Culture

From the much-anticipated release of Wicked to Marvel’s hit Agatha All Along , witches have dominated the spotlight this autumn. Ukraine, too, is embracing this wave—not in cinemas but on stage—with the theatrical phenomenon The Witch of Konotop . While the US has its Salem, Ukraine has its Konotop.

We spoke with co-directors Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev about ‘ Porcelain War’ —a documentary that delves into the heart of Ukraine's struggle amidst the Russian full-scale invasion. Winner of the 2024 Sundance US Documentary Grand Jury Prize, the film is a testament to the resilience and unyielding spirit of the Ukrainian people—much like porcelain itself: easy to break, yet impossible to destroy.

“Land, my dear land!” begins the trailer for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the long-awaited return of the beloved Ukrainian game franchise—after 15 years. On screen, the character Richter sings, gesturing toward the desolate world outside. The song and scenery strike a chord for many Ukrainians, who may quietly hum along to the familiar lyrics.

Built in the 1920s, Derzhprom survived Soviet rule and Nazi occupation. Now, Russia aims to destroy it.

Ukraine is behind some of the world’s most iconic innovations. From the Avtorobot driving Hollywood’s action scenes to Sikorsky’s helicopter, Koroliov’s space breakthroughs, and even the creation of Grammarly, Ukraine’s inventive spirit continues to shape industries globally.

From the Mariupol Drama Theatre, where children sought shelter, to frescoed homes and Cathedrals—no part of Ukraine’s history is safe from Russia’s aggression. Whether by missile or occupation, Ukraine’s centuries-old culture, like its people, is being relentlessly destroyed.