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A Voice of Freedom in Venice: a new pavilion dedicated to resistance against Russian aggression
The ‘Padiglione del (Dis)Senso’ — an independent space for artistic resistance — has opened in Venice. In Venice, as part of the 61st Venice Biennale, the Padiglione del (Dis)Senso (‘Pavilion (Dis)Senso’ — an independent art platform dedicated to creative freedom, human rights and resistance to political repression — has opened in Venice as part of the 61st Venice Biennale. The exhibition will run from 7 July to 7 August in the former Church of San Leonardo. The opening symbolically took place almost 50 years after the historic 1977 Biennale del Dissenso, which became a landmark event for the artistic dissident movement. The project was conceived by the Arts Against Aggression initiative and organised by Memorial Italia in collaboration with Katya Margolis. It emerged as a response to the exploitation of culture for political ends, as well as a continuation of artistic protests against Russia’s state presence at international cultural venues. The exhibition brought together artists, curators and activists from various countries. The central themes were political repression, human rights, exile, cultural memory and the role of art as a form of resistance. Among the most significant projects were: an installation by Nadezhda Tolokonnikova (Pussy Riot), dedicated to the works of political prisoners; the DecolonizArt project by artist Pavlo Rotets, exploring the memory and cultural identity of colonised peoples; the Little Queer Art Project — an exhibition dedicated to LGBTQ+ artists and dissidents in exile; the installation ‘Death in Venice’ by the Latvian artist Kriss Salmanis; Invisible Pavilion — an urban memorial campaign dedicated to Ukrainian artists who lost their lives as a result of the war. The project was initiated by Katya Margolis in collaboration with NAU (Network Associazioni per Ucraina). The pavilion also features works by Danil Tkachenko, Nadiya Skidan, Iryna Regina Hoffmann, Filip Pishchyk (Bluemoloko), Katya Margolis and other contemporary artists. The organisers emphasise that ‘The (Dis)Agreement’ is not merely an exhibition, but a space for dialogue, reflection on contemporary challenges and a collective re-examination of the role of art in times of war and social upheaval. According to the organisers, on 4 June 2026, the Russian authorities added the organisation Memorial Italia to the list of ‘extremist and terrorist’ organisations. This decision relates to the legislation of the Russian Federation and does not imply international recognition of such a status.
‘The Awakening of Europe’: Ukrainians to take part in a military parade in Paris
The military parade to mark Bastille Day, which will be presided over for the tenth and final time by French President Emmanuel Macron, is set to be one of the most spectacular yet – with a record number of troops taking part in the march. Among them, for the first time, will be Ukrainians. Alongside them, representatives from 35 countries of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ – established by France and the United Kingdom to support Ukraine’s security – will take part in the parade. ‘This is a historic parade, as it is international in nature – it marks the awakening of Europe, which is taking its destiny into its own hands, – and because it will be on a grand scale,” officials at the Élysée Palace promised. The number of parade participants this year will be a record high – 6,800 military personnel will march across the Champs-Élysées, 15 per cent more than last year. There are also plans to increase the number of military vehicles and aircraft by 30 per cent. As noted in the statement, for the first time the parade will feature “aircraft equipped with simulated weaponry”, as well as helicopters that “will fly over the tanks to recreate what might happen on the battlefield”. According to media reports, this is intended to be not merely a spectacle, but a strategic signal.
Travel between Ukraine and Italy has become more comfortable: the transport operator KLR has entered the Italian market
KLR, a major international coach operator, launched a regular service between Ukraine and Italy in mid-June. Coaches depart from Italy every Wednesday and Sunday. The route starts in Naples and covers a number of the country’s largest cities, including Rome, Florence, Bologna, Rimini, Genoa, Milan and Brescia, providing convenient connections for Ukrainians living in Italy, as well as for anyone travelling between the two countries. Passengers are offered a high level of comfort during long journeys. The coach interiors are fitted with soft seats featuring footrests and the option to increase the space between adjacent seats. The coaches are equipped with a toilet, and passengers are offered free tea, coffee and water during the journey. Additional services include free and reliable Wi-Fi, background music and USB sockets for charging mobile devices, making the journey even more comfortable. KLR’s entry into the Italian market expands travel options between Ukraine and Italy, offering passengers a modern service and a high level of comfort on international routes. According to UA Service HUB, a 20 per cent discount is available on ticket bookings until the end of summer. For further information, please contact the company’s official representatives in Italy on the following numbers: +393476715539; +380974900623; +393762678909
Young Ukrainians living in Naples and the surrounding area are invited to attend a modern church school
The Ukrainian community in Bagnoli (Naples) and Giuliano in Campania invites children aged 8 and over to attend catechism classes in preparation for their First Confession and Solemn First Holy Communion. The programme is designed not only to help children prepare to receive the Holy Sacraments, but also to lay a solid spiritual foundation that will serve as a pillar of support throughout their lives. The course begins on 6 September 2026. Classes will take place twice a week: one lesson online and one in church. Modern interactive teaching methods will be used during the catechism classes, including presentations, video materials, creative tasks and lively discussion. This format will help children to discover God with enthusiasm, gain a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and learn to live it out in their daily lives. The catechism classes will be led by Fr Andriy Shabanov, chaplain to the Ukrainian community in Bagnoli (Naples) and Giuliano in Campania. Registration and further information: ☎️ +39 351 983 3797 (Fr Andriy Shabanov)
NAU represented the Ukrainian community in Italy at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026
From 24 to 26 June, the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026 (URC2026) – one of the leading international conferences dedicated to Ukraine’s recovery – took place in Gdańsk (Poland). NAU – the Italian network of Ukrainian associations – took part in the forum, reaffirming the active role of the Ukrainian diaspora in the international dialogue on the country’s post-war reconstruction. The conference brought together heads of state and government, representatives of international financial institutions, the diplomatic corps, local authorities, the business community and civil society. A key component of the event was the participation of Ukrainian organisations abroad, which are becoming increasingly active in forging international partnerships and supporting Ukraine. According to UA Service HUB, initial contacts were established during the conference with the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine, opening up opportunities for further cooperation. Talks were also held with representatives of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, diplomats, heads of Ukrainian regions, international partners and representatives of Italian business, in particular Confindustria. Discussions centred on attracting investment, post-war reconstruction, the development of international partnerships and the role of civil society in Ukraine’s reconstruction. NAU was represented by the organisation’s president, Dmytro Shchukin, who held a series of working meetings with representatives of Ukrainian ministries, international organisations, local authorities and the business community. “Reconstruction is not just about rebuilding buildings and infrastructure. It is, first and foremost, about trust, partnership and strong ties between people, communities, states and business. It is civil society organisations that can serve as an effective bridge between Ukraine, Italy and the whole of Europe,” NAU states. The network emphasises that the agreements reached during URC2026 will form the basis for further working meetings and joint projects in the coming months. It should be noted that NAU continues to work on strengthening cooperation between the Ukrainian community in Italy, Ukrainian state institutions, international partners and the business sector, thereby contributing to Ukraine’s recovery and the development of new opportunities for Ukrainians in Europe.
The EU has made the first disbursement to Ukraine from the €90 billion loan
The European Commission has disbursed €3.9 billion to Ukraine as part of the first defence tranche of a large-scale €90 billion EU loan. These funds are to be used to purchase drones for the Ukrainian army, which is one of the key areas for strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities in 2026. In total, the first tranche, earmarked specifically for the purchase of drones, is expected to amount to around €6 billion. The remainder of the sum, according to preliminary information, is due to be paid out in the coming days. The European Union explains that the funding is being disbursed in instalments for a reason: before each payment, the European Commission checks the contracts for the supply of drones. This mechanism is intended to ensure that the funds are used specifically for the agreed defence procurements, and not for other purposes. For Ukraine, this decision has significant practical implications. Drones have become one of the key tools of modern warfare: they are used for reconnaissance, fire support, striking targets, defending positions and reducing risks to troops on the front line. This is precisely why investment in drones is seen as one of the most effective ways to rapidly strengthen the Ukrainian army. According to UA Service HUB, the total EU loan of €90 billion provides for two major areas of support for Ukraine in 2026–2027. Of this amount, €30 billion is to be allocated to budgetary support, and a further €60 billion to defence needs. In 2026, Ukraine is set to receive €28.3 billion from the defence package to support and develop its defence industrial capacity. Future payments are not intended to be directed solely towards drones. It is expected that the funds will also be used to procure ammunition, missiles, air defence systems and other weaponry necessary for the country’s defence. This approach demonstrates the EU’s long-term support for Ukraine and its commitment to strengthening not only the army’s current capabilities but also the Ukrainian defence industry in the long term.
Ukrainian singer YAMARYNA has released a new music video filmed in Naples
Ukrainian singer YAMARYNA has released a new music video for the song ‘Vidchuvayu’. According to UA Service HUB, the music video was filmed in Naples — one of the most colourful cities in southern Italy, which has become an important part of the artist’s personal history. Following the outbreak of full-scale war in Ukraine, the singer moved to Italy, where she continues to pursue her creative endeavours and develop her musical career. According to the singer, the song ‘Vidchuvayu’ is dedicated to genuine emotions and the ability to hold on to hope even during the most difficult periods of life. The music video is now available on the singer’s official YouTube channel and marks a new creative chapter in the artist’s career, as she continues to represent Ukrainian music abroad. Listen to the track on all platforms: The single ‘Vidchuvayu’ is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube Music and Deezer: https://social.tunecor. The following people worked on the release: • Videographer: @anastasia.video.alikas (©/anastasia.video.alikas) MUA/HAIR - @•/ m.olga.muh Lyrics: Serhii Pashchenko Music: Arturo Mass @ / mass_productionua Music Production (mixing & mastering): Mass Production.
The BusinessWoman magazine was presented at the MindSpace Forum
As part of the MindSpace Forum psychology conference, which took place on 21 June in Naples and was aimed at providing psychological support and fostering the development of Ukrainians in Italy, a presentation was given on *Business Woman Magazine* and the *Book of Records of Ukraine*. Business Woman Magazine brings together the stories of successful women who, through their own example, inspire others by demonstrating opportunities for professional and personal development. The publication has become a platform for a community of active, goal-oriented people who create new opportunities for themselves and those around them. As a reminder, on 21 June, the first psychological forum for the Ukrainian community — the MindSpace Forum — took place in Naples, providing a space for self-discovery, personal development and mutual support. Psychologists Tetiana Tyshchenko and Iryna Lokazuk, as well as Olena Sukhovii — a nutritionist, health mentor and body therapist — shared their knowledge and practices. The event was organised by the MindSpace project, the Association of Progressive Ukrainian Women in Italy, CRASA APS and the Lalla Club community of Ukrainian women.
The first psychological forum for Ukrainians, the MindSpace Forum, took place in Naples
On 21 June, Naples hosted the first psychological forum for the Ukrainian community — the MindSpace Forum — which provided a unique space for self-discovery, personal development and mutual support. The event brought together dozens of participants, who were given the opportunity to step back from the whirlwind of everyday life, listen to themselves and take a step towards inner change. The forum was not merely a series of lectures and meetings, but a genuine journey of self-discovery, a re-evaluation of one’s own beliefs and a search for new opportunities for growth. Throughout the day, participants worked on their mindsets, discovered new resources, and discussed inner strength and ways to overcome life’s challenges. The atmosphere of openness and trust fostered sincere conversations, emotional experiences and new connections. Psychological exercises and talks by female experts played a key role in the programme. Psychologists Tetiana Tyshchenko and Iryna Lokazuk, along with Olena Sukhovii — a nutritionist, health mentor and body therapist — shared their knowledge and experience. The forum was organised by the MindSpace project, the Association of Progressive Ukrainian Women in Italy, CRASA APS and the Lalla Club Ukrainian Women’s Community. As Oleksandr Mesetsko, the event organiser and head of MindSpace—the community of Ukrainian psychologists in Italy—explained, the main aim of the event was to create a safe space where everyone could feel supported and connected to the community. “I see our people here in Italy every day. I see how much energy we expend just to keep going, to work, to help our families and simply not to give up. Life has forced us to become incredibly strong. But sometimes this strength can be very exhausting. This event is like a warm, comforting embrace, which we all so often miss when we’re far from home. We organised this so that everyone who walked into the hall would feel warmth and support, and remember that they are not alone on their journey,” said Oleksandr Mesechko. “Our association, CRASA APS, responded immediately to the request to organise such an event. We understand how difficult it is to find your way in a foreign country, and such psychological support is essential, even if many people cannot admit this even to themselves,” said Zhanna Zhukova, president of the CRASA APS association and representative of Business Woman Magazine in southern Italy. The forum also featured a presentation by Business Woman Magazine and the Ukrainian Book of Records, whilst participants discussed investment prospects, professional development and new opportunities for the Ukrainian community in Italy. “The MindSpace Forum is about support, self-fulfilment and a new life. And this is just the beginning,” emphasise the organisers. The first MindSpace Forum became a significant event for Ukrainians in Naples and across southern Italy, confirming the community’s high demand for psychological support, personal development and the creation of a space for mutual support.