Upcoming events

Tickets required | Event language: German | TUESDAY, 6 - 9 p.m., Hygiene Museum Dresden | Independence and freedom play a central role in Ukraine’s self-understanding and stand at the heart of its historical memory. This is evident not only in national symbols, songs, the text of the national anthem and in literature, but also in three major revolutions since 1990 and, ultimately, in Ukraine’s active and still unbroken resistance against Russia’s war of aggression. The lecture will explain the foundations of the Ukrainian society’s uncompromising will for freedom, the forms it takes today, and why a Ukrainian defeat by Russia would pose an immense danger to Europe as a whole.

Hybrid format | This presentation explores the role of memes in Ukraine during the ongoing war, emphasizing their power beyond humour. Ukrainian memes have become tools of social therapy, helping citizens cope with trauma and uncertainty through shared laughter. At the same time, they act as a form of national memory, capturing and preserving key wartime events and symbols in digital culture. Moreover, memes serve a practical purpose in supporting civilian infrastructure, mobilizing communities for fundraising, volunteering, and humanitarian aid. By analysing these dimensions, the discussion highlights how memes contribute to resilience, solidarity, and cultural identity, making them an essential element of Ukraine’s resistance and future recovery.