FOR FREEDOM

HAS OPENED IN KYIV

TRIBUTE TO FOREIGN FIGHTERS:

The grand opening of the exhibition project 'FOR FREEDOM' took place in the Main Building of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II on February 27, 2025.

The exhibition, realized by the R. T. Weatherman Foundation and the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II, is dedicated to foreign volunteers who responded to the President of Ukraine's call and defended Ukraine.

Honoring defenders from around the world

'FOR FREEDOM' is more than an exhibition. It is a story of courage and solidarity, the stories of thousands of foreign servicemen from over 55 countries who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukrainians in the fight for freedom and democratic values. Through artifacts, photos, documentary materials, and personal stories, the exhibition highlights the scale of international support for Ukraine.

The following speakers took part in the ceremonial part of the event:

Yuriy Savchuk

The exhibition was opened by Yuriy Savchuk, Director General of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II, starting the event with a minute of silence in honor of the fallen heroes.

"This event is crucially important for our museum – the opening of the exhibition 'FOR FREEDOM', one of the largest international projects in our history. The materials presented in the exhibition are a story about Heroes and Defenders. We honor everyone who stood up for freedom and life worldwide, and bow our heads to their feet", – said Yuriy Savchuk, Director General of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II.

Andrew Duncan

Co-founder of the R. T. Weatherman Foundation Andrew Duncan emphasized the global significance of this struggle:

"Today, we have gathered here to stand against falsehoods. The truth is that Vladimir Putin, without any provocation, invaded sovereign Ukraine, kidnapping Ukrainian children, destroying cities, and threatening global security. But there is also the truth that brave men and women from all over the world have come to Ukraine not for money, but for freedom and democracy. Their sacrifice must not and cannot be forgotten.  If we want America to exist, we must put freedom first.' 'I couldn't stand aside knowing that I could help. This war is not just Ukraine's fight, but the fight of the entire democratic world", – he stated.

Ruslan Stefanchuk

"Looking at these images, I realize that today, on the 1,100th day since the full-scale invasion began, we have endured many trials together. Our shared prayers, the moments we have lived through, our victories and losses—all of this is reflected in the exhibition before us. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to support those who defend Ukraine. It does not matter where they come from—their contribution to our fight is invaluable", – emphasized Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

Colonel Ruslan Myroshnychenko

During the event, Colonel Ruslan Myroshnychenko, former commander of the Second International Legion of Ukraine’s Defense, as well as foreign legionnaires, also spoke.

Meaghan Mobbs

Closing the ceremonial part, Meaghan Mobbs, President of the R. T. Weatherman Foundation, emphasized the profound meaning of the exhibition:

"As you walk through this exhibition, I ask you—look. Look not only at the faces but feel the heart of the soldier beating in each of them, in each of us. See the sacrifice, the courage, the unwavering dedication to a cause greater than life itself.

Those on the front lines may never hear these words, but I hope they will echo through time and space. We cannot, must not, and will not forget what they have given, what they have lost, and what has been taken from them.

This exhibition is not just about the past—it is about the present and the future. There may come a time when not only Ukraine will have to stand between good and evil. And when that time comes, our battle cry must remain the same as theirs—'For Freedom'."

Ті, хто на передовій, можливо, ніколи не почують цих слів, але я сподіваюся, що вони відлунюватимуть крізь час і простір. Ми не можемо, не маємо права і не будемо забувати, що вони віддали, що втратили і що в них відібрали.

Ця виставка – це не лише про минуле, а й про сьогодення і майбутнє. Може настати час, коли не лише Україні доведеться стояти між добром і злом. І коли цей час настане, наш бойовий клич повинен залишитися таким самим, як і в них – 'За свободу'."

The Exhibition as a Reminder of International Support

'FOR FREEDOM' allows visitors to immerse themselves in the realities of war and the lives of foreign volunteers, understand their journey to Ukraine, and recognize the importance of global solidarity. This exhibition is not only about war but also about humanity, determination, and the willingness to fight for freedom—even far from home.

R.T. Weatherman Foundation

The R. T. Weatherman Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Elizabeth H. Weatherman and Andrew P. Duncan that works at the epicenters of crises, carrying out missions that others cannot.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in March 2022, the Fund:

• delivered over 10,000 pallets of humanitarian aid to 70 Ukrainian organizations;
• collaborated with over 20 government agencies;
• organized the repatriation of American volunteers who died or were injured in Ukraine;
• ensured the evacuation of children and women from combat zones to Poland;
• coordinated the visit of Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg (FOX News Contributor) to Ukraine.

The mission of the Foundation is to provide vital assistance in times of danger and support those who need it most.

Exhibition Access

Starting from February 28, 2025, the exhibition will be open to the public at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II (Monument “Motherland”) and will run until April 10, 2025.

Admission is included with the museum entrance ticket.

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