First Lady Zelenska Advocates for Ukrainian Studies in Vilnius
Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska visited Vilnius, Lithuania, on January 25, 2026, to meet with representatives of leading Lithuanian universities. The primary focus of these discussions was the universities' participation in the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, an initiative championed by the First Lady. The visit underscores ongoing efforts to expand the academic understanding and promotion of Ukrainian culture, history, and language on an international scale.
Lithuanian Universities Join Global Initiative
During her visit, Olena Zelenska confirmed that several prominent Lithuanian institutions have officially joined the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies. These include Vytautas Magnus University, Mykolas Romeris University, Klaipėda University, and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. The coalition, which already encompasses 60 institutions across 23 countries, seeks to unite and advance Ukrainian Studies worldwide. Its objectives are to integrate existing initiatives, develop new tools for support and collaboration, and foster the exchange of experiences, resources, and ideas related to Ukrainian scholarship.
Strengthening Ukraine's Global Academic Presence
The Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses the study of Ukraine's language, literature, history, and culture. First Lady Zelenska emphasized the critical importance of Ukrainian studies, particularly in light of current challenges. She stated that these studies are essential to 'convey the truth about Ukraine from Ukraine itself' and to counter 'Russian imperial narratives' that continue to influence public opinion. The initiative aims to strengthen Ukraine's subjectivity in the international arena and provide support for researchers, educators, and students interested in Ukraine.
Broader Context of Cultural Diplomacy
The establishment of the coalition is supported by several key Ukrainian governmental and non-governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Fund of the President of Ukraine for the Support of Education, Science and Sport, and the Institute of Ukraine's Crimean Platform Office. This collaborative effort highlights a strategic approach to cultural diplomacy, aiming to build a robust academic network for knowledge exchange and research projects. During her time in Vilnius, First Lady Zelenska also held meetings with the First Ladies of Lithuania and Poland and visited the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Vilnius, further underscoring the broader diplomatic and cultural engagement.
5 Comments
Bella Ciao
Brilliant strategy! Countering those imperial narratives through academia is genius.
Muchacha
Expanding Ukrainian studies can certainly enrich global understanding and challenge imperialistic views. Yet, relying solely on academic initiatives to shift deeply ingrained geopolitical perceptions might be overly optimistic without broader policy changes.
Mariposa
While promoting Ukrainian culture and history is vital for national identity, these academic programs must ensure rigorous, unbiased scholarship to maintain credibility and avoid becoming purely political tools.
Africa
This initiative has clear benefits for cultural exchange and education, connecting universities worldwide. Nevertheless, the explicit goal of countering 'Russian imperial narratives' could risk politicizing the curriculum, which might deter some potential students or scholars.
Bermudez
More cultural war, less focus on actual peace talks. Priorities are all wrong.