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Estonian advert ‘set the Russians alight’: meat producer finds itself at the centre of a scandal
One of Estonia’s largest meat producers, Rannarootsi Lihatööstus, published an advert on its Facebook page which some interpreted as a reference to Russians being ‘grilled’. According to the publication “European Truth”, this was reported by ERR. The image shows two men with Ukrainian flags on their T-shirt sleeves grilling meat against a backdrop of rising plumes of smoke, which closely resemble the aftermath of military strikes. The product advert is accompanied by a slogan in Estonian: “Õige grill muudab kibeda sibula magusaks” (“The right barbecue makes bitter onions sweet”). Some social media users saw the post as an allusion to Russia’s war against Ukraine and as hate speech. The word ‘sibul’ (‘onion’) sparked the most controversy, as in certain colloquial contexts it can be used as a derogatory nickname for Russian-speaking residents of Estonia. Karmo Axel, Executive Director and board member of Rannarootsi Lihatööstus, stated that the company had not intended any political subtext in the advert. “This is directly related to our product and its ingredient – caramelised onions. The text refers specifically to this product,” said Axel. When asked whether the company was aware of the alternative meaning of the word ‘sibul’, the director said he only found out about it after the advert had been published. The visual elements of the advert also raised some questions, in particular the plumes of smoke in the background and the Ukrainian flags. According to Axel, this imagery was inspired by the current news agenda. It should be noted that in May, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that it intended to file a complaint against the Baltic states with the International Court of Justice over the alleged oppression of ethnic Russians. In response, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that these statements were intended to divert attention from Russia’s own actions, in particular its attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine.
A Voice of Freedom in Venice: a new pavilion dedicated to resistance against Russian aggression
The ‘Padiglione del (Dis)Senso’ — an independent space for artistic resistance — has opened in Venice. In Venice, as part of the 61st Venice Biennale, the Padiglione del (Dis)Senso (‘Pavilion (Dis)Senso’ — an independent art platform dedicated to creative freedom, human rights and resistance to political repression — has opened in Venice as part of the 61st Venice Biennale. The exhibition will run from 7 July to 7 August in the former Church of San Leonardo. The opening symbolically took place almost 50 years after the historic 1977 Biennale del Dissenso, which became a landmark event for the artistic dissident movement. The project was conceived by the Arts Against Aggression initiative and organised by Memorial Italia in collaboration with Katya Margolis. It emerged as a response to the exploitation of culture for political ends, as well as a continuation of artistic protests against Russia’s state presence at international cultural venues. The exhibition brought together artists, curators and activists from various countries. The central themes were political repression, human rights, exile, cultural memory and the role of art as a form of resistance. Among the most significant projects were: an installation by Nadezhda Tolokonnikova (Pussy Riot), dedicated to the works of political prisoners; the DecolonizArt project by artist Pavlo Rotets, exploring the memory and cultural identity of colonised peoples; the Little Queer Art Project — an exhibition dedicated to LGBTQ+ artists and dissidents in exile; the installation ‘Death in Venice’ by the Latvian artist Kriss Salmanis; Invisible Pavilion — an urban memorial campaign dedicated to Ukrainian artists who lost their lives as a result of the war. The project was initiated by Katya Margolis in collaboration with NAU (Network Associazioni per Ucraina). The pavilion also features works by Danil Tkachenko, Nadiya Skidan, Iryna Regina Hoffmann, Filip Pishchyk (Bluemoloko), Katya Margolis and other contemporary artists. The organisers emphasise that ‘The (Dis)Agreement’ is not merely an exhibition, but a space for dialogue, reflection on contemporary challenges and a collective re-examination of the role of art in times of war and social upheaval. According to the organisers, on 4 June 2026, the Russian authorities added the organisation Memorial Italia to the list of ‘extremist and terrorist’ organisations. This decision relates to the legislation of the Russian Federation and does not imply international recognition of such a status.
‘The Awakening of Europe’: Ukrainians to take part in a military parade in Paris
The military parade to mark Bastille Day, which will be presided over for the tenth and final time by French President Emmanuel Macron, is set to be one of the most spectacular yet – with a record number of troops taking part in the march. Among them, for the first time, will be Ukrainians. Alongside them, representatives from 35 countries of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ – established by France and the United Kingdom to support Ukraine’s security – will take part in the parade. ‘This is a historic parade, as it is international in nature – it marks the awakening of Europe, which is taking its destiny into its own hands, – and because it will be on a grand scale,” officials at the Élysée Palace promised. The number of parade participants this year will be a record high – 6,800 military personnel will march across the Champs-Élysées, 15 per cent more than last year. There are also plans to increase the number of military vehicles and aircraft by 30 per cent. As noted in the statement, for the first time the parade will feature “aircraft equipped with simulated weaponry”, as well as helicopters that “will fly over the tanks to recreate what might happen on the battlefield”. According to media reports, this is intended to be not merely a spectacle, but a strategic signal.
The EU has made the first disbursement to Ukraine from the €90 billion loan
The European Commission has disbursed €3.9 billion to Ukraine as part of the first defence tranche of a large-scale €90 billion EU loan. These funds are to be used to purchase drones for the Ukrainian army, which is one of the key areas for strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities in 2026. In total, the first tranche, earmarked specifically for the purchase of drones, is expected to amount to around €6 billion. The remainder of the sum, according to preliminary information, is due to be paid out in the coming days. The European Union explains that the funding is being disbursed in instalments for a reason: before each payment, the European Commission checks the contracts for the supply of drones. This mechanism is intended to ensure that the funds are used specifically for the agreed defence procurements, and not for other purposes. For Ukraine, this decision has significant practical implications. Drones have become one of the key tools of modern warfare: they are used for reconnaissance, fire support, striking targets, defending positions and reducing risks to troops on the front line. This is precisely why investment in drones is seen as one of the most effective ways to rapidly strengthen the Ukrainian army. According to UA Service HUB, the total EU loan of €90 billion provides for two major areas of support for Ukraine in 2026–2027. Of this amount, €30 billion is to be allocated to budgetary support, and a further €60 billion to defence needs. In 2026, Ukraine is set to receive €28.3 billion from the defence package to support and develop its defence industrial capacity. Future payments are not intended to be directed solely towards drones. It is expected that the funds will also be used to procure ammunition, missiles, air defence systems and other weaponry necessary for the country’s defence. This approach demonstrates the EU’s long-term support for Ukraine and its commitment to strengthening not only the army’s current capabilities but also the Ukrainian defence industry in the long term.
The World Congress of Ukrainians summit took place in Switzerland
The World Congress of Ukrainians summit took place in Bern, bringing together representatives of the diaspora, volunteers, experts and supporters around a common goal: to strengthen concrete support for Ukraine. The session focused on a central theme: the unity and resilience of the global Ukrainian community in the face of contemporary international challenges. Representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora from various continents shared their own experiences — ranging from cultural diplomacy and combating disinformation to working with the media and supporting youth organisations. As noted by UA Service HUB, among the speakers was a representative of the Italian diaspora — Dmytro Shchukin, President of NAU (Network Associazioni per Ucraina) — who shared his many years of experience in the work of associations and the implementation of campaigns in support of Ukraine. Shchukin explained that, unfortunately, in Italy, the space for Ukrainians to have their voices heard in the media remains limited. “Often, experts who until 2022 didn’t even know where Ukraine was located are now telling Ukrainians how to live in their own country,” he noted. In his view, both the challenge and the path to overcoming it are quite clear: it is necessary to break out of the Ukrainian information bubble, build a systematic dialogue with political institutions, and develop communication capable of reaching those who actually make decisions. “This is not a criticism. It is a diagnosis and, at the same time, a direction to follow,” he concluded. In turn, Volodymyr Kogutak, UWC Vice-President for Western Europe, emphasised the importance of strengthening Ukrainian youth organisations as future leaders of the global Ukrainian community. Dzvinka Kachur, UWC Vice-President for Africa, emphasised that Ukrainian culture has a real influence even on the African continent: Ukrainian communities are not merely present there, but are actively engaged in advocacy through cultural initiatives. Myroslava Kerik, President of the Casa Ukraine Foundation, drew attention to the information war being waged by Russia, spreading stereotypes about Ukrainians in Poland, Moldova and Romania, as well as to the crucial role of the diaspora in countering these narratives. Marianna Tretyak, President of the American Coalition for Ukraine, reminded the audience that there are people in every corner of the US ready to support Ukraine. The main task is to find them, engage them and turn them into active allies. The best summary of the entire session came from Pavlo Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress: “Unity has many faces. But we are all united by a shared responsibility towards Ukraine. Together, we are a strong and united global Ukrainian community.”
Embroidery festival: Ukrainian culture unites community in Italy
On 23 May, the picturesque town of Merano hosted a warm and heartfelt Vyshyvanka Festival, organised by representatives of the C.R.A.S.A. APS association. The event was a true celebration of unity and a reminder of the importance of preserving Ukrainian traditions, roots and cultural heritage, even far from the homeland. Ukrainians from various regions of Italy took part in the event, creating an atmosphere of support, warmth and mutual love. Guests had the opportunity to visit an exhibition of antique embroidered shirts, a fair featuring handmade goods, and to immerse themselves in Ukrainian traditions through lively conversation and cultural activities. Particular attention was drawn to the charity project ‘Calendar of Solidarity. Ukrainian Women in Italy’, aimed at supporting important initiatives for Ukraine. The highlight of the event was a fashion show featuring the ‘Mama’s Shirt’ collection by Oksana Shoorlemmer — a modern reinterpretation of Ukrainian embroidery in elegant designs. The event was made all the more emotional by a musical performance from YAMARYNA, whose renditions of Ukrainian and original songs created a special atmosphere of sincerity and unity. As noted by the event’s organiser, Ukrainian journalist Nadiya Bereziuk, who is also a representative of the CRASA association, such events help to promote Ukrainian culture in Italy and create a space where Ukrainians feel at home. “The festival has proven once again: Ukrainian culture is alive and inspiring,” adds Nadiya Bereziuk. It is worth noting that the event’s partner is Business Women magazine.
Vyshyvanka Day: Ukrainians from different cities of Italy organised a flash mob
Today marks Vyshyvanka Day. In the run-up to the event, Ukrainians from various cities across Italy took to the streets to remind the world once again of their culture, identity and resilience. Activists and communities from Trento, Merano, Rome and Naples joined the initiatives. The patterns on the vyshyvanka are the outward expressions of our soul. Sometimes our heart is stitched with cross-stitch, sometimes mended with black thread. But despite everything, it blossoms. Just as strong, beautiful and unbreakable. Even when worn abroad, the vyshyvanka is a reminder of who we are. “Today, the Ukrainian community in Merano, to mark the 20th anniversary of Vyshyvanka Day, is supporting Business Woman magazine’s initiative — ‘The Ukrainian Vyshyvanka Supports the World’. The community of Naples and the CRASA APS association have also joined the campaign,” notes Nadiya Bereziuk, director of the Italian office of Business Woman magazine. The community of Trento — the Associazione culturale degli ucraini in Trentino RASOM APS, whose president is Book World Records holder Stefania Shmits — also took part in the campaign. Incidentally, another event is scheduled for 21 May at 7.00 pm in the centre of Naples – the ‘Dateci le Ali’ association is inviting people to a flash mob at the Galeria Umberto near the Toledo metro station. “Let’s put on our festive embroidered shirts to remind everyone once again of the culture, traditions and unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people,” the announcement reads.
Vyshyvanka Day in Rome: Ukrainians will gather on the Spanish Steps
🇺🇦 In the very heart of Rome, on the Spanish Steps, Ukrainians will gather to celebrate World Vyshyvanka Day — a festival that has long since become not just a beautiful tradition, but a symbol of resilience, remembrance and unity for Ukrainians around the world. On 21 May 2026 at 17:00, Piazza di Spagna will once again be ablaze with Ukrainian colours, voices and embroidered shirts. It is here that Rome’s Ukrainian community holds this event every year, transforming one of Italy’s most famous locations into a space for Ukrainian culture and a living presence of Ukraine in Europe. The event is organised by the associations Ucraina CreAttiva APS Roma, Congresso degli Ucraini in Italia and Associazione culturale Europea Italia-Ucraina Maidan, which have been supporting the Ukrainian community in Rome for many years, bringing people together around cultural, social and community initiatives and preserving Ukraine’s presence in the heart of Italy.
It will become even more difficult for Russian tourists to come to Italy
Italy has introduced new restrictions for Russian citizens applying for Schengen visas. Following a high-profile scandal involving the illegal issuance of visas through diplomatic channels, Italian visa centres in Russia have changed their application procedures. From 12 May, the VMS and Almaviva centres will no longer accept applications via intermediaries, agents, couriers, authorised representatives or travel agencies. Applicants must now visit the visa centre in person with their passport and a prior booking made via the online system. The reason for this decision was the scandal surrounding the former Italian ambassador to Uzbekistan. According to media reports, the Italian diplomat is suspected of involvement in the illegal issuance of long-term Schengen visas to Russian citizens in circumvention of established rules. The investigation files mention sums ranging from 4,000 to 16,000 euros for a single such ‘service’. The Uzbekistan route attracted particular attention. Following the outbreak of full-scale war against Ukraine, Russian citizens often sought alternative ways to obtain European visas outside Russia — notably through consulates in third countries. Such routes became popular due to the more complex application procedure within Russia itself, a shortage of appointment slots, and a general tightening of controls by EU countries. The new rules effectively eliminate one of the most common methods of submitting documents — through an intermediary. Previously, an applicant could hand over their passport, application form, insurance, booking confirmation and other documents to an agent or courier, who would then submit the package to the visa centre on their behalf. This option is now closed: personal attendance has become mandatory. This could significantly complicate the process of obtaining an Italian Schengen visa. The problem will primarily affect those living outside Moscow or St Petersburg, in the regions. People will now have to travel to the visa centre in person, book an appointment, pay for travel and wait for available slots. Tour operators are already warning that, due to the increased workload, processing times may lengthen, and the entire process could in some cases take up to several months. This is particularly problematic for the summer tourist season. Italy has traditionally been one of the most popular European destinations among Russians: Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily were among the most sought-after destinations. However, even having tickets, hotel bookings and financial documents no longer guarantees a quick application. The main bottleneck is not the visa itself, but the ability to book an appointment. An interesting fact: in the Schengen system, the visa itself is not an absolute guarantee of entry. The final decision is made by the border guard at the border. Even with a valid visa, you may be asked to confirm the purpose of your trip, your accommodation booking, your return ticket, your insurance and your financial means. Following corruption scandals and tighter controls, such checks may become even more thorough. Another important point is that Italy has long remained one of the EU countries that continued to issue Schengen tourist visas to Russians more readily than some other EU states. For example, the Baltic states, Poland, the Czech Republic and a number of other countries imposed much stricter restrictions on tourist entry for Russian citizens. Against this backdrop, Italy appeared to be a more accessible destination for many applicants. This is precisely why the crackdown on intermediary schemes could have a significant practical impact. Formally, Italy has not imposed a complete ban on issuing visas to Russians, but has made the procedure less convenient, more tightly controlled and less suitable for mass ‘bulk’ processing through agencies. In fact, the new rules have several objectives. Firstly, to reduce the risk of submitting fictitious or dubious documents. Secondly, to complicate the work of illegal intermediaries who profited from the shortage of slots and “accompanying” applicants. Thirdly, to demonstrate that, following the visa scandal, Italy is tightening controls and attempting to protect the reputation of its consular system. At the same time, for ordinary applicants, this means more red tape. Now they must keep an eye out for available dates themselves, compile the correct set of documents, attend the appointment in person, and be prepared for a longer wait. An error in the documents or the absence of the required confirmation could result in wasted time and the need to book a new appointment. Thus, Italy has not closed the door to Russian tourists entirely, but has significantly narrowed the scope for ‘convenient’ processing via third parties. In practice, this could lead to longer queues, higher costs for support services, increased demand for scarce slots, and the cancellation of some summer trips. The visa scandal has shown that even in traditionally popular tourist destinations, Europe is gradually moving towards stricter and more personalised checks on applicants.