Ukraine Is Experiencing A Cultural Renaissance

Kyiv is finally breaking with its Soviet past.

The war with Russia has not brought Ukraine’s cultural life to a halt; on the contrary, it has given it new momentum. The country is undergoing a large-scale rethinking of its national identity, and a young generation of artists, musicians, designers, and writers is increasingly representing Ukraine to the world without regard for Russian and Soviet notions of its culture, writes Atlantic Council.

The cultural revival is particularly noticeable in Kyiv. Even during winter power outages and Russian missile and drone attacks, exhibitions, festivals, and other events draw full houses.

“Culture plays a huge role in Ukraine’s current struggle,” says photographer Sasha Maslov, whose work has been exhibited on the international stage.

For decades, Ukrainian culture was viewed through the lens of imperial and Soviet narratives. After gaining independence in 1991, this legacy continued to influence the country’s language, art, and international image. However, following the 2014 revolution—and especially after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022—the situation began to change rapidly.

This process is particularly evident among young Ukrainians. The Kyiv-based artist collective “Nahirna22” has rebuilt its space twice following Russian drone strikes in 2025.

“Our persistence has become a form of resistance,” — says the collective’s manager Marta Nyrkova. Young Ukrainian artists no longer have to prove their right to a distinct national identity.

Ukrainian culture is also making its mark on the international stage. The number of Ukrainian books translated into English has more than doubled over the past four years. Ukrainian designers are participating in New York Fashion Week, collaborating with international brands, and Ukrainian filmmakers are gaining global recognition.

“Culture is inseparable from resilience,” says artist Marta Syrko.

If the history of the war is viewed solely through the lens of military operations and politics, the world risks overlooking one of its most significant consequences—the emergence of a new, independent Ukrainian culture.

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