On June 3, 2024, Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kuwait together with Embassy of Ukraine in Kuwait, hosted a private screening of the documentary film “20 Days in Mariupol.” This powerful artwork, marking a historic Oscar win for Ukraine, was directed by Mr. Mstyslav Chernov, who expressed in his Oscar speech that he wished he never had to make it.

The film chronicles the harrowing experiences of an AP team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in Mariupol during the Russian siege, documenting the atrocities of the invasion: dying children, mass graves, the bombing of a maternity hospital, and more.

The event was widely attended by representatives of the foreign diplomatic corps accredited to Kuwait, Kuwaiti media, business and educational circles, as well as Kuwaiti friends of Ukraine. It featured an opening speech by Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kuwait, Anna Godoj-Ciszkowska, who said introducing the film: “This film brings us face-to-face with the brutality of war, yet also reminds us of the enduring spirit of civilians caught in the siege”, and a video message from Dr. Oleksandr Balanutsa, who emphasized: “As director Mr. Mstyslav Chernov said, we wish we could exchange this film for a reality where Russia never attacked Ukraine, never committed these atrocities. But we cannot change the past. Thus, we remain committed to working alongside the international community to prevent further aggression. We remain hopeful that just and lasting peace finally prevails”.