Ruins & Dreams. Civil Society for Ukraine.
What holds a society together when bombs fall? How do people preserve their dignity, their culture and their stories in the midst of destruction? This podcast shows a country that not only survives despite war but also reinvents itself in it.
In four episodes, Ira Peter, the former writer-in-residence of Odesa, talks to inspiring guests: survivors of National Socialist crimes, museum directors who protect works of art from missiles, young people who build bridges between Germany and Ukraine, and activists from the Roma community whose voices often go unheard.
The podcast sheds light on how Ukraine is dealing with old and new traumas, transforming museums into digital spaces and shaping a resilient civil society. Each episode introduces everyday heroes and visionary projects that illustrate why Ukraine is of central importance to Europe.
The episodes will be released monthly starting February 19 - on our YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever podcasts are available.
“Ruins & Dreams” is part of our support for Ukraine. Finde out more on our topic page.
Idea: EVZ Foundation
Concept & Moderation: Ira Peter
Production: speak low, Berlin.
© Martin Keil / speak low
© Lotta Storm / Stiftung EVZ
In its war of aggression, Russia is not only targeting Ukraine's infrastructure, but is also attacking churches, museums and historical sites. What is the strategy behind this? And what are the consequences for those who are committed to preserving culture – both locally and abroad?
In this episode of “Ruins & Dreams” extraordinary people speak from their perspectives – including Halina Bednarchyk, who is prepared to protect her local museum even at the risk of her life, and Mykola Kushnir, whose tireless commitment keeps the Jewish museum in Chernivtsi alive despite the most difficult circumstances. Experts from the fields of culture and science, including Milena Chorna from the Ukrainian Museum Association, researcher Dr. Alina Mozolevska and Dr. Jörg Morré from the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst, explain why culture plays such a central role in this war.
Further links from this podcast episode:
The war in Ukraine is leaving behind not only ruins, but also deep emotional wounds. This episode shows how people deal with trauma, build resilience and find hope despite everything. It also poses the question - how can we help?
At the age of 85, Oleksandra Liaschenko is already experiencing the second war, which is shattering her life. How does she manage to deal with this burden - far away from her home in the Donetsk region? Historian and trauma expert Dr. Imke trains psychotherapists in Ukraine and talks about new ways of coping with trauma. So-called third places also offer hope: in two libraries, art and community projects offer protection and support for those who have lost everything.
More links of this episode:
Write to standwithukraine@stiftung-evz.de