Art Fest Honors 100 Years of Ukrainian Women’s Leadership & 35 Years of UNWLA Branch #56
We’re pleased to spotlight an upcoming community event honoring 100 Years of Ukrainian Women’s Leadership and the 35-year anniversary of UNWLA Branch #56—a special celebration of heritage, service, and community spirit. The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America...
Art Fest Honors 100 Years of Ukrainian Women’s Leadership & 35 Years of UNWLA Branch #56
We’re pleased to spotlight an upcoming community event honoring 100 Years of Ukrainian Women’s Leadership and the 35-year anniversary of UNWLA Branch #56—a special celebration of heritage, service,...
Art Fest Honors 100 Years of Ukrainian Women’s Leadership & 35 Years of UNWLA Branch #56
We’re pleased to spotlight an upcoming community event honoring 100 Years of Ukrainian Women’s Leadership and the 35-year anniversary of UNWLA Branch #56—a special celebration of heritage, service, and community spirit. The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America...
Celebrate Ukrainian Traditions at the Easter Bazaar
Spring is a season of renewal—and in Ukrainian culture, Easter is one of the most meaningful and joyful celebrations of the year. In Southwest Florida, the Ukrainian community comes together to share these cherished traditions at the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic...
Eight Weeks in Ukraine: Bearing Witness to Resilience and Resistance
Beyond the Headlines: Life in Ukraine War is often reduced to headlines and statistics — numbers that blur together over time, stripped of the human stories behind them. What those headlines often don't convey is the reality of living through a war that is constant:...
Celebrate the Season at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Christmas Bazaar
Experience Ukrainian Holiday Traditions at St. Mary’s Christmas Bazaar St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in North Port, Florida, is once again opening its doors for one of its most cherished annual celebrations — the St. Mary’s Christmas Bazaar. This festive...
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Welcome to Spotlight Ukraine
Sharing stories. Celebrating culture. Supporting Ukraine.
Spotlight Ukraine was launched a few weeks after the full-scale invasion in 2022. A small team—some with deep ties to Ukraine, others moved to act in solidarity, created this platform to keep Ukraine in focus—especially when the world’s attention turns elsewhere.
We’re on a mission to support the Ukrainian people and a secure, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine—and to help preserve Ukraine’s unique cultural identity—through the power of storytelling, advocacy, and collaboration with those who stand with Ukraine.
Here, we share personal stories from Ukrainians, volunteers, and others on the ground in Ukraine, the Ukrainian diaspora, and those working around the world to support Ukraine—alongside insights into Ukraine’s rich culture and enduring spirit. This space is for everyone—whether you’re connected by heritage, motivated to support Ukraine, or simply curious.
By sharing the beauty of Ukraine’s culture and her people, we also aim to reawaken support—from new audiences and those who may have turned away—for Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty, lasting peace, and a free and prosperous future.
Discover and Celebrate Ukrainian Culture
Explore Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage—from folk traditions and national cuisine to music, art, and everyday rituals that reflect the heart of a nation.
Celebrate Ukrainian Traditions at the Easter Bazaar
Spring is a season of renewal—and in Ukrainian culture, Easter is one of...
Eight Weeks in Ukraine: Bearing Witness to Resilience and Resistance
Beyond the Headlines: Life in Ukraine War is often reduced to headlines...
Celebrate the Season at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Christmas Bazaar
Experience Ukrainian Holiday Traditions at St. Mary’s Christmas Bazaar...
A Nation Unbroken: Celebrating Ukraine’s Independence Day
Ukrainian Independence Day Is Just Around the Corner: A Call to Recognize...
How a South Florida Organization is Building Awareness, Healing Trauma, and Delivering Aid
All across the U.S., small Ukrainian community organizations are having a...
Discover the Timeless Art of Ukrainian Easter Eggs and the Stories They Tell
Exploring The Art of Pysanky at the Selby Library With Easter just around...
Support To Make A Difference
We’ve partnered with and written about these incredible nonprofits. Click to learn more, get involved, and support their ongoing efforts for Ukraine.
Meet The Difference Makers
Read the stories of people across the globe stepping up in extraordinary ways to support Ukraine—from grassroots volunteers and aid workers to nonprofit teams and global citizens—helping to drive hope and support for Ukraine and her people.
Art Fest Honors 100 Years of Ukrainian Women’s Leadership & 35 Years of UNWLA Branch #56
We’re pleased to spotlight an upcoming community event honoring 100 Years...
Eight Weeks in Ukraine: Bearing Witness to Resilience and Resistance
Beyond the Headlines: Life in Ukraine War is often reduced to headlines...
Dream Trains – Voices of Hope
In our recent Spotlight Ukraine stories — UCARE: Nearly Three Decades of...
Be The First To Know
Join our email list to receive regular updates on the Portrait Ukraine Project, upcoming exhibitions, insightful blogs, and the latest campaigns by Spotlight Ukraine.
Don’t worry, we won’t overwhelm you with too many emails. And rest assured, you’re in control – unsubscribe at any time with ease.
Don’t miss out on the latest news and events. Sign up now!
Join Events & Other Happenings
Art Fest Honors 100 Years of Ukrainian Women’s Leadership & 35 Years of UNWLA Branch #56
We’re pleased to spotlight an upcoming community event honoring 100 Years...
Celebrate Ukrainian Traditions at the Easter Bazaar
Spring is a season of renewal—and in Ukrainian culture, Easter is one of...
Eight Weeks in Ukraine: Bearing Witness to Resilience and Resistance
Beyond the Headlines: Life in Ukraine War is often reduced to headlines...
Support To Make A Difference
We’ve partnered with and written about these incredible nonprofits. Click to learn more, get involved, and support their ongoing efforts for Ukraine.
Featured Blog Series
Portrait Ukraine
A powerful photojournalism series by longtime Spotlight Ukraine collaborator Allan Mestel—capturing the human stories behind the war—voices of courage, loss, and unbreakable spirit.
A Guiding Light: Yuliya and the Unsung Heroes at UHU Healing Ukraine’s Children
Welcome back to our "Unsung Heroes" blog series as we continue our story about the people behind United Help Ukraine’s Smuha Family Resilience Project and the Ukrainian children and families they support. In our last blog, we highlighted the work of the unsung heroes...
From Trauma to Healing: How UHU’s Unsung Heroes Are Helping Children and Their Families Cope
Today's blog continues our ‘Unsung Heroes’ series, focusing on the relentless efforts of those making a difference in Ukraine amidst the ongoing war. Photojournalist Allan Mestel embarks on his fourth journey to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion, capturing the...
Unsung Heroes: Yevheniia’s Journey from Bank Professional to Lifeline for Ukraine
Honoring The Unsung Heroes: Yevheniia's StoryWelcome to the latest installment in our "Unsung Heroes" series, where we shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals making a difference in Ukraine. As Ukraine continues to defend itself against an unprovoked and...
Celebrating Unsung Heroes: The Heartbeat of Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom
Join Us in Honoring and Celebrating the Unsung HeroesIn times of crisis, it is often the quiet, selfless actions of ordinary people that make the most profound impact. People who dedicate themselves tirelessly to helping others without asking for anything in return....
Capturing Courage and the Unsung Heroes: Allan Mestel’s Fourth Journey to Ukraine
Behind the Lens: An Exclusive Interview with Allan Mestel Spotlight Ukraine's Christine Mariconda recently caught up with Allan Mestel, seasoned photojournalist and historical photographer, about his next trip to Ukraine. Having covered his first three journeys...
PORTRAIT UKRAINE: Sharing the Untold Stories. Documenting the Truth. Revealing the Soul of Ukraine.
About The Portrait Ukraine Project In a world where crises are often reduced to cold statistics and faceless figures, the true power of personal storytelling emerges as a beacon of understanding and compassion. Personal narratives serve as a potent antidote to...
Be The First To Know
Join our email list to receive regular updates on the Portrait Ukraine Project, upcoming exhibitions, insightful blogs, and the latest campaigns by Spotlight Ukraine.
Don’t worry, we won’t overwhelm you with too many emails. And rest assured, you’re in control – unsubscribe at any time with ease.
Don’t miss out on the latest news and events. Sign up now!
Featured Blog Series
Unsung Heroes
Photographed by Spotlight Ukraine collaborator Allan Mestel, this series follows his journey through Ukraine as he documents the quiet strength and lifesaving work of individuals supported by the nonprofit United Help Ukraine.
Reflecting on Ukraine’s “Little Heroes”
In our previous blogs focused on mine awareness initiatives, we explored the unsettling realities faced by Ukrainian children who are learning mine awareness and safety skills through United Help Ukraine’s “Little Heroes” program. Photojournalist Allan Mestel visited...
A Childhood Interrupted: Mine Awareness Classes for Ukraine’s Youth
A Continuing Crisis: Heartbreaking Lessons in Mine Awareness In a recent blog, “Ukraine’s Landmine Crisis and the Importance of Mine Awareness for Children,” we explored the ongoing threat posed by landmines in Ukraine and efforts to deal with the problem. Today, we...
Ukraine’s Landmine Crisis and the Importance of Mine Awareness for Children
The “Unsung Heroes” of United Help Ukraine are Equipping Ukraine’s Children with Life-Saving Mine Awareness and Safety Skills in the Wake of the War’s Destruction As part of our “Unsung Heroes” blog series, we turn our attention to United Help Ukraine’s “Little...
Delivering Hope: United Help Ukraine’s Bicycle Initiative for Postal Workers
Today’s blog continues our ‘Unsung Heroes’ series, focusing on the relentless efforts of those making a difference in Ukraine amidst the ongoing war. Photojournalist Allan Mestel embarked on his fourth journey to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion, capturing the...
Rebuilding Lives: Inside the Essential Work of United Help Ukraine’s Wounded Warriors Program
Today’s blog continues our ‘Unsung Heroes’ series, focusing on the incredible efforts of those working tirelessly to support Ukraine's wounded warriors. During his fourth journey to Ukraine, photojournalist Allan Mestel visited a Protez Foundation clinic that...
From Seaman to Soldier: Anatoliy’s Story and the Unsung Heroes of United Help Ukraine
In our ongoing journey to spotlight the remarkable individuals contributing to Ukraine's resilience, we present another inspiring story from our 'Unsung Heroes' series. This series follows photojournalist Allan Mestel on his fourth journey to Ukraine, capturing the...
Featured Videos
KOLO: A Celebration of the Dance, Visual and Musical Heritage of Ukrainian Culture
Video courtesy of Relevant Communications. Use of these images without prior written consent from Relevant Communications is strictly prohibited.
At the Borders of Humanity
The story of documentary photographer Allan Mestel’s journey to the Poland/Ukraine border.