In Vilnius, at the Ukrainian Center, a bright family Christmas celebration “Christmas Star” took place, attended by the First Lady of the Republic of Lithuania, Diana Nausėdienė.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Lithuania announced the event on its social media.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, we extend a hand to Ukrainians in Lithuania and sincerely invite you in all regions of our country to participate in a full, peaceful, European life. We encourage you to preserve and nurture your national culture within our Lithuanian family. We are Lithuania, and you are in Lithuania through a peaceful way of life, friendship, and cooperation we resist aggression, defend freedom, justice, and the principles of peaceful coexistence of peoples
– Diana Nausėdienė
During the event, Ukraine’s ambassador to Lithuania, Olha Nikitchenko, also spoke, noting that
through the evil that has come to our land, Ukrainian families are already for the fourth time compelled to greet Christmas and New Year holidays far from home – to greet them, not to celebrate
– Olha Nikitchenko
Not in the homeland, not together with relatives, without the usual family bustle and traditions. But at the same time – not alone. Every day, Ukrainians in Lithuania feel the genuine care and help of Lithuanian friends who have opened their hearts, sheltered thousands of our citizens, and help restore the sense of normal life
– a diplomat
The Nazustrich Project and Art as a Bridge Between Nations
That very day, special attention was given to the Nazustrich project – an initiative that became a bridge between people, cities, and regions. With the support of the Kazickas Family Foundation, the project brought together talented Ukrainians and Lithuanians from various corners of the country to share creativity, be heard, and be seen.
As part of the event, several qualifying events were held in Klaipėda, Panevėžys, Visaginas, Kaunas, and Vilnius. The main event was a gala concert at the Ukrainian Center, where the winners of regional stages presented their performances, and nearby stood an exhibition of paintings, ceramics, and painted clothing from different parts of Lithuania.
The celebration was lively: there were children’s and interactive zones for families, creative workshops were held, and at the fair Ukrainian artisans’ products were offered.
A special moment was the “Bring a Drawing – Get a Gift” action, thanks to which children handed their drawings to our defenders.
Other events involving the Ukrainian community were also mentioned: a charity concert by the Ukrainian choir “Songs for Ukraine” in London with the participation of the Ukrainian Embassy in the United Kingdom – an event that demonstrates support for freedom and culture from Ukraine’s friends.
Thus, the celebration at the Ukrainian Center in Vilnius became an example of friendship, mutual respect, and cultural exchange between Lithuania and Ukraine in a difficult time for the country.