This series of talks is open to all University of Sheffield staff and the wider community. The goal is to raise awareness and promote understanding of the distinctive nature of Ukrainian history, society and culture, and the way they have been shaped by the historical and social context in and around Ukraine.

Speakers will cover a range of areas, including history, politics, law, and culture. The first talk in the series is conceived as an in-person event; subsequent events will include a mixture of in-person talks and hybrid/remote delivery with local moderation. Refreshments will be provided.

For further information about the series, contact Dr Vira Dutkanych on v.dutkanych@sheffield.ac.uk.

View materials from the seminars

THE ROLE OF SOFT POWER: CULTURAL FACTOR IN RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE (CASE STUDY)

Culture is gaining greater importance on the global stage, becoming a significant force in our daily lives. Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, culture takes on a vital role by providing protection, inspiration, and healing. 

Join us at a seminar where you can explore the role of culture in today's war-torn Ukraine, discover which international celebrities and art authorities are standing in solidarity with the country, and learn about the active involvement of culture in the conflict.

Don't miss the opportunity to join the discussion and find out how you can contribute to supporting Ukrainian culture in this challenging period. We look forward to seeing you!

Past events 

Screening of the film-ballet "Vodurudu" with director Anatoliy Sachivko

Monday 29 January 2024, 4-6pm

Vodurudu is a folk-improvisational film-ballet that revives national culture through independent elements of folk art. Join us for a discussion with director Anatoliy Sachivko after the screening.

A New Stage for Ukrainian Cinema and Theater

January 15, 2024, 4-5pm

Join us for a discussion on Ukrainian cinema and theater during Russia's full-scale invasion against Ukraine. Accompanied by Ukrainian actress Solomiya Kyrylova, we will explore the changes in the film industry, challenges faced by the theater, and the prospects for development.

Solomiia Kyrylova

Accomplished Ukrainian actress, singer, and musician known for her versatile talent in theatre and cinema.

Vira Dutkanych

Research fellow at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, specializing in historical studies, and a visiting research fellow at the University of Sheffield.

'Pamfir' Movie Screening and Q&A with Lead Actress

January 29, 2024, 4-6pm

'Pamfir' (Ukrainian: Памфір) is a 2022 Ukrainian fictional feature film directed by Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk, which had its world premiere at the 75th Festival de Cannes.

The film was created before the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine and has become one of the most significant artistic expressions about contemporary Ukraine, showcasing its unyielding spirit and resilience for life.

Before the screening, there will be a brief lecture about the Ukrainian holiday of Malanka and afterwards, a Q&A session with the lead actress of this film, Solomiya Kyrylova, who will answer all your questions.

This is a unique opportunity to discover Ukrainian cinema, so we look forward to seeing everyone.

Vira Dutkanych

Research fellow at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, specializing in historical studies, and a visiting research fellow at the University of Sheffield.

Anatolii Sachivko

A Ukrainian choreographer and director, Anatolii is the visionary behind the dance collective Apache Crew, which evolved into the "Circle of Dance" camp during the war. His debut film, "Vodurudu," premiered at the Odessa Film Festival in 2021. Amidst the challenges of the war, the film has been showcased in Kyiv, Lviv, Lisbon, Berlin, with forthcoming screenings scheduled in Dublin and London.

Ukrainian Christmas traditions

28 November 2023, 4 to 5.30pm

We invite you to discover Ukraine's unique Christmas traditions. In a country where East and West meet, these traditions capture the spirit of one of the most significant times of the year and are a powerful reminder of the strength of holding on to your culture and beliefs, even as others try to take everything from you. Join this journey into a world where tradition dances with resilience, creating an exquisite mosaic of celebration and cultural pride.

Nadiyka Gerbish

Nadiyka Gerbish is a bestselling and award-winning Ukrainian author of over 20 titles. Born in 1987 in Ukraine, she received an MA degree in English Language and Literature from the Kyiv National Linguistic University in Ukraine in 2010 and an MA in American Studies and Mass Media from the University of Lodz in Poland in 2017.  Nadiyka is a European and Nordic Languages Rights Director for Riggins Rights Management. She also works as a producer, columnist, and podcaster.

How has the Ukrainian language withstood Russian imperialism? Distorted history.

14 November 2023, 4 to 5.30pm

People abroad often ask if the Ukrainian language is the same as Russian. Russian imperialism has transmitted the idea of their sameness or sisterhood for centuries. Thanks to this lecture, you will learn how to reject Russian myths about the origin and history of the Ukrainian language. You will also conclude the similarities and differences between these two languages. However, main goal is to demonstrate how the Ukrainian language has survived Russian oppression.

Natalia Bahniuk

Head of the Ukrainian Language Department, I. Krypiakevych Institute of Ukrainian Studies, National Academy of Science of Ukraine.

Olena Synchak

Ph.D. in Philology, Ukrainian as a Foreign Language Instructor at the School of Ukrainian Language and Culture, Ukrainian Catholic University.

Ukraine: A Journey Through History

 31 October 2023, 4 to 5.30pm

Ukraine: A Journey Through History

Over the past few years, you've often heard a lot about Ukraine in the news, but have you ever wondered how much you really know about its history? We invite you to a seminar where you'll have the opportunity to learn about the key events in Ukrainian history and discuss its contemporary relevance. All are welcome!

Vira Dutkanych

Vira Dutkanych is a research fellow at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv in the field of historical studies and a visiting research fellow at the University of Sheffield. Her research focuses on the visual representations of Russia's war against Ukraine in the cultural context of Europe (2014-2023).

Proudly made in Ukraine: Wine history

Monday 19 June 2023, 4 to 5.30pm

Bogdan Pavliukh

Sommelier fromUkraine, certified by ASI Gold Diploma.

Firm on Keeping it Vague – Linguistic Variation in Modern Standard Ukrainian

Thursday 15 June 2023, 4 to 5.30pm

Jan Fellerer

Associate Professor of Non-Russian Slavonic Languages, University of Oxford

Landscapes of identity and language practices in Ukraine 2013-2023

Tuesday 6 June 2023, 4 to 5.30pm

Viktoriya Sereda

Contemporary Ukrainian Literature: Roots and Roads

Monday 22 May, 2023, 4 to 5.30pm

Olena Haleta

Professor, Doctor of Philological Sciences

Crime and punishment under the Criminal Code of Ukraine

Monday 24 April 2023, 4 to 5.30pm

Olha Denkovych

Assoc. prof., PhD

The Ukrainian Avant-Garde: Dispel of The Myth

Tuesday 28 March 2023, 4 to 5.30pm

Iya Stepanyuk

journalist, founder and publisher [esthète] Gazette

10 Curious Facts About Ukraine

Tuesday 21 March 2023, 4 to 5.30pm

Olha Denkovych

Assoc. prof., PhD