Relatives of Fallen Ukrainian Soldiers Unveil Art Installation “Pietà” in Italy

Relatives of fallen Ukrainian soldiers presented the Pietà in Italy and the Vatican, highlighting Ukraine’s pain through art, with the exhibition continuing in Todi.

Representatives of the public organization “Families of Fallen Defenders of Ivano-Frankivsk” have returned from Italy and the Vatican, where they presented the monumental painting “Pietà.” The art object, created based on a sketch by Andrii Yermolenko, is dedicated to the memory of fallen and captured soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This was reported by Suspilne.

This was discussed on April 6 during a press conference at the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Museum.

According to Halyna Batiuk, wife of fallen soldier Serhii Batiuk and head of the public organization “Families of Fallen Defenders of Ivano-Frankivsk,” their delegation presented the “Pietà” in the Vatican, at the Embassy of Ukraine in Italy, and at the Colosseum.

The four-meter icon is currently on display in the Italian city of Todi. Halyna Batiuk also noted that the Ukrainian delegation brought four miniature versions of the “Pietà” as gifts.

“These are miniatures measuring 60 by 80 centimeters. We presented one to the mayor of the city of Todi, Antonino Ruggiano. We left the same painting at the Basilica of Saint Sophia in Rome. Another was presented to Pope Leo XIV. We also gave a miniature to the Italian volunteer Giovanni Antonelli, who strongly supports Ukraine and promised to show this painting everywhere,” said Halyna Batiuk.

Olena Mordik, a veteran of the Azov Regiment who lost her husband, a serviceman, during the defense of Azovstal and survived captivity, says that this trip is important from the perspective of cultural diplomacy.

“Our mission is to draw the world’s attention to what is happening to Ukrainian soldiers in Russian captivity. So that they can hear firsthand about the horrific conditions and torture there. I lost 20 kilograms while in captivity. It has already been the fourth year that the fighters of Azovstal have been in captivity, and some of the men have been there since 2014. This needs to be told. I believe this will help bring our men home,” says Olena Mordik.

Maria Vuianko, mother of the fallen soldier Mark Vuianko, says that “Pietà” made a strong impression on international audiences.

“This is a super-mission of Ukrainian artists — to convey the truth to the world. There are many documents and negotiations, but not everyone hears them. Through art, we can touch the hearts of millions of people. We saw how the image of the Virgin Mary holding a Ukrainian soldier moved people. They were truly touched, felt our pain, and empathized,” says Maria Vuianko.

The “Pietà” will be on display in the Italian city of Todi until the end of April.

EMPR