Security Policy and Culture: The Ukrainian Institute, together with partners, is conducting a series of panel discussions and a screening of the film Malevych during the Munich Security Conference 2025, featuring Yale University Professor Timothy Snyder, Ukrainian avant-garde researcher Tetyana Filevska, and recently released journalist and human rights activist Maksym Butkevych.
On February 14, the Münchener Künstlerhaus will host a series of engaging discussions exploring the intersection of security policy and culture. Among the prominent events is the panel titled "Is Europe Ready to Defend its Freedom? Culture as a Form of Resistance," which will bring together notable speakers such as journalist Maksym Butkevych, recently released from Russian captivity, Professor Martin Aust from the University of Bonn, and Fabian Mühthaler, Director of the Goethe-Institut in Ukraine.
Another significant panel, "The Role of Culture in Hybrid Wars: The Case of Malevych – Debunking Russian Propaganda Myths". This discussion will feature esteemed speakers including Yale University Professor Timothy Snyder, a renowned American historian and author, and Tetyana Filevska, Creative Director of the Ukrainian Institute, researcher of Ukrainian avant-garde, and author of several works on Kazimir Malevych. Joining them will be Franziska Davies, Professor at the University of Munich, an expert in Eastern European history, and Roman Haller, a German writer and Holocaust witness.
Tetyana Filevska explains the importance of culture in national security:
“The concept of culture as part of national security is relatively new. The idea of ‘soft power’ introduced the notion that culture plays a key role in global influence. However, it wasn’t until Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, part of its hybrid war against the democratic world, that the true role of culture in this struggle became apparent. The aggressor uses culture and art as instruments of influence and preparation for attack. Understanding the role of cultural heritage in achieving sustainable peace is crucial, not only for Ukraine but for the world. It’s important to highlight why Kazimir Malevych is an integral part of Ukrainian culture, alongside many other names Russia has appropriated throughout history.”
Maria Keil, co-organizer and producer at Big Hand Films, emphasizes culture’s role as both an identity and a weapon in the fight for truth:
“Today, culture is not just art; it’s security, identity, and a weapon in the battle for truth. Ukrainian culture has proven its resilience, and it’s our duty to protect it—not only at the front lines but also in the international information space.”
The Ukrainian Free University will also participate, contributing with a panel titled "Western Strategy for Ukraine – Ways Out of the War." The event will feature political leaders, though the speakers have yet to be announced.
On February 15, the Royal Film Palast will premiere Malevych (Ukraine/Switzerland/Italy/Serbia, 2024), a historical drama about the Ukrainian artist's battle against Soviet authorities for creative freedom. After the screening, a discussion with the film's creators will take place.
Daria Onyshchenko, the director of Malevych, reflects on the significance of the film:
“This project is not just about an artist; it’s about restoring historical justice and my personal understanding of Malevych. With rising foreign policy threats—not only for Ukraine but for all of Europe—understanding our history is more vital than ever. This film demonstrates how the underestimation of Russian imperialism has contributed to the war we are facing today.”
On the same day, a traditional rally in support of Ukraine will take place at Odeonsplatz, with participation from leading international politicians, cultural figures, and activists.
The event is supported by a wide range of partners, including the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, the Consulate General of Ukraine in Munich, the Goethe-Institut in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Institute, the Ukrainian Free University, the Thomas Dehler Foundation, the Centre for Liberal Modernity, Big Hand Films, the Janusz Korczak Academy, Artwinery, Fellas for Europe, Denkraum Ukraine, the Reutlinger Kollegium, and the Ukrainian Community of Munich.
