On August 23, 2026, a Ukrainian cultural event marking Ukrainian Flag Day and the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence took place at Maria-Theresien-Platz in the heart of Vienna.
The event was organized by UMiZ Europa with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Austria.
As part of the cultural program, Ukrainian photographer and musician Yurii Veres presented his documentary photobook Light Through the Ruins, dedicated to the consequences of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
The book contains 305 photographs taken by the author between 2022 and 2025 in different regions of Ukraine. Through his photographs, Yurii Veres documents destroyed cities and villages, the aftermath of missile and artillery attacks, as well as people and everyday life continuing despite the war.
In addition to presenting the book, Yurii Veres performed a musical number on the event’s main stage. His performance was part of a diverse concert program featuring Ukrainian musicians, singers, dance groups and the children’s brass band Vodohrai.
For Yurii Veres, the event was an opportunity to present Ukrainian documentary photography to an international audience and to share his own photographic experience of the war through both the book and his personal story.
Light Through the Ruins was created as a documentary record of the events taking place in Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Presenting the book in Vienna was another opportunity to draw international attention to the reality of the war and to remind audiences that the war in Ukraine is still ongoing.
The event brought together Ukrainians living in Austria, visitors to Vienna, Austrians and people from other countries. Alongside the concert program, visitors could explore Ukrainian art and literature, exhibition stands, as well as literary, theatrical and children’s spaces.
A charity fundraiser was also held during the event in support of HelaFlanko – Hilfe für Ukraine, an organization providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including the purchase of ambulances and evacuation vehicles.
For Yurii Veres, the visit to Vienna became another opportunity to speak about Ukraine beyond its borders — through photography, books and music.
Event organizers: UMiZ Europa