"The Vyshyvankas Born in War" is an exhibition in Vilnius presented by Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) and the international organization "For Family Values," founded by Ukrainian women and led by activist and well-known volunteer Natalia Fedorchuk. One of the exhibits – a vyshyvanka (Ukrainian embroidered shirt) of the former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi – will be available for purchase at a charity auction on November 7, with proceeds going to support Ukrainian children.

On November 7-8, MRU will host events for Ukrainian Days, which aim to support the Ukrainian people, especially children suffering from Russian attacks, while also celebrating Lithuania's membership in the Council of Europe and its chairmanship of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers.

The MRU Ukraine Days program includes an international practical conference, "Law and Russia's war against Ukraine," and the presentation of the book The Impact of War and Extraordinary Situations on Law in the Context of Aggression Against Ukraine (November 7, MRU); a charity event for Ukrainian children (November 7, at the Museum of Applied Arts and Design); an exhibition of Ukrainian vyshyvankas and wreaths (November 8, MRU); and a tasting of traditional Ukrainian borscht at the MRU Open Doors event, in cooperation with the restaurant "Smacna Xatyna" (November 8, MRU).

In October, MRU's Law School launched a new initiative, "Lawyers4Ukraine," inviting the legal communities of Lithuania and other countries to join in a common effort. The initiative's goal is to support Ukraine and its people as they endure Russian aggression. Activities under this initiative will include legal assistance, fundraising for affected Ukrainian children and youth, supporting Ukraine's membership in the European Union, and other forms of essential assistance for Ukraine.

The initiative brings together Lithuania's primary legal guilds: the bar association, judiciary, prosecutor's office, bailiffs, notaries, corporate lawyers, legal academics, as well as lawyers from foreign countries.

The first action of the "Lawyers4Ukraine" initiative is to raise funds for Ukrainian children who have suffered burns from Russian attacks on civilians, particularly bombings of residential areas. Immediate help is currently needed for 11-year-old Veronika and her 4-year-old brother Oleksandr from Chernihiv, who sustained severe burns and other injuries and require urgent medical treatment.

Funds raised during the charity event will be directed towards the treatment and rehabilitation of these and other children affected by the war in Ukraine. For more information on how to donate, visit https://lawyers4ukraine.mruni.eu/en/. Donations are being accepted until November 30.

The charity event will feature a performance by Olha Chubareva, a soloist of the National Opera of Ukraine, and pianist Mariya Vikhlayeva. Artworks and historical relics related to Ukraine will be auctioned, ranging from a unique stamp collection to General V. Zaluzhnyi's vyshyvanka. The auction will take place on November 7 at the Museum of Applied Arts and Design.

Meanwhile, "The Vyshyvankas Born in War" exhibition will be on display both during the charity event and on November 8 at MRU. The exhibition features traditional vyshyvankas, wreaths, and a sacred doll, offering insights into Ukraine's history and culture. This display has already traveled to several countries and is now in Lithuania, where it was also showcased this past summer at an event organized by the Ukrainian Embassy in Lithuania.

Vyshyvankas have been known in Ukraine for more than 6,000 years, yet in the 21st century, for the first time, they have been created in khaki (camouflage) colors, reflecting a protective military motif. Modern vyshyvankas combine ancient folk symbols with military colors, symbolizing the strength of ancestors and the courage of defenders.

Exhibits on Display:

• Volodymyr Zelensky's Vyshyvanka
  On August 24, 2022, during the celebration of Ukraine’s Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared in a khaki-colored vyshyvanka created by the Ukrainian brand Indposhiv. Instead of traditional floral patterns, this vyshyvanka is embroidered with tanks, armored vehicles, wheat stalks, and Ukrainians holding hands, symbolizing the country's resolve to fight. "It doesn’t matter what kind of army the enemy has; what matters is the land we have. We will fight for it to the end," Zelensky stated, emphasizing the symbolism of the vyshyvanka he wore.

• Valerii Zaluzhnyi's Vyshyvanka
  At the same Independence Day celebration on August 24, 2022, former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Valeriy Zaluzhnyi wore a vyshyvanka created by the brand Maruna by Maria, with embroidery inspired by the life story of designer Maria Shemedko’s great-grandfather. Maria’s family believes that this embroidered pattern saved her great-grandfather's life during World War II. The family’s message with this vyshyvanka was one of gratitude for the opportunity to live and work in peace, emphasizing that these embroidered shirts become a talisman for those who wear them.

• Serhiy Deineka's Vyshyvanka
  The head of Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service, General Serhiy Deineka, donated his vyshyvanka to the International Women's Movement "For Family Values" as a symbol of determination in defending Ukraine’s borders. This shirt was given to the organization shortly after the Snake Island defenders' liberation operation. The border guards’ famous call to the enemy spread worldwide.

• Dmytro Kotsiubailo-Da Vinci's Vyshyvanka
  Dmytro Kotsiubailo, the first Ukrainian volunteer to receive the Hero of Ukraine title while still alive, initially studied art in Ivano-Frankivsk but went to defend Ukraine in 2014. His nickname, "Da Vinci," reflects his artistic talents – he was a skilled painter. This vyshyvanka, gifted to him by his comrades and crafted by renowned Ukrainian artisan Oleksandra Telyzhenko (Telyzhenko Fashion House), features an embroidered starry sky, symbolizing the eternity of human life. Ukrainians believe that the soul lives forever, and Dmytro Kotsiubailo, who fell in the Battle of Bakhmut, has become a star in the sky.

• The First Protective Women’s Vyshyvanka
  Responding to defenders' requests, designers from the Ukrainian brand IN-POPIT created the first protective vyshyvanka for female soldiers. Embroidered on the chest are drones, helicopters, and Bayraktars, which Ukrainian women operate with exceptional skill. Peace symbols are embroidered on the sleeves, representing women's ability to both give and protect life.

• The "Dronivka" Vyshyvanka
  Serhiy Kostynsky, commander of the 104th Brigade's Unmanned Aviation Strike Company, wears a unique vyshyvanka with a drone motif, symbolizing Ukraine's weapon of victory. The creation of this vyshyvanka was financed by the International Women's Movement "For Family Values" to commemorate World Vyshyvanka Day in 2024. Today, drones save Ukrainian lives, and Ukraine has become the first country in the world to assemble a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles to defend its independence.

• Vyshyvanka of the Territorial Defense Unit "Shyt Vasylkiva"
  In May 2022, young people from Kyiv College of Technology and Design created this vyshyvanka for commander Andriy Melnyk (call sign “Favorite”). “Like many, my great war began with shelling from the sky… No one knew what to do, so my friends and I began organizing a headquarters and gathering people willing to defend our homeland,” Andriy shared. This is how the volunteer group “Shyt Vasylkiva” unofficially formed, mostly comprising professional athletes who stood up to protect their families from the first day of the war. The children of these men embroidered protective symbols on the shirts for their fathers.

• Postage Stamp
  The 3D jewelry postage stamp "Russian Warship, Go to Hell" is an exclusive piece created by renowned Ukrainian jeweler Yuriy Manko. This talented artist, a laureate of many national and international jewelry competitions, immortalized this iconic slogan in silver so that future generations would remember its historical significance. Yuriy Manko's initiative has deep emotional and cultural symbolism. This limited-edition stamp has already gained international recognition, worn by top state officials, including presidents, U.S. senators, British lords, and prominent Ukrainian politicians, who emphasize its value and symbolism.

• Ukrainian Wreath
  The Ukrainian wreath, symbolizing the sun, has been known in Ukrainian lands since the Sumerian era. It represents the wish for clear, peaceful skies over the wearer's head and serves as a talisman, protecting against negative forces and misfortunes. These stylized Ukrainian wreaths have adorned young women at prestigious international and national beauty contests. The wreaths have also been presented at Vienna debutante balls and charity events in London, New York, and Paris. Diplomat’s wives and well-known Ukrainian women participate in charity photoshoots, showcasing these traditional wreaths. These pieces are also popular with Ukrainian diaspora women in the U.S., Canada, Germany, Italy, and Poland, symbolizing cultural identity and community bonds.

• Sacred Doll
  Every culture has its unique charms, and in Ukraine, dolls represent this charm. Scholars agree that the first amulet dolls appeared about 5,000 years ago in the Neolithic era. This tradition has been revived and continues in contemporary Ukrainian culture. The "For Family Values" movement has created many modern charm dolls, carefully crafted by artist Svitlana Zbroya. This particular doll, blessed by a Ukrainian priest, was intended to bring good fortune to newlyweds, as well as to families who have lost loved ones in this war.