📅 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.

Statement by Vitsche on the Alleged Negotiations Between the U.S. and russia

The recent statements by Donald Trump have made it clear: Europe can no longer rely on the United States. If we do not act now, tomorrow may be too late. Germany, as a key player in Europe, must take responsibility – not just in words, but through concrete actions.

1. “Peace” with russia is not peace – it is an invitation to the next war

History teaches us: Appeasing aggressors does not lead to peace; it leads to more wars.

• Munich Agreement of 1938: Europe wanted to prevent a war – but by making concessions to Hitler, it paved the way for World War II.
• Minsk Agreement of 2015: Instead of securing real peace, it only gave russia time to strengthen its army for another invasion.

A ceasefire on russian terms does not mean the end of the war – it is merely a pause for Moscow to prepare new attacks. russia must withdraw from Ukraine – Ukraine must not cease to exist!

2. Occupied territories are a humanitarian catastrophe – and a direct threat to Europe

What is happening in the russian-occupied regions?
⚠️ Mass deportations, torture, and forced recruitment of young Ukrainians into the russian army.
⚠️ Destruction of Ukrainian identity, re-education, and brainwashing.
⚠️ russia does not use these recruits for defense – but for its next war against Europe.

This is not “the Ukraine war” – this is a russian assault on Europe. Anyone calling for Ukraine’s surrender ignores the fact that russia’s army will not stop after Ukraine.

3. Security must become Europe’s top priority

The upcoming elections in Germany and across Europe must make one thing clear: Security is not a secondary issue – it is existential!

• Germany must finally act.
• Military support for Ukraine must not be reduced but intensified.
• Europe must establish itself as an independent security actor.
• Ukraine is a sovereign state – it is not up to russia to decide whether Ukraine joins NATO.

📢 Our demand: Europe must act now before it is too late!

Together, we demand responsible policies that pave the way for a sustainable future and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

🔴 Fossil energy has strengthened russia.
For years, oil and gas exports have empowered the russian regime. Ukraine has been suffering the consequences for more than a decade, and other neighboring countries are also affected. russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has killed thousands, devastated entire regions, and is fueling societal division in Germany.

🚫 This model must FINALLY come to an end.
It’s time to change course and permanently end our dependence on fossil fuels – especially russian gas. We demand sanctions on russian LNG imports to Germany and the EU for a fairer and more sustainable future!

💪 Take a stand. Join us on February 14.

📅 February 23, 2025, 7:30 PM
📍 Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), Tauf- und Traukirche des Berliner Doms, Am Lustgarten 1
🎟 Free entry

More than twenty years ago, a sensational discovery was made in one of Kyiv’s archives – a lost collection of sheet music from the Sing-Akademie zu Berlin, long thought to have disappeared during World War II. Among these treasures are the works of Maksym Berezovsky (1745–1777), one of the most outstanding composers of the XVIII century, who combined European symphonic tradition with sacred choral harmony.

Berezovsky, born in Hlukhiv, was educated at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and continued his studies in Italy under Giovanni Battista Martini.

This concert is one of the first events marking the 280th anniversary of the composer. The program will feature:

🎼 Alter Ratio (Kyiv) – Premieres of his choral works “Slava i nini: Yedynorodny Syne”, “Cherubimskaya”, “Vnemlyte lyudie”
🎻 Lautten Compagney Berlin – “Symphony in C major”
🎤 kammertón (Berlin) – Choral concert “Mylost’ i sud vospoyu”

The program will also include works by Berezovsky’s contemporaries – Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (“Orgelsonate auf der Orgel der TTK”, “Streichersinfonien”) and Baldassare Galuppi (“Sinfonia aus La Diavolessa”).

🎤 Moderation:
Olga Prykhodko – Artistic director of Alter Ratio and kammertón, editor and compiler of Berezovsky’s choral works
Christian Filips – Program director of the Sing-Akademie zu Berlin

This concert is dedicated to the third anniversary of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the musical treasures of Ukrainian Classicism in the heart of Berlin.

Date: February 12, 2025
Time: 18:45
Language: English

With author Lara Marlowe & Lieutenant Yulia Mykytenko (joining via video link from the Donetsk region).
Moderation: Viktoriya Feshak (Vitsche).

We warmly invite you to the presentation of the book “Ein Glück, dass ich den Tod nicht fürchte: Leutnant Julija Mykytenkos Kampf für die Ukraine” (“How Good It Is I Have No Fear of Dying: Lieutenant Yulia Mykytenko’s Fight for Ukraine”) by Lara Marlowe.

Renowned journalist Lara Marlowe tells the compelling story of Lieutenant Yulia Mykytenko, commander of a drone reconnaissance unit on the front line in Donetsk. This book provides deep insights into the reality of war and the resilience of Ukrainian defenders.

Event language: English
Free entry, no registration required
This event is part of the “Truth to Justice” project.

Organized by: Vitsche, Tropen Verlag, and the Pilecki Institute.

Join us and be part of this important conversation! 

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine nears its third anniversary, we ask: what will you choose? On February 24th, a day after Germany’s elections, we invite you to make a statement—for democracy, freedom, and peace. This is not only about Ukraine; this is about the values that define our future. The choice is yours.

Every day, we face decisions: to act or to remain passive, to resist fear or to succumb to it. “Choose Ukraine” is a campaign about those choices — choices that shape the world. Choosing Ukraine means choosing a path of courage, responsibility, and unity against tyranny.

The Current Situation

While headlines often move on, the brutality of Russia’s war in Ukraine persists:

• Territorial Losses: Over the past year, Russian forces have advanced particularly in the Donetsk region, capturing 4,168 km² (almost 5 Berlins) of Ukrainian and Ukraine-controlled territory at an average rate of 11.4 km² per day. Before 2022, more than 200,000 people lived in this area. In total, the territory occupied by Russia now amounts to nearly one-third of Germany’s total area—112,036 square kilometers. Source 
• Critical Defense Points: Ukrainian forces have held critical lines near Kharkiv and Kupiansk, but areas like Pokrovsk are right now dangerously contested.
• Russian Airstrikes: At some weeks, over 500 glide bombs are deployed, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties. In January alone, attacks on Ukrainian cities claimed numerous lives, with at least 14 civilians killed in Zaporizhzhia, 4 in Kryvyi Rih and 5 in Kyiv and many more along in the proximity of the frontline.
• Aerial Terror: Russian kamikaze drones strike up to 100 times daily, primarily at night. In 2024, Ukraine intercepted over 13,200 drones and more than 1,300 ballistic and cruise missiles.
• Foreign Involvement: Since 2024, North Korean troops have reportedly been fighting alongside Russian forces and mercenaries from other countries, intensifying the conflict and complicating defense efforts.Iran’s provision of drones and military equipment to Russia, along with China’s increasing economic and diplomatic backing, has strengthened Moscow’s ability to sustain its war efforts.
• Pressure on Ukrainian Society: Russia’s information warfare aims to divide Ukrainians and incite internal conflict. Ukraine’s partners should be cautious of contentious topics  and narratives that aid Russian propaganda.

Despite these challenges, Ukraine’s resilience remains strong. International solidarity remains essential to sustain the fight against Russian aggression and bring justice upon the aggressor.

Our Demands

To ensure Ukraine’s victory and hold Russia accountable, we urge governments, institutions, and individuals to take the following actions:

1. Choose Security: Ukraine in NATO Now!

A sustainable European security order demands Ukraine’s accession into NATO. Ukraine’s defense efforts already meet NATO standards, and its membership will deter further aggression. 

2. Choose Justice: Make Russia Pay
We call for the confiscation of Russian state-owned assets and the implementation of a war tax on Russian liquefied natural gas. These measures will undermine Russia’s war economy and provide critical funding for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. Holding Russia financially accountable is both just and essential to a sustainable peace.

3. Choose Peace: Support Ukrainian Victory

Appeasement encouraged aggression: History has shown us that appeasing dictatorships only emboldens them. The world must stand united against tyranny to prevent the spread of authoritarianism. Governments, NGOs, and civil society must collaborate to ensure that Ukraine has the resources and support it needs to prevail. This includes military, economic, and humanitarian aid.  More Details

4. Choose Life: Launch an Airshield to Protect Civilian Life

Protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is vital for the survival of millions. Advanced air defense systems and the NATO fighter jets from the neighbouring countries must be deployed to shield critical energy facilities and civilian life from Russian air strikes.

5. Choose Freedom: Release Ukrainian POWs and Civilians

Demand the immediate release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages held by Russia, whose illegal detentions constitute a g\ross violation of international law.

6. Choose Future: Bring Back Ukraine’s Stolen Children

More than 19,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russia according to the government portal Children of War. We demand their safe return and accountability for this act of genocide.

Call to Action

On February 24th, make your choice. Join us at 18:00 in front of the Berliner Dom for a march towards Brandenburg Gate, where we will gather at 19:00 for a program on stage to stand for Ukraine and for a future in peace and security. Show the world that you choose democracy, truth, and peace over fear, tyranny, and destruction.

Every voice counts. By choosing Ukraine, you choose a world where freedom prevails. Together, we stand up for justice and peace to be restored. What is your choice?

For nearly 11 years, russia has waged war against Ukraine, and three years ago, this war escalated into a brutal full-scale invasion. Every day, Ukraine loses territory – places where people live. russian missiles and bombs destroy villages and cities, while drone attacks terrorize civilians and target critical infrastructure. This winter, russia aims to dismantle power and heating systems, leaving millions at risk.

It is naïve to believe and foolish to demand that Ukraine and its allies should now make concessions in negotiations with russia – after three years of brutal invasion, thousands of war crimes, destroyed cities, and millions living in fear, torture, and oppression. russia’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine; it threatens freedom, democracy, and the right to a safe life globally. It will not stop on its own – it must be decisively stopped.

It is clear: appeasing the aggressor will not lead to peace but only allow it to regain strength. Negotiations without robust security guarantees and justice for the victims are not a path to sustainable peace. russia sees concessions as weakness and exploits them.

With the upcoming Bundestag elections and the rise of populist and far-right forces, we must ask ourselves: will we stand for democracy, peace, and freedom – or allow tyranny and oppression to prevail?

On February 24, the anniversary of the full-scale invasion, we will come together to send a clear signal:
We choose freedom, democracy, and peace. We choose Ukraine!

📍 Where: Brandenburger Tor, Berlin
📅 When: February 24, 19:00

Gratitude to @Viter.stepoviy for providing the pixel illustration of the moment when the Ukrainian flag was raised in liberated Vysokopillia in the Kherson region on September 4th, 2022.