Returning from the frontline, where art, culture, and historical memory act as a vital tool of resistance, it becomes clear that these lessons must be applied in the activities of our country’s cultural institutions. The main message brought back from this journey is clear: Lithuania’s cultural sector must prepare for emergencies not tomorrow, but today.
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Official support and strengthening historical ties
During the week-long working visit, which included the Minister and the heads of the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre (LNOBT) and the National Museum of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania’s Palace of the Grand Dukes, two main goals were set: to express state support for Ukraine and to bring back practical experience of institutions operating during crises.
In carrying out the first task, a meeting was held in Kyiv with the Ukrainian Minister of Culture, and it was officially confirmed that Lithuania (the second of the Baltic states after Estonia) is joining the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Restoration Fund.
Attention was also paid to the shared history of Lithuania and Ukraine. At the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, where roof renovation works are already underway after a recent attack, discussions were renewed regarding possible searches and identification of the remains of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania’s nobles. Although the situation of historical graves remains unclear, it was decided to continue cooperation with the Ukrainian government and the Pechersk Lavra itself regarding possible historical research. Historical connections with Lithuania and the Palace of the Grand Dukes were also emphasized during visits to cultural institutions in Lviv.
Culture at the frontline – an unbroken rhythm even underground
The second, practical task of the visit was aimed at the heads of institutions – to learn from the experience of Ukrainian cultural institutions operating under war conditions. In Dnipro, the delegation visited a completely new city museum built a few years ago. It left a special impression as it reflects a strong local stance: cultural symbols must be restored even when air raid sirens are sounding, because the defense of the state begins with preserving the fundamental values of the nation.
In Dnipro, the operation of the Opera and Ballet Theatre during danger was also evaluated. It was recalled that with the help of Lithuania and the Vilnius city municipality, a space has already been set up in the theatre’s shelter to maintain an uninterrupted cultural rhythm. The situation in Kharkiv is even more tense – here the Opera and Ballet Theatre has completely moved its activities underground due to constant threats, where it has set up a 200-seat hall. It is with this institution that LNOBT intends to develop very close cooperation.
Another important aspect that emerged in Kharkiv is the role of regional media. Radio stations operating very close to the frontline actively fight for a pro-Ukrainian narrative and directly counter Russian disinformation every day.
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To expand assistance, cooperation between Lithuanian heritage specialists and restorers was discussed in meetings with the leaders of Dnipro and Kharkiv. The possibility of Lithuanian representatives traveling to Ukraine to learn the specifics of working with valuables under war conditions is being considered, while Ukrainian cultural works and specialists are already being received in Lithuania.
A value signal in dismantling propaganda
Visiting Derhachi, just twenty kilometers from the frontline, and standing by the destroyed cultural center, the town mayor asked a direct question: do visits by Western politicians bring real benefits to Ukraine itself? According to L. Alsys, the answer is unequivocal – the arrival of national institutions and foreign political leaders to high-risk zones is a powerful weapon against Russian propaganda.
The fact that it is not military personnel but the Western countries’ Minister of Culture who comes to the frontline, speaking about infrastructure restoration, sends a clear signal: Ukraine is not collapsing. This confirms the Western perception that Ukrainians are fighting not only for themselves but for the freedom of all Europe.
Necessary steps to strengthen the resilience of cultural institutions
Summarizing the visit, the Minister of Culture emphasizes that culture in Ukraine is understood as an essential condition supporting people’s spirit and the state’s functionality. This experience obliges Lithuania’s cultural sector not to wait for war but to prepare for crises now.
Minister L. Alsys tasked the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Palace of the Grand Dukes, as leaders in their fields, to systematize the lessons learned in Ukraine through associations. Although the long-term goal remains the preservation of cultural artifacts, the short-term priority is to immediately conduct an inventory of Lithuanian cultural institutions. Each institution must openly assess its infrastructure shortcomings, suitability of spaces, generator and water reserves, and ability to quickly adapt.
Only by solving these basic needs and streamlining internal processes will Lithuania’s cultural sector be realistically prepared for any emergencies, provocations, or natural disasters.
