A virtual reality exhibition that explores the tragic consequences of the war in Ukraine through panoramic photos and artifacts picked up from the battlefield has opened at the National History Museum of Moldova.

“The exhibition presents to the world community the true picture of what is happening in Ukraine, so that we can keep the memory of this tragedy alive and prevent it from repeating itself in Ukraine or anywhere in the world”, said Sophia Bilenko, manager of the exhibition and project titled “War Up Close”, at the inauguration event.

War Up Close is a project designed to provide an accurate visual account of the situation in Ukraine. Meanwhile, notes Bilenko, the war is fought not only on the battlefield, but also in the infospace. “This creates a continuous flow of disinformation and propaganda, which hides the extent of the destruction and suffering brought by the invaders onto Ukraine”.

Bilenko added that that the project team deals with documenting crimes against Ukraine and humanity. “Regular visits by the project team to our Ukrainian frontline defenders have become an integral part of our lives over the course of two years. For the exhibition we brought some artifacts that we generically call ‘fruits of war’. These weapons and similar items are being sown in abundance by the enemy on Ukrainian soil in the hope of cultivating terror and panic and defeating the Ukrainians’ will to resist”, said the exhibition manager.

Brigitta Triebel, director of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s Office in Moldova, noted that from the very beginning of the war, Russian forces have attacked civilian infrastructure, cultural institutions and residential neighborhoods, among other targets, and this exhibition includes photographs before and after the war, clearly illustrating the impact of the Russian aggression. “It also serves to demonstrate that Ukrainians continue to fight for their country, for their freedom and for their decision to live in a democratic and European country (…)  The Ukrainians defend Moldova, Germany, the entire European Union, and also the institutions of ​​democracy and freedom, which is why we must not give up our support for Ukraine”, said Brigitta Triebel. She went on to expressed her hope that the exhibition will attract visitors in large numbers, thus helping to spread the truth about the war.

“This exhibition is of great importance to all Ukrainians because it allows us to show the world the terrible reality of war that they live every day. By using modern technologies, the creators of the project managed to convey to every viewer the extent of the destruction and losses caused by the aggression of the Russian Federation. The exhibition opens the doors to a world that represents the everyday reality of Ukrainians, but which often remains unnoticed or downplayed. Here we feel on our own skin that this war affects us all”, said Dmitro Lekartsev, president of the National Congress of Ukrainians of Moldova.

Eugen Sava, director of the History Museum, said of the exhibition that holding such events is essential, especially with the use of modern technologies, which is an inevitable path for all museums, including Moldovan ones. He added that such exhibitions are extremely important for the young generation, to understand that what is taking place in Ukraine must not be repeated and must be condemned.

The exhibition is organized in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s Office in Moldova and will run until November 20.