human face of Ukraine’s struggle

The Times Kuwait Report

Art became a powerful voice of memory, resilience, and hope in Kuwait as a unique exhibition brought Ukraine’s wartime reality beyond headlines and battlefields. Through striking photography and evocative artworks, “Brave to be Strong: Voices of Resilience” offered a deeply human portrayal of courage, loss, and unwavering spirit, transforming personal stories of conflict into a shared message of solidarity and strength.

The European Union Delegation to the State of Kuwait, in cooperation with the Embassy of Ukraine, hosted a joint exhibition titled “Brave to be Strong: Voices of Resilience” at the EU Residence in Bida’a on Thursday, 12 February 2026, bringing together diplomats, guests, and members of the community for an evening reflecting on courage, solidarity, and the human impact of war.

The exhibition featured powerful photographs by Eduard Kryzhanivskyi, official photographer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, alongside poster artworks created by Ukrainian artists during the ongoing conflict. The works portray themes of loss, displacement, civic resilience, daily life under threat, and the enduring strength of Ukrainian society.

Welcoming guests, European Union Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Anne Koistinen said the exhibition aimed to highlight the human story behind the conflict and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

“This joint exhibition by the Ukrainian Embassy and EU Delegation in Kuwait tells the human story of courage, resilience and the unbreakable spirit of the people of Ukraine,” she said, noting that each artwork reflects personal experiences from the early days of the full-scale invasion.

Ambassador Koistinen emphasized the European Union’s continued humanitarian, financial, and military support to Ukraine, including assistance to the country’s energy sector and cultural institutions.

She underscored the importance of international solidarity and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a rules-based global order grounded in the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Drawing a historical parallel, she also highlighted similarities between Ukraine’s experience and Kuwait’s own history, noting that both nations witnessed strong national unity and resistance following invasion. “In both Kuwait and Ukraine, citizens engaged in heroic resistance, strengthening national identity and collective resolve to protect sovereignty,” she said.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Ukraine to Kuwait H.E. Dr. Maksym Subkh described the exhibition as both a moment of remembrance and a tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people, held on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion.

“For four years, Ukraine has been bravely resisting military aggression, fighting for its freedom, territorial integrity, and the right to build its own future,” he said. “The Ukrainian people have impressed the world with their courage and resilience, defending the values that unite free nations — sovereignty, human dignity, and justice.”

The ambassador noted that the conflict has created one of the largest humanitarian crises in modern history, with severe challenges to civilian infrastructure, particularly the energy sector during harsh winter conditions.

He stressed the importance of continued international cooperation and humanitarian assistance, while expressing appreciation for Kuwait’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its humanitarian contributions, including the provision of electricity generators to critical facilities. Guests observed a moment of silence in memory of civilians and victims of the conflict.

Photographer Eduard Kryzhanivskyi, whose images formed a central part of the exhibition, said the photographs aim to tell the stories of ordinary Ukrainians who demonstrated extraordinary courage.

“Through this exhibition, I want to tell the story of civilians, rescuers, volunteers, and men and women who found the strength and courage to defend their country,” he said, adding that the images reflect unity and determination during times of hardship.

He thanked international partners for their continued support and invited attendees to engage closely with the photographs through guided tours of the gallery.

The exhibition offered visitors an opportunity to reflect on the role of art and storytelling in preserving human dignity and cultural identity during conflict, while reinforcing messages of solidarity and resilience shared by the European Union, Ukraine, and the international community.