To mark the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence, the Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria opened a thematic exhibition dedicated to Ukrainian culture, history, and the struggle for freedom.

The exhibition brought together traditional artefacts of Ukrainian culture, photographs documenting the realities of Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as chevrons and flags of Ukrainian combat units that are defending the country’s independence and territorial integrity.

The central highlight of the exhibition was the interactive installation “Puzzle of Unity: Mapping Ukraine’s Identity through Culture and History.”

The installation takes the form of a map of Ukraine made up of 20 puzzle pieces. Each piece represents a cultural or historical symbol of Ukraine — from remarkable people and architectural landmarks to artistic traditions, inventions, and other elements that have shaped Ukrainian history and identity throughout the centuries.

The front of each puzzle piece features artwork by contemporary Ukrainian artists Sestry Feldman, while the reverse side tells a story that offers visitors a deeper insight into Ukraine’s culture and historical context. The interactive format invites visitors to literally piece Ukraine together while discovering the diversity of its regions and cultural heritage.

At the same time, the puzzle serves as a metaphor for Ukraine’s unity and integrity through its diversity. This concept has acquired particular significance amid Russia’s full-scale war, which is directed not only against Ukraine’s statehood and territorial integrity, but also against Ukrainian identity, culture, and historical memory.

Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko noted that the map of Ukraine assembled from individual pieces has gained special symbolic meaning:

“This map has become a symbol of the resilience of Ukrainians and their firm rejection of any attempt to change the borders of their country by force. Ukraine is and will remain united — in all its cultural, historical, and regional diversity.”

Puzzle of Unity was developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the NGO Port of Culture, with the support of the European External Action Service (EEAS).