SupportMay 20 marked the third anniversary of the withdrawal of Mariupol’s defenders from Azovstal – 86 days of heroic resistance, 86 days of inhuman conditions, constant attacks, and a lack of water, medicine, and weapons. This day is forever inscribed in history as a symbol of the unbreakable spirit of Ukrainian warriors.
Among the artworks submitted during the second stage of our project “Faces of the Ukrainian Dream”, one piece stands out for its deep meaning – a painting titled “Koper”, created by a young participant from Mariupol named Makar.
In March 2022, when the city was engulfed in war, this painting was miraculously evacuated from his father’s office at the Azovstal steel plant – a site that became a true fortress for Mariupol’s residents. It was there, in the plant’s bomb shelter, that the boy and his family found refuge. And it was the koper – a technical structure typically associated with industrial production – that in those terrifying days became a source of life: it made it possible to connect the power supply to the shelter.
“My work is about the hardworking people of my country who, despite everything, continue to fight the enemy. We will definitely rebuild everything and become the most powerful country in the world,” Makar shares his dream.
His dream is of a strong, free, rebuilt Ukraine – a country that remembers its heroes and honors the sacrifice of its defenders, especially the unbreakable spirit of the Azov warriors who gave their lives to protect Mariupol.
Many of our soldiers remain in captivity, sentenced by Russia for the simple act of bravely defending their land. We have no right to forget their sacrifice. We fight for each one. We await each one.
Glory to the defenders of Mariupol!
