Ukraine Week in Germany began on 12 October at the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder). The initiative, organised by the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, aims to develop Ukrainian-German academic cooperation and strengthen Ukraine's presence in Europe's intellectual landscape.
Volodymyr Sheiko, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute, attended the opening ceremony and a roundtable discussion titled "Security and Resilience for Europe's Future". Together with representatives of the Bundestag, European University Viadrina and the University of Basel, participants discussed European security through the lens of Ukraine's experience.
A key event on the opening day was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Viadrina and the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies. Viadrina became the first public university in Germany to formally join the coalition.
The programme also featured a lecture by Ukrainian philosopher, writer and journalist Volodymyr Yermolenko titled "Freedom Against All Odds: Why Ukraine Matters to Europe".
For the Ukrainian Institute, developing such partnerships is an important part of international cultural diplomacy. Academic dialogue helps present Ukraine through its experience, history and intellectual traditions, deepen international understanding of the country and create opportunities for long-term cooperation.
Ukraine Week will continue until 16 October, with further events scheduled in Berlin, Tübingen, Karlsruhe, Regensburg and Munich.
The programme includes lectures, discussions, research presentations and cultural events dedicated to Ukrainian history, culture, language, science and social transformation. Topics include European security, Ukraine's resilience, cultural diplomacy and prospects for Ukrainian-German cooperation. A separate event will focus on Crimea and the history of the Crimean Tatar people.
Ukraine Week in Germany is part of the "Ukrainian Weeks Abroad" programme, organised by the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies in 2026 to mark the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine's independence.
