#29 Kvartyrnyk with the Cultural Forces

Kvartyrnyk #29 welcomes the Cultural Forces of Ukraine—the platform that brings together writers, musicians and artists serving in Ukraine's defence.

Our guests are not just witnessing history, they are actively shaping it by defending Ukraine and sharing their experiences through art, creativity and personal stories.

Our guests

Ihor Mitrov is a Ukrainian poet, literary critic, military serviceman and veteran of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Born in Crimea, his poetry combines personal experiences of war, irony and a profound sense of freedom.

Vakhtang Kebuladze is a Ukrainian philosopher, writer, translator, Doctor of Philosophy and professor at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. One of the prominent intellectual voices of contemporary Ukraine, he explores questions of freedom, identity, responsibility and overcoming the legacy of imperialism.

Pavlo Hots is a musician, composer, co-founder and frontman of the band NAZVA, military serviceman and member of the Cultural Forces platform. His music combines Ukrainian musical traditions with contemporary experimental sounds. Today, music is also a way for him to support Ukrainian soldiers and share their experiences.

Yuliia Paievska (Taira) is a Ukrainian combat medic, military servicewoman, volunteer, founder of the Taira's Angels medical evacuation team, artist and poet. A defender of Mariupol and survivor of Russian captivity, her story raises fundamental questions about human dignity, freedom, solidarity and personal responsibility.

Juan Alberto Leyva Garcia is a Ukrainian serviceman, marine, and defender of Mariupol and Azovstal. He spent more than three years in Russian captivity before being released in August 2025. Since his return, he has been sharing his experiences, testifying about crimes committed against Ukrainian prisoners of war, and drawing international attention to those who remain in captivity. His story is one of resilience, human dignity and the price of freedom.

What will we talk about?

Culture as a form of resistance and a way to understand and process lived experiences. The responsibility of artists, memory, freedom and identity. Experiences that must not only be preserved but also shared with the world.

This evening offers a unique opportunity to hear the voices of contemporary Ukraine firsthand through open conversation, poetry and music.

For Kvartyrnyk SE-UA, creating such gatherings in Stockholm is especially important. We aim to provide a space for meaningful dialogue between Ukraine, the Ukrainian community and Swedish society.

Kvartyrnyk SE-UA, the Embassy of Ukraine in Sweden and Unity Hub Stockholm warmly welcome both Ukrainian and international guests to join us for this special evening.