Ukraine unveils results of its largest-ever state cultural program, backed by a €82M budget and attracting over 2,600 submissions
More than 2,600 applications were submitted to the competition, covering projects in film, documentary production, music, visual arts, and performing arts. Over 150 industry experts will evaluate the proposals. Zelenskyi described this level of engagement as a "historic response" from Ukraine's cultural sector.
Speaking to participants in the program, Zelenskyi stressed that culture is as much a component of national security as defense.
"Ukraine's shield — the shield of our identity — must be strong. And there must be no less Ukrainian content than hostile content," Zelenskyi said during the discussion.
He emphasized that the struggle against Russian influence is taking place not only on the battlefield but also in the spheres of culture, music, cinema, theater, literature, and digital content.
According to the president, the initiative cannot be a one-time effort.
"In less than five years, it simply will not work. If we are talking about both the quality and quantity of content, we need at least five years, and perhaps even ten," Zelenskyi said.
A total of 2,634 applications were submitted across seven competition categories. The largest number of proposals was received in the audiovisual shows and social media video content category, with 554 applications. Participants also submitted 499 projects in the feature films and TV series category, 468 in documentaries and non-fiction series, 337 in contemporary music, 314 in performing arts, 236 in animated films and series for children, and 226 in visual arts.
Asked which type of cultural product is currently most needed, Zelenskyi highlighted children's animation and film. According to him, Ukrainian children cannot be expected to rely solely on bans against Russian content — they must be offered high-quality Ukrainian alternatives.
"We cannot simply prohibit children from watching something when we do not have our own content to offer. That is not the right approach," Zelenskyi said.
He also pointed to the success of the animated film Mavka: The Forest Song, noting that creating projects of that scale requires years of work and substantial investment.
One of the most memorable moments of the discussion came when Zelenskyi was asked what kind of project he would submit to the Tysiachovesna competition if he were a participant.
"I would very much like to see a production on the scale of Vikings, but about Kyivan Rus," Zelenskyi replied.
In his view, Ukraine needs a large-scale, multi-season television series that tells its own story of statehood and the origins of the Ukrainian nation.
"We have our own history. We have places where it can be filmed. It is very important to show that our state originated here. That it is ours," the president said.
A significant part of the discussion focused on young audiences and competition with Russian content.
According to Zelenskyi, the state should create conditions for the development of cultural industries but should not dictate themes or narratives to creators.
"The industry itself must be interested. People should feel that they are creating something of their own, something unique, and that it offers them opportunities for growth," he said.
The president also endorsed an approach under which the rights to the content remain with its creators and producers.
When asked about promoting Ukrainian culture abroad, Zelenskyy acknowledged that the world still primarily associates Ukraine with the war.
"I would like people to know us for more than just the war. It feels unfair that someone has to give their life before the world pays attention," he said.
Among the most promising areas for international outreach, he highlighted literature, art exhibitions, theater projects, and works about the wartime experience that focus first and foremost on people. He also called for greater use of cultural diplomacy through embassies and international cultural platforms.
The discussion also touched on inclusion and the role of culture in building a tolerant society. The issue was raised by a veteran and representative of the LGBTQ+ military community. In response, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of open public dialogue.
"We are all equal. We all defend the state. And we all have the same rights," he said.
The president added that Ukrainian society should remain open to such conversations and continue to uphold mutual respect and equality.
For reference
Tysiachovesna was launched in spring 2026 as Ukraine's largest-ever state program supporting cultural production. Its goal is to foster the creation of contemporary Ukrainian content across a wide range of cultural and creative industries. The program's budget amounts to UAH 4 billion (approximately €82 million).
The first round of applications revealed significantly higher demand than organizers had anticipated. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, both the number of submitted projects and the amount of requested funding already far exceed the program's current capacity.
At the same time, the government views Tysiachovesna as a long-term investment in Ukraine's cultural sector and the country's information resilience, with the aim of strengthening national identity and expanding the production of high-quality Ukrainian content over the coming years.
↓Read more"Culture in the struggle for independence is both a weapon and a form of defense": interview with Ukraine's Culture Minister Tetyana Berezhna"Words matter": Ukrainian culturologist on the connection between culture and security, national identity, and war
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15 of June 2026
