Many Czech theaters, including the Prague National Theater, will show their support for Ukraine on February 24, one day before the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Czech Professional Theatre Association (APD) issued an appeal for the theaters to organize special events to show their support. The Prague National Theater artists will perform the Ukrainian anthem on the Vaclav Havel square, and other theaters will hold special evenings with Ukrainian guests, screen Ukrainian films, and illuminate their buildings. Ukrainian Consul Anna Proshko will give a speech in the Brno City Theater.

The Czech non-profit organization People in Need will also commemorate the one year of war and humanitarian aid by screening a special light installation on the building of the Interior Ministry in Prague Letna from February 23 to 25. In addition, three events will be held at the Prague Svetozor cinema, and the Prague Langhans center will offer an exhibition that maps the war in Ukraine. The Czech Centers also prepared exhibitions and seminars commemorating the anniversary, which will be held in Bratislava, Bucharest, Budapest, Milan, Munich, New York, Sophia, Tokyo, Vienna, and Prague.

On February 24, a commemorative act will be held in Prague at a statue made by Anna Naduda, a Ukrainian artist, to pay tribute to the war victims. The Czech government has expressed its support for Ukraine on numerous occasions, including by sending non-lethal aid and supporting EU sanctions against Russia.

The Czech Republic has long-standing cultural ties with Ukraine, and the Czechs have been expressing their solidarity with the Ukrainians since the beginning of the conflict. Last year, the Czech Republic sent aid to the war-torn region of Donbass and hosted a benefit concert in Prague. This year, the Czech Republic plans to send additional humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

The conflict in Ukraine began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and pro-Russian separatists declared independence in eastern Ukraine. Since then, the conflict has escalated into a full-scale war, with more than 13,000 people killed and over 1.5 million people displaced. The situation remains unresolved, and tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to simmer. The anniversary of the invasion is a time for reflection and solidarity, and the Czech Republic is showing its support for Ukraine in a variety of ways.

Article by Prague Forum