Opening of the sculpture ‘Defence of Freedom’ in the Scientific Library as a symbol of the Netherlands' solidarity with Ukraine
On 26 June, the grand opening of the sculpture ‘Defence of Freedom’, created by the Dutch artist Guis Robert Groeneveld, took place in the lobby of the central building of the M. Maksymovych Scientific Library of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
This emotional piece, hand-carved from a single tree trunk, depicts a mother protecting her child. The symbolic sculpture became a gift of hope and support to the Ukrainian people in their struggle for freedom and dignity. The choice of the library as the place of its installation is significant: it is a space of knowledge, dialogue of cultures and values that continues to work despite the challenges of war.
The author personally came to Kyiv to hand over the sculpture to the university community as a gesture of support and belief in a common European future. The event was the result of the Dutch-Ukrainian cultural dialogue and an example of international solidarity.
The opening ceremony was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ukraine Alle Dorhout, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work (International Cooperation) Kseniia Smirnova, representatives of the Embassy, the KNU International Office, the University Alumni Community and library staff.
