The fifth year of the war began

a group of people standing on a sidewalk holding flags

The fifth year of the war began

2026-02-24

The 1462nd day of the war has passed. The fifth year of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops has begun.

On this sad but meaningful occasion, the hall of the Cultural Center "Laiptų galerija" was full. Lithuanians and Ukrainians gathered to once again clearly say that Ukraine is not alone.
The one and a half hour moving and profound concert was a testimony of unity, memory and strength.
The culmination of the event was the lighting of memorial candles near a special easel - an installation with a picture mutilated by gunshots.
There was an atmosphere of unity and support in the hall. This proved once again: united and supporting each other, we can do a lot.
The vice-mayor of the city of Šiauliai, Yustinas Švegzhda, emphasized that although the current generation in Lithuania has not directly experienced what it means to lose loved ones, see destroyed native homes, or live without electricity and heat in winter, Lithuania supports Ukraine in every possible way - both in words and in deeds.

Ukrainian Integration Center "Malva" expresses thanks

The team "Laiptų galerija" of the Cultural Center of Šiauliai,
To the boys' and young men's choir of Šiauliai "Dagilėlis" and its leader R. Adomaičui,
To the dance team of the Šiauliai School of Arts "DANCE MIX" and its leader M. Mogilevska,
Ukrainian scout organization "Plast" and its leader I. Dovhalyuk.
Many thanks to Šiauliai Tourist Information Center and Tourism Manager V. Staševičiūtei,
“Shiaulių crash”, photojournalist G. Daknytei and journalist Ž. for cavaliacount,
"Etaplius TV" and reporters L. Venckutei,
Šiauliai city administration.

Separate, special thanks goes to the mainstay of "Malva" - the director of the center S. Akhmetov. For a firm position, for responsibility, for quiet but consistent work that allows us to grow and act.

It was joyful to see in the hall the wonderful team "Siauliai Spiders", with which we are connected not only by cooperation, but also by a common goal - real help to the Ukrainian front. These are people who quietly do great things.

The event was directed, conducted, read poems, sang, prepared the folklore ensemble "Swallows" and the children's art "Art Studio" volunteer of "Malva", Ukrainian film and theater actress Olena Lastivka.

This evening reminded once again: solidarity is not just a word. It's a choice. This is an action. This is responsibility for each other.

Together - until Peremoga! Kartu – iki pergalės!

Photos: Alena Chernaya, I. Dovhaliuk