Ukrainian Memory Week

In Germany, the memory of World War II remains heavily shaped by Soviet narratives to this day. The perspectives of Ukraine often go unnoticed—even though millions of Ukrainians fell victim to war, occupation, and violence.

We want to change that.

Since 2022, we have been drawing attention to a simple reality: Berlin has no recognized memorial site for the Ukrainian victims of World War II.

That is why we are creating forms of remembrance that make this gap visible.

In 2022, we created a temporary memorial installation near the Sophiensæle—a site associated with forced labor under National Socialism. Many of the people exploited there came from Ukraine. To this day, there is no memorial plaque there.

The installation invited people to lay down flowers, thereby making the absence of remembrance visible.

In 2023, we deliberately did not organize any actions at Soviet monuments. These sites convey a one-sided historical narrative and do not reflect the diversity of Ukrainian experiences during World War II.

At the same time, we took legal action against the ban on displaying Ukrainian flags at these sites.

Because: Even though we view these monuments as problematic—the ban on Ukrainian symbols negates the role and suffering of Ukrainians during World War II.

In 2024, we organized a memorial march—calling for an official memorial site for Ukraine in Germany.

In 2025, we took to the streets again.

The next step follows in 2026.

In May, Ukrainian Remembrance Week kicks off in Berlin— five days filled with discussions, exhibitions, and public events.

Together with historians, artists, and civil society actors, we are creating space for a perspective that is often missing: viewing Ukrainian history as our own history.

We cordially invite you to become part of this with your events. Participate in our open call for the event: https://forms.gle/2PNrv3EL7tM5DLH28

Remembrance is not just about the past.

It lays the foundation for justice in the present.

May 4–8, 2026 · Berlin

The program will follow shortly.