One of the key missions of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Art Museum is to foster comprehensive inter-museum cooperation with colleagues from evacuated institutions in Donetsk region and to support the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage relocated to western Ukraine between 2022 and 2024. This initiative led to a partnership between the Khmelnytskyi Regional Art Museum and the Donetsk Regional Museum of Local History, including joint implementation of the project “Museum Digital Community. Work in Progress”, supported by the European Union’s House of Europe programme, which focuses on digitizing seven museum collections.
The exhibition project “Faces of Resistance”, dedicated to Ukraine’s Defenders Day, continues this collaboration between the two institutions.
The exhibition reveals the depth and complexity of the individuals who serve in Ukraine’s defense forces, fighting heroically for the country’s independence and territorial integrity. This photo project aims to strengthen the public image of Ukraine’s Security and Defense Forces, reinforce national identity and patriotic awareness, promote civic responsibility, and foster societal recognition of the importance of the struggle for freedom. It also contributes to building a culture of gratitude toward Ukrainian soldiers.
The central idea is to highlight the personal stories of those who defend Ukraine as part of various military formations. Each photograph is accompanied by a narrative that shares the life journey, motivations, and emotional experiences of the defenders. These texts include direct quotes from the heroes themselves, offering insight into their thoughts, memories, and feelings.
The portraits reflect the human qualities and emotions of ordinary Ukrainians who have taken up arms to protect their homeland. They are individuals with dreams, talents, families, and unique life paths. Behind every soldier stands a person.
The exhibition features 60 stories of defenders from 16 military formations, including: 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, 4th Separate Tank Brigade, 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo, 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Kostiantyn Ostrozkyi, 43rd, 53rd, 63rd, 72nd, 100th, 150th Separate Mechanized Brigades, 55th Separate Artillery Brigade “Zaporizhzhia Sich”, 56th Separate Motorized Infantry Mariupol Brigade, 60th Separate Mechanized Inhulets Brigade, 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign, 109th Territorial Defense Brigade, Luhansk Border Detachment – “Vengeance” Brigade of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine
“Faces of Resistance” is more than a collection of military portraits—it is a living testimony of courage, resilience, and devotion. These images inspire and unite, reminding us that behind every victory are people whose names must be remembered and honored. Supporting them is essential to achieving victory.
The exhibition will run until November 2, 2025.
