Ukrainian Exhibition Highlights Wars Toll And Global Support

On the evening of January 27, 2026, Kyiv’s European Square became the stage for a powerful symbol of Ukraine’s resilience and hope. The educational exhibition “One Desk. Two Seats” opened to the public, drawing attention not only from Ukrainian citizens but also from global leaders and dignitaries. This event, presented by the Global Platform of the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, was more than an art installation—it was a poignant statement about the realities of war, the importance of education, and the international solidarity supporting Ukraine in its darkest hours.

The exhibition’s centerpiece—a school desk split in two, one half battered and broken, the other pristine—struck an emotional chord. As described by the organizers, one seat is reserved for a refugee child, the other for a child who remained in their homeland. The message is clear: war divides, but education unites and heals. According to the Global Platform, the desk “gives a clear visual message: war destroys—education creates.” The exhibition, which will be on display at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) from January 26 to 30, is part of a broader campaign titled “Every generation leaves its mark. Education shapes its legacy,” developed in partnership with UNICEF.

Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, addressed the opening with an online message, underscoring the role of education in the nation’s endurance. “Education is the foundation of our hopes, development, and resilience. Millions of Ukrainian children, who continue to study even in the current harsh conditions—without heating in their homes—are a testament to human resilience,” she said. Zelenska’s words resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom have witnessed firsthand the devastation wrought by Russia’s ongoing aggression.

The exhibition’s timing was no accident. It comes amid a brutal winter in which, as reported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science, Russian forces have conducted daily strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. These attacks have left entire cities and communities without electricity, heat, or water. The impact on children has been especially severe: since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, more than 3,500 educational institutions have been damaged, and 360 have been completely destroyed. The exhibition serves as a stark reminder of these losses—and of the urgent need for international support.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the same event, emphasized Ukraine’s determination to rebuild and the crucial role of its partners. “There is genuine interest from our partners, both in negotiations with America and with the Russian side. Our teams are working actively—today we worked with government officials and the Office of the President on the document regarding reconstruction. I hope our partners approach these tasks with the same commitment. Clear security guarantees for Ukraine and all of Europe, absolutely clear obligations and opportunities for Ukraine’s reconstruction, and, of course, real opportunities to end this war with dignity,” Zelenskyy said in his evening video address.

Zelenskyy’s remarks reflected a broader vision—one that looks beyond the immediate crisis to the eventual postwar recovery of Ukraine. On January 27, the president presented a key document outlining plans for Ukraine’s reconstruction at the educational exhibition. The presentation, attended by Ukrainian military personnel and members of the President’s Office, highlighted the active participation of Ukrainians in the war effort and underscored the solidarity of Ukraine’s international partners. The president stressed that the exhibition was not just about Ukraine, but about Europe as a whole, pointing to “the possibility of real assistance and significant support for Ukraine.”

This sense of solidarity was echoed by the presence of global leaders and the spouses of commanders from allied countries. The Global Platform of the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, which organized the event, has become an international forum for addressing critical humanitarian issues shaping the world’s future. Established by Ukraine’s First Lady, the platform has played a pivotal role in rallying global support for Ukraine and drawing attention to the challenges faced by Ukrainian children amid war.

Yet even as the exhibition unfolded in Kyiv, the grim reality of the conflict was underscored by fresh violence. On January 28, 2026, the city of Kryvyi Rih was struck by a ballistic missile, resulting in the deaths of two civilians—a 51-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man. The attack, which targeted a local infrastructure site, left families devastated and prompted urgent calls for assistance. According to the head of the Kryvyi Rih Defense Council, Oleksandr Vilkul, “As a result of the ballistic missile attack on the infrastructure facility in our city, two people were injured—a 51-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man. Doctors are providing them with all necessary assistance.” Eyewitnesses described the chaos and heartbreak in the aftermath, as relatives of the victims pleaded for help.

These attacks have become all too familiar for Ukrainians. Each new strike not only shatters lives but also threatens the country’s fragile infrastructure, making the task of reconstruction ever more daunting. The destruction of educational institutions has a particularly profound impact, robbing children of safe spaces to learn and grow. The “One Desk. Two Seats” exhibition, with its stark imagery and international backing, serves as both a memorial to what has been lost and a rallying cry for what must be rebuilt.

International organizations, including UNICEF, have thrown their weight behind Ukraine’s efforts to protect and restore its education system. The collaboration between the Global Platform and UNICEF aims to keep the world’s attention focused on the plight of Ukrainian children and the enduring power of education to transform lives, even in the midst of war. The exhibition’s message is simple yet profound: every generation leaves its mark, and it is education that will shape Ukraine’s legacy.

As the exhibition continues at the Council of Europe, it stands as a testament to the resilience and hope of the Ukrainian people. Despite relentless attacks, the commitment to rebuilding—both physically and spiritually—remains unbroken. With the support of partners from around the world, Ukraine is determined not only to survive but to thrive, ensuring that its children have the opportunity to learn, dream, and build a better future.

In a week marked by both tragedy and defiant optimism, the voices from Kyiv and Kryvyi Rih remind the world that, while war may destroy, the human spirit—and the promise of education—can never be extinguished.