Ukraine has demonstrated its leadership and vision in the global cultural sphere. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukraine significantly expanded the geographical scope of its global diplomatic efforts and took its cultural engagement to the next level.

The Ukraine Fund - made possible through contributions from EUNIC members - has continued to support Ukraine in its efforts to embed Ukrainian culture within European spheres, mobilise support for contemporary Ukrainian culture, expand audiences across Europe, and broaden programming relations with the cultural sector.

In 2025, EUNIC launched the third edition of the Ukraine Fund. Initiatives supported by the fund reached more than 3,000 direct participants and highlighted the growing role of culture as a tool for dialogue, exchange, and relationship building, particularly in regions where direct political communication faces challenges.

Evolving the fund: a new strategic direction

The 2025 edition of the fund marked a significant evolution in the programme’s strategic direction.

Working closely with the Ukrainian Institute, the fund was strategically repositioned. The latest edition prioritised long-term cultural partnerships, research-informed collaboration, and sustained engagement in new locations.

The focus shifted from individual activities towards building a more long-term presence and partnerships through multidisciplinary projects in key regions around the world.

Rethinking approaches to cultural diplomacy

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified Asia, Africa, and Latin America as priority regions. As of 2023, the Ukrainian Institute began expanding its footprint in eight key regional hubs: Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, India, and Indonesia.

Entering these new locations required rethinking approaches to cultural diplomacy, particularly shifting away from a solely European framework and adapting to more complex and politically sensitive contexts.

A key shift in approach saw a move away from isolated activities towards interconnected interventions. This marked an evolution from event-based cultural diplomacy to a more strategic, research-informed, and partnership-oriented approach to cultural relations between Ukraine and the world.

Impact and outcomes

Through the EUNIC Ukraine Fund, the Ukrainian Institute implemented a series of eight multi-disciplinary projects in Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and India.

Read more about the projects here.

The programme combined artistic collaborations, participation in major international cultural platforms, research-based initiatives, and communication projects reaching over 3,000 direct participants and an estimated 90,000 people through media and digital channels.

The fund allowed the Ukrainian Institute to establish and strengthen partnerships with more than 20 local institutions, including cultural organisations, universities, festivals, local government, and diplomatic missions.

Looking ahead: Ukraine Fund 2026

The EUNIC Ukraine Fund will continue in 2026 with a fourth edition, further strengthening Ukraine’s cultural presence and building a longer-term presence in priority regions worldwide.

More information about the Ukraine Fund 2026 will follow as the programme develops.