Press Release: “The Worst Anniversary Ever” Exhibition Opened in Ashgabat

The Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan, in partnership with the Embassy of France in Turkmenistan, the French Institute in Turkmenistan, and the Embassy of Ukraine in Turkmenistan, opened the exhibition "The Worst Anniversary Ever" at the Nadar Gallery of the French Institute in Turkmenistan on 13 April 2026. The exhibition will remain open to the public until 12 May 2026.

The opening ceremony featured remarks by Philippe Merlin, Ambassador of France to Turkmenistan, Beata Pęksa, Ambassador of the European Union to Turkmenistan, and Petro Makarenko, Chargé d'Affaires of Ukraine in Turkmenistan.

Opening this exhibition, French Ambassador Philippe Merlin reminded:

"The exhibition that brings us together today should never have come to be.

It marks a very sad anniversary: four years of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, of Russia's occupation of Ukrainian territories, of immense human losses, and of the monstrous destruction wrought by Russia in Ukraine.

Nevertheless, this exhibition is essential. We must remind ourselves at every moment that, for more than four years now that this war has been raging, Ukraine is resisting and life goes on despite everything." and shared support of France and European Union to Ukraine."

In her remarks, Ambassador Beata Pęksa stated: "Today we think first about the tragic consequences of the war, especially for the civilian population of Ukraine. We pay tribute to all the victims and their families. This time, we listen to the voice, and admire the vision of, artists who - personally touched by the war - decided to express their indignation, anger and grief, but also determination and resilience, sharing the love of tens of millions of Ukrainians for their country, and the hope for its peaceful and European future."

Speaking at the event, Petro Makarenko, Chargé d'Affaires of Ukraine in Turkmenistan, emphasized the transformative impact of the war on Ukrainian society and the role of art in conveying human experience:

"For more than four years, Ukraine has undergone profound transformation. Our national identity has grown stronger, rediscovered daily through language, culture, and shared experience. These artworks are not just expressions - they are testimonies. They invite us to look deeper, to understand Ukraine not only through headlines, but through human stories.

As you walk through the exhibition, you will follow a journey from the first days of the invasion to the present moment. It is a journey of endurance, dignity, and hope-of a nation that continues to stand, create, and defend its future. Art, in this sense, is a universal language that requires no translation. It speaks through its sincerity - clear, direct, and deeply human - allowing each of us to feel, understand, and connect beyond words."

The exhibition presents works by Ukrainian artists created since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The artworks reflect both specific events, such as the flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, and the broader realities of life during wartime. Through diverse artistic expressions, the works convey pain, loss, and exhaustion, while also highlighting resilience, unity, mutual support, and compassion-even in the most challenging circumstances.

By bringing these works to Ashgabat, the exhibition underscores the strength of the human spirit and highlights the importance of solidarity, peace, and remembrance. Visitors are invited to explore the exhibition and reflect on the ongoing human impact of the war in Ukraine.