On Friday, May 1, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, together with his wife Tetiana Sybiha, Head of the Association of Spouses of Ukrainian Diplomats, hosted members of the foreign diplomatic corps and their spouses who participated in the “CHARITY FAIR 2025” Diplomatic Charity Bazaar at the diplomatic residence.

The primary objective of the event was to express gratitude to the foreign diplomats whose charitable contributions supported communities in frontline areas, military personnel, children, and the elderly, recognizing their contribution to Ukraine’s resilience and resistance.

The event was attended by heads of diplomatic missions, chargés d'affaires ad interim, spouses of diplomats, the President of the International Women's Club of Kyiv, Ukrainian military personnel, artists, and defense manufacturers.

The gathering commenced with a minute of silence to honor the memory of all warriors who laid down their lives defending the freedom of Ukraine.

In his address to the foreign diplomatic corps, Andrii Sybiha emphasized the vital importance of the annual “CHARITY FAIR 2025” Diplomatic Charity Bazaar: thanks to the initiative, funds were raised to support children, the military, rehabilitation centers, and other critical areas currently essential for Ukraine.

“Ukraine knows how to appreciate assistance and how to show gratitude. We highly value the contribution of each of our partners and the support provided to Ukraine during the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion. That is why my wife Tetiana and I decided to gather the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Ukraine who joined this important charitable initiative last year,” the Minister stated.

Tetiana Sybiha, Head of the Association of Spouses of Ukrainian Diplomats, noted that within the framework of “CHARITY FAIR 2025”, over 1.7 million hryvnias were raised. These funds were directed, among other things, to support the humanitarian needs of the Ukrainian military, internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, the elderly, animal shelters, and other socially crucial areas.

“Today’s event is an opportunity to thank everyone, report on the utilization of funds, and encourage other embassies to engage even more actively in charitable activities next year,” she remarked.

During the official part of the ceremony, the heads of diplomatic missions received special letters of appreciation from Andrii Sybiha and Tetiana Sybiha for their charitable contributions.

Major Serhiy Dibrov, Head of the Communications Communications Branch of the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Major Maksym Horbatiuk, Chief of the Brigade's Armored Service, thanked the foreign diplomats for the support extended to the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

Maksym Horbatiuk noted that the experience of the Ukrainian military, gained under exceptionally difficult conditions and at a high cost, represents a unique advantage that Ukraine shares with its partners.

“We ask you to continue this mutual support — both at the state and societal levels. When governments provide material assistance, and people demonstrate solidarity, initiative, and support, this together forms the life-saving resource that helps Ukraine stand strong. We are not asking for charity — we are calling for partnership in a cause that concerns everyone,” he declared.

During the event, the guests were introduced to authentic elements of Ukrainian culture: traditional Spring songs (haivky) performed by the “Oreli” children's ensemble, performances by soloist Yevheniia Bodnar and artists of the Cultural Forces led by Mykolai Sierha, art installations, and wartime posters presented by artist and serviceman Mykhailo Skop (NEIVANMADE). These cultural elements reflect contemporary Ukraine — a nation at war, defending its freedom and its own national identity.

A special element of the program featured a demonstration of the achievements of the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex to the foreign diplomats, including the unique aerial and ground unmanned systems “Skyfall” and “Ratel”.

Reference: The event was attended by heads of diplomatic missions, including the Ambassadors of Austria, Azerbaijan, Argentina, Brazil, China, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Pakistan, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, and Turkey, as well as the Chargés d'Affaires ad interim of Armenia, Georgia, Iraq, and the President of the International Women's Club of Kyiv.