During WWII, over 10 million people from Ukraine died — as civilians under Nazi terror, as victims of Communist repressions, as Red Army soldiers, as forced laborers in Nazi Germany or representatives of the Jewish or Roma communities. The territory of Ukraine was place to one of the heaviest human losses in Europe — yet in Germany’s culture of remembrance, their scale and stories remain invisible. 

The Soviet narrative erased Ukraine
The Soviet memory of victory never recognized Ukraine’s distinct suffering. All victims were counted as Soviet citizens, erasing national identities. This eradicated individual fates and their memory  — the Soviet state celebrated heroism, but the suffering of millions stayed aside..

Germany inherits a russocentric view
In post-war Germany the new communist leaders in the Soviet occupation zone built grand monuments to pay tribute to the Red Army’s triumph.  But these memorials treat the Soviet Union as one single people — many Germans perceived and still see them as russians. There is still no monument or dedicated sign for Ukrainians. No mention of Ukrainian or  losses of other nations that constituted the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics.

The silence in the West
In West Germany, memory centered around German occupation of Western Europe and the crimes of the Shoah — while the experiences of the war of annihilation in Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, remained largely invisible and ignored behind the iron curtain.

Why this matters
Today, myths from WWII are still alive. Russia uses them to justify new wars — including the invasion of Ukraine. Without recognition of Ukraine’s and many other nations’ WWII experiences and suffering, Soviet imperial narratives continue to shape the present.

Large parts of Ukraine’s cultural, economic and demographic basis were destroyed. These consequences and the subsequent Soviet policies of russification can still be observed today. 

History is used as a weapon.
By denying Ukraine’s suffering in WWII, the today’s aggressor seeks to deny Ukraine’s right to exist. A modern memory culture must confront this — not repeat old silences.

That’s why we are launching a campaign: “Ukraine in Memory.”
Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing forgotten stories, organizing public lectures, and holding a commemorative march in Berlin.

Our goal: to make Ukraine’s wartime experience visible. 

We call for a Ukrainian place of remembrance in Berlin: to honor the dead, to tell stories and give a bigger picture, to prevent memory from being misused.

Every year at Easter, the so-called “Ostermarsch” marches — originally born in the 1960s from anti-nuclear and anti-war ideals — return to the streets.

But since 2014, and especially since russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, these marches have changed. Many of them have become platforms for narratives that benefit the aggressor — not the victims.

This year, over 90 Easter marches are planned across Germany. Their message no longer speaks of global justice. Instead, they echo Kremlin propaganda and call for disarmament — not of the aggressor, but of the defenders.

Their central demand is to stop strengthening Europe’s ability to defend itself.

“Disarmament instead of defense” — that’s the message we find in many of the organizers’  statements, if we read them with awareness of the global situation. The logic is simple: where there are no weapons, there is peace. But in a world where dictatorships attack democracies, that logic kills.

Disarmament might make sense if you are the aggressor and want to secure a new status-quo – for the victim, it’s a death sentence. For Ukraine, it means genocide and destruction. For Europe, it means helplessness in the face of future russian aggression.

And this is happening at the worst possible moment:
🇺🇸 The U.S. is wavering in its support.
🤝 russia is holding direct negotiations with Washington that bypass Europe and apparently serve only Kremlin interests.
🕊️ “Peace at any price” is becoming a dominant narrative — even if the price is Ukrainian lives, occupied cities, and a defenseless Europe. But in the end, there will still be no peace.

While russians systematically violate international conventions by killing civilians and prisoners of war, showing no intention of ending their aggression, calls for “peace” ultimately serve the Kremlin’s interests. A ceasefire forced upon Ukraine by the US and fueled by russian narratives would freeze occupation, reward war crimes, and invite further invasions.

The very idea of peace has been weaponized. And parts of the German peace movement are helping to spread it.

That’s why we fight back.

At Vitsche, we are launching a campaign for a real and just peace — against the false prophets of surrender. Because wars are fought not only on the battlefield, but in people’s minds.

If we surrender truth, we surrender everything.

We will organize a performative counter-action during the Berlin Ostermarsch, and create powerful, shareable visual content that shows what peace truly means: justice and security in freedom.

We all want peace. But if it isn’t just, it isn’t peace at all.

What we need:

Your financial support.
We are a volunteer-led civil society organization, working with project-based funding. Unlike propaganda networks, we don’t have big donors — we rely on you — people who know that real peace is more than the absence of war.

👉 Every euro helps us fight disinformation, support Ukraine, and counter the wave of pseudo-pacifist propaganda.

📍 Donate. Share. Act.
https://vitsche.org/donate/

Café Kyiv is more than just an event – it is a space for dialogue, inspiration, and solidarity. Through discussions, panels, and cultural encounters, it connects people from Ukraine, Germany, and beyond who are committed to a shared free future for Ukraine and Europe.This year, the Vitsche team organized three panel discussions on disinformation and decolonization with incredible speakers, as well as the premiere of the film Zinema by director Korniy Hrytsiuk.The discussion “Weapons of Slow Destruction: Russian State Propaganda” and the premiere of the documentary Zinema were made in cooperation with the Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung. The discussion “Decolonizing the Discourse on Europe’s East” was made in cooperation with the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung.We thank the Café Kyiv team and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung for the opportunity to be a partner in this incredible event.See you next year!

For Ukraine. For our freedom. For a strong Europe.

On March 9, 2025, Vitsche e.V. and Campact e.V. are calling for a mass demonstration at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. As the U.S. turns away from Ukraine, it is up to Europe to take responsibility. Ukraine is defending not only its own freedom but also the security and democratic values of Europe.

Recent statements from the White House mark a dramatic shift: instead of supporting Ukraine, the U.S. government is spreading Russian propaganda and undermining the sovereignty of a country that has been defending itself against Russian imperialism for three years. These developments directly affect Europe – if Ukraine falls, Europe will become unsafe and face further aggression. And without Europe’s support,  the Ukrainian population faces continued terror, oppression, and even mass murder.

That’s why we are calling for a strong European response:

🔹 Unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty
Ukraine must be recognized as an equal partner on the international stage. Weakening its position also jeopardizes Europe’s stability and security.

🔹 Increased military and humanitarian aid – including long-range systems like Taurus
Ukraine needs modern defense systems, financial assistance, and continuous humanitarian support for those affected by the war. Europe must deliver – quickly, comprehensively, and sustainably.

🔹 Use of frozen Russian assets
Around €250–300 billion of frozen Russian assets in Europe must finally be used to finance Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction – as a clear act of European responsibility.

🔹 Protect European security and democracy
The alliance of autocrats is growing. Europe must act in unity – against the destruction of democratic structures, against far-right and pro-Russian parties, and in favor of a common security and defense policy.

🔹 Invest in an independent, sustainable future
Russia’s war shows us: dependence on autocrats costs prosperity and threatens freedom. Europe’s response must focus on renewable energy, fair industry, and socially just mobility – financed through reforms and the abolition of the debt brake.

On March 9, we take to the streets.
For Ukraine. For democracy. For Europe’s future.

👉 Join the demonstration at the Brandenburg Gate.
👉 Take a stand and call on the Bundestag to act with us.

Join us on March 11 for a dedicated program by Vitsche focusing on russian state propaganda, disinformation, and decolonial perspectives on Eastern Europe. Throughout the day, we will explore how narratives are shaped, manipulated, and resisted — through panel discussions, expert talks, and a documentary premiere.

Weapons of Slow Destruction: Russian State Propaganda
(In cooperation with Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung)

Time: 15:30–16:30
Location: CINEMA 10

This panel focuses on the mechanisms of russian state propaganda and its global impact. Historians, journalists, and activists will discuss how disinformation is used as a weapon of slow destruction, eroding truth, justice, and democracy worldwide.

Speakers:

• Dr. Franziska Davies, historian of East (Central) Europe 
• Alexej Hock, investigative journalist, CORRECTIV 
• Pekka Kallioniemi, Finnish counter-disinformation expert, creator of Vatnik Soup.  

Moderator: Eva Yakubovska (Vitsche)

Decolonizing the Discourse on Europe’s East (In cooperation with Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung)

Time: 11:00–12:00
Location: CINEMA 10

The idea of the russian empire remains largely unchallenged and continues to shape the region. russia’s invasion of Ukraine demonstrates the persistence of imperial ambitions and their devastating consequences. Speakers will address why mainstream narratives often fail to recognize Ukraine’s fight for freedom as anti-colonial and discuss the importance of applying decolonial perspectives to Eastern Europe.

Speakers:

• Kateryna Botanova, cultural critic, curator, and writer (Basel/Kyiv)
• Katrin Göring-Eckardt, Member of the Bundestag, Vice President of the Bundestag (Alliance 90/The Greens)
• Valentyna Sotnykova, Co-host of the “Decolonizers” podcast

Moderator: Kateryna Kvashnytska (Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung)

Premiere of Documentary “Zinema”

(In cooperation with Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung)

Time: 19:15–21:00
Location: CINEMA 2 

Premiere screening of Zinema, the latest documentary by Kornii Hrytsiuk, which explores decades of propaganda in Russian fictional cinema that has supported wars against sovereign states since 1991. After the screening, a public discussion will reflect on the film’s insights into the role of culture in shaping narratives of war and imperialism.

*Movie was co-financed by Pilecki-Institut Berlin and Vitsche e.V.

Speakers:

• Kornii Hrytsiuk, film director
• Yevheniya Kriegsheim, film producer  
• Vassili Golod, ARD correspondent to Ukraine
• Dr. Andrii Portnov, professor of Entangled History of Ukraine 

Moderator: Eva Yakubovska (Vitsche)

The attempted sidelining of President Zelenskyy through accusations of ingratitude undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and rule of International laws. Meanwhile russia repeatedly violated international agreements, including Minsk I and Minsk II in 2014, the U.S. government chose to focus on emotional statements and backing russian propaganda. 

Ukraine is fighting not only for its freedom but for Europe’s security. It is defending the values that underpin Europe’s foundation and its right to exist as a democratic nation. We are appalled by those who weaken Ukraine’s position on the global stage, especially at a time when unity is critical. Yesterday, in the Oval Office, the new U.S. government not only attacked Ukraine but Europe. 

The U.S. government’s stance toward Ukraine  — should alarm European allies and call for immediate action. The U.S., like russia, was one of the guarantors of Ukraine’s security after it gave up its nuclear weapons under the Budapest Memorandum in 1994. Yet today, surprisingly, the U.S. sides with russia by refusing to recognize Ukraine as a subject in shaping its own future. We see this Orwellian doublespeak in the U.S. president’s and vice-president’s statements, where the victim becomes the aggressor and the aggressor becomes the victim. The way the US deals with Ukraine reveals how America fundamentally understands its relations with international partners. 

Therefore we call for European Unity and Leadership

Europe is facing a threat to democracy and international law. Today, Europe’s future is at stake. European countries must unite to stop russia’s war on freedom and ensure just peace.

Unwavering Support for Ukraine’s Sovereignty

Europe must demonstrate unequivocal support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Any attempt to undermine Ukraine’s place on the global stage must be met with unified resistance. Ukraine’s sovereignty cannot be compromised.

Increased Military and Humanitarian Aid, incl. Taurus.

Europe must increase its military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, including advanced defense systems and continued aid for those suffering from the war. Ukraine is defending Europe from russian invasion. As the U.S. treats its allies, Europe must take the lead in security matters, supplying weapons and increasing arms production for Ukraine. We are not asking others to fight for us — we ask for help to fight.

Use of Frozen Russian Assets

Russian assets, totaling approximately €250 billion to €300 billion across Europe, must be used to protect Europe. These assets should be redirected to support Ukraine in its defense, as part of Europe’s responsibility to secure its own future.

Be the Voice!

Join Vitsche and Campact on March 9th in a demonstration calling on the Bundestag to take action! The Bundestag is expected to vote on the proposed €200 billion defense spending package before the current legislature concludes at the end of March 2025. These packages are crucial to providing financial assistance for Ukraine’s defense and humanitarian needs. It’s time to move from talk to action. Money for Ukraine is not a donation, but an investment in Europe’s peaceful future. As the old world is being destroyed, the new one must be built with those who believe in freedom and just peace.

The dark times demand bright people!

In January, Meduza launched a large-scale advertising campaign across European capitals, including Berlin. The campaign featured posters, billboards, and cinema ads using graphic images of russian attacks on Ukraine—scenes of bombings, funerals, and grieving families—juxtaposed with slogans about Meduza being a “trusted” source of information.

One of the most striking and outrageous examples: a widely used image of Yaroslav Bazylevych at the funeral of his wife and three children, who were killed in a russian missile strike on Lviv. Neither he nor his family ever consented to their suffering being used for Meduza’s self-promotion.

After massive backlash from Ukrainians and allies—including many of you—this campaign is now being removed from cinemas and public spaces across Europe.

Huge thanks to everyone who helped expose this case, spoke out, and pressured both Meduza and the German creative agency Lure behind the campaign. Special thanks to our colleague Viktoriya, who initiated this wave of resistance!

But it’s not over.

Instead of taking responsibility, Meduza responded by saying that while they were “sorry” if anyone was offended, they had the legal right to use these materials. This only reinforced what has been clear for a long time: Meduza, like many russian outlets, continues to center itself over Ukraine, instrumentalizing Ukrainian suffering while failing to challenge russian imperialism at its core.

❗️ And this problem goes beyond a single advertising campaign.

Meduza’s use of Ukrainian suffering is just the tip of the iceberg.

Their reporting consistently misrepresents the war, blurring the line between victim and aggressor, giving russian war criminals the same credibility as Ukrainian officials, and echoing Kremlin narratives.

🔎 Key findings from the research “Deconstructors of Truth: How the Russian Opposition Media Covers Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine” by Nataliia Steblyna & Iryna Avramenko:

False Equivalencies, Meduza has published headlines like:

• “Did Russia blow up the Kakhovka Dam? Or Ukraine? Or did it collapse by itself?” – fueling Kremlin narratives that deny Russian responsibility. By presenting Russian lies alongside verified facts, Meduza blurs reality, making both sides seem equally guilty or untrustworthy.
• “Russian troops shelled Lviv, Ukrainian troops shelled Yasynuvata in the DPR” – suggesting equal guilt when, in reality, one side is committing war crimes.
  (Yasynuvata is a city in occupied Donetsk where a russian ammonition depot was hit. The so-called “DPR” is a russian-imposed name for occupied Ukrainian territory in Donetsk region.)

Weak Journalistic Standards:

Meduza gives statements from russian war criminals the same weight as those from Western and Ukrainian officials, without proper contextualization. Instead of exposing the lies of Russian officials, they often treat them as legitimate perspectives—helping them launder their crimes.

Echoing Kremlin Narratives:

• Meduza’s reporting has included claims such as “Ukraine betrayed Donbas” and “Bucha was a provocation.”
• Articles like “From Bandera to ‘Azov’” frame Ukrainian nationalism as a subject of russian propaganda, reinforcing rather than debunking it.

📖 We strongly recommend reading the full report on so-called “independent” russian media and how they continue to align with russian propaganda. Read here.

russian media—no matter how ‘liberal’—cannot be trusted to tell the truth about Ukraine. They are still part of the empire, still centering themselves, and still manipulating narratives to serve their own interests.

If Lure truly wanted to support independent journalism that exposes russian propaganda and stand with Ukraine, why didn’t they amplify Ukrainian independent media instead? Outlets like Kyiv Independent, Svidomi, and Detector Media could have benefited from this platform—so why was Meduza, a russian outlet, given priority?

We hope that in the future, our German partners and colleagues will take a more informed and thoughtful approach. If you ever need context, deeper insight, or reliable sources—we’re here to share our expertise.

📅 March 10, 2025 | 18:45
📍 Pilecki Institute Berlin

Ukrainian human rights activist and journalist Maksym Butkevych was captured by russian forces in 2022 and remained a prisoner of war until his release in 2024. Throughout his captivity, he found strength in the poetry of Vasyl Stus, the Ukrainian poet and dissident who also endured years of imprisonment.

Join us at the Pilecki Institute Berlin as Butkevych reflects on how Stus’s poetry helped him to overcome isolation and hardship. Stus believed survival depends on human connection and the creation of meaning — an idea that profoundly shaped Butkevych’s experience.

“In captivity, I was helped by faith and the sense of purpose… I am who I am, and I can only unfold in others, as they unfold in me. We can survive only thanks to others and only in a world that we have created to survive. From what we know at this moment, humans are the only biological beings capable not just of creation but of creating daily and constantly. We create material, valuable worlds. We create meanings. The universe, through our eyes, acquires meaning and significance…”

The talk will elaborate on Butkevychs experience in captivity and Stus’ concept of Filling Oneself-with-One-Self — an idea that survival requires self-creation and relationships with others. Butkevych will also read Stus’s poetry alongside an exhibition about the Ukrainian dissident writer, who became a source of strength in his darkest moments.

 🗣 Event held in English, register here: LINK
🔗 Join us in person at the Pilecki Institute Berlin.