The russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine has emerged as the greatest challenge to global democracy in the XXI century. The Ukrainian people are once again compelled to defend their Independence, their right to self-determination, and the future that only they can choose for themselves.
On February 24, 2022, numerous countries demonstrated their commitment to the most vital value—Freedom—by actively supporting Ukraine in the war against russia. On February 27, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on foreign citizens to help protect global security by joining the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Since then, volunteers from around the world have been joining the Ukrainian army every day. Together with Ukrainians, they are defending Ukraine’s Independence and the Freedom of the world.
"FOR FREEDOM" is a joint project of the War Museum and the Romulus T. Weatherman Foundation. It is a dedication to all foreign defenders of Ukraine—those who have chosen to join the Ukrainian resistance against a global threat. The exhibition highlights the extensive international support for our country, encompassing military and humanitarian aid, as well as the personal decision of foreign individuals to enlist in the Ukrainian army.
It is an exhibition about Freedom. It explores what drives individuals to leave their homes and loved ones, often thousands of kilometers from the front lines, to stand up for a land and people that once felt unfamiliar. It highlights those who have come to view Ukrainians as brothers and friends, making Ukraine their home and the stage for the crucial battle. This exhibition honors those who sacrifice their lives for the sake of shared Freedom.
The stories of foreign defenders presented in the exhibition, through episodes of pre-war life and heroism in combat missions, introduce visitors to those who stand alongside Ukrainians in the fight against the enemy. We are grateful to all foreign defenders of Ukraine and sincerely appreciate their contributions to our Victory.
The Museum team
Curators — Yurii Horpynych, Maryna Bohush
Design and architecture — Anna Voitovych
Graphic design — Lyudmyla Nikorych
Artist — Anton Logov
Texts and media — Oleksandra Pidsukha, Danyil Pinko, Dmytro Hainetdinov, Kateryna Miakushko, Polina Miakushko, Roman Pupenko
Collection management and restoration — Oksana Yankovenko, Yaroslava Pasichko, Anna Domashen, Tetyana Pohorila, Iryna Rudenko, Yuliia Penzina, Tetyana Yavorska, Vladyslav Filonenko
Public communications — Lyudmyla Melnyk, Anna Zurova, Anastasiia Yevhlevska
Installation management and technical coordination — Oleh Kucheriavyi, Oleksii Ishchenko, Yan Denenfeld, Oleh Olefirenko, Taras Paliy, Victoria Radzievska, Mykola Darmostuk, Oleksandr Seletskyi, Rostyslav Dudenko, Serhii Bilohub, Kostiantyn Perebyinis, Stepan Karas, Mykhailo Nahornyi, Valerii Borovyk, Dmytro Popovych, Anatolii Bitsenko, Petro Kyrychenko, Serhii Zadirayenkov, Alisa Prylutska, Mariia Holoskok, Oleksandr Slyvchak, Vasyl Yarmoliuk, Iryna Dvorska, Natalia Levadniuk, Svitlana Tetiura, Halyna Escarova, Tetyana Sydorenko, Lyudmyla Zadorozhna, Larysa Hrytsyshyna, Iryna Korneliuk, Andrii Zahrebelnyi
The Foundation team
Idea and Chief — Meaghan Mobbs
Project Management — Lauren Guillaume, Mariia Samoryezova
Collection Management — Mariia Samoryezova, Lana Rogers, Dawn Teem, Lauren Guillaume
Procurement and Event Coordination — Iryna Khoroshayeva
PR — Oleksandra Batiy, Kateryna Khelemendyk
Special thanks to donors and founders — Andrew Duncan and Elizabeth Weatherman
Special Contributors — Over 40 foreign defenders and 100 families of the fallen