“Unissued Diplomas.” Exhibition highlighting the stories of Ukrainian students whose academic pursuits were halted by war

The stories of 40 Ukrainian students who lost their lives in the fight for their country’s freedom are presented in an international exhibition, “Unissued Diplomas”, which has also reached Moldova. The project is a tribute to the young silenced by Russia’s merciless war against Ukraine.

Officially launched today in Moldova, the exhibition ‘Unissued Diplomas’ is an international initiative that highlights the sacrifice and resilience of 40 Ukrainian students, whose lives were abruptly cut short by Russia’s unjustified military aggression in Ukraine. The exhibition is not merely a collection of stories and photographs, but a tribute to those who dedicated their lives and aspirations to the ideals of freedom and peace. In the wake of Russian aggression, these 40 young individuals met a premature end, yet their significance and impact on the world endure. Each unissued diploma represents not only an interrupted dream but also a symbol of each young person’s struggle for Ukraine’s independence.

Jānis Mažeiks, the European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, stated: “For me, this exhibition is deeply moving because it is impossible not to be touched by the sight of so many young lives destroyed by Russia’s unjustified military aggression in Ukraine. These students had dreams that were ultimately shattered. They were not only fighting for the independence of their country but also for European values. The European Union stands by the truth and will continue to support Ukraine in its struggle for its integrity”.

Marko Șevcenko, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova, remarked: “The 40 images displayed here in this room reflect the situation that Ukraine found itself in two years ago. Forty individuals fell, either in their homes, during evacuations while seeking safer shelter, or on the front lines while defending their country. All 40 were students, hailing from cities such as Kharkiv and Mariupol, to Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Vinnytsia”.

Dan Perciun, the Minister of Education and Research, stated: “Let us not forget the sacrifice that Ukrainians make day by day, including for the security of the Republic of Moldova. Two years into the war, we continue our lives, more or less peacefully, thanks to the courage, dedication, and selflessness of the Ukrainian people, including the youth whose lives are showcased in this exhibition. It is important to keep alive our concern for what is happening in Ukraine, just as we had it in the early days of the war”.

Since its international launch in 2023, the ‘Unissued Diplomas’ exhibition has been showcased in 24 countries and hosted by over 110 universities worldwide. The purpose of the exhibition is to educate and raise awareness among the general public about the tragedy of war and its devastating impact on those who have lost their lives and their families. At the same time, the exhibition serves as an act of solidarity and support for the Ukrainian people in their struggle for freedom and dignity.

Throughout April and May 2024, the ‘Unissued Diplomas’ exhibition will be showcased in the Republic of Moldova, as part of public events and in several universities across the country, including:

• Moldova State University (Chișinău, Mateevici Street 60)
• “Alecu Russo” State University of Bălți (Pushkin Street 38)
• “Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu” State University of Cahul (Independenței Square 1)

For more details about the exhibition, please visit www.unissueddiplomas.org.