PREVIEW

At 5 am on 24 February 2025, The Heart of Ukraine installation at Kyiv's Southern Railway Station started broadcasting the names of those claimed by the war.

The installation, which features a heart made from plastic materials that lights up to create a heart beat, marks the third anniversary of Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Anyone, from anywhere in the world, has the opportunity to submit the name of a family member, loved one, or acquaintance they have lost in the war—whether military or civilian.

The initiative’s organizers, Yaroslava Gres and Yulia Solovey say: “The interactive Heart of Ukraine installation was created so that everyone could profess their love for their city or for Ukraine. In just one week, thousands of people have shared their confessions. But these days, the Heart of Ukraine has a focus: our military and civilians.

“Everyone taken by the war. Everyone who became a victim of Russian aggression. Every name is important. After all, the Heart of Ukraine beats thanks to these people. Wherever you may be, you can honor their memory.”

As early as 5 a.m., the first 60 names appeared—these are the employees of Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) who gave their lives, whether by saving people or simply by doing their jobs. People like track fitter Oleksandr Kot, who was killed at his workplace during the bombing of the Southern Railway infrastructure.

Already, the Heart of Ukraine has collected over 2000 applications, and displayed the names of over 500 people. The youngest, Sofiyka from Kyiv—just 6 years old. The oldest, Maia from Mykolaiv—81 years old. People are leaving messages that are impossible to read without tears:

- “Holynska Sofiyka. Forever 6 Kyiv.”
- “Taras Stasyshyn. We miss you so much, friend! 38 years. Boryslav, Lviv region.”
- “Palichuk Serhiy, a person with a big heart! A loving husband, father, and grandfather. Forever 52, Zhrub-Komaryvskyi village, Storozhynets Raion.”
- “Nazar Nebozhynskyi. Hero of Ukraine. Forever 23. Rivne.”
- “Danya, Viking, Kondel. 21 forever.”
- “The guys from Trudova Street – Denys Kozhevnikov and Mykhailo Savchuk. Thank you for your protection, guys. Eternal memory. Kostiantynivka.”
- “Maksym Lyzia ‘Masiya’, your smile is always with us. Sloviansk.”
- “My dear little brother Makarets Viacheslav. I am proud of you and miss you terribly, 48. Donetsk.”
- “Varvara, my close friend. Died at 14. Mariupol.”

The installation is located at the Southern Railway Station in Kyiv. It is live daily from 05:00 to 00:00, without breaks or days off.

The project was created by Ukraine WOW, a public organisation which promotes Ukrainian culture, with the assistance of JSC Ukrzaliznytsia and the support of the Avrora multi-market chain.

To have a name appear at Heart of Ukraine, you simply need to fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckLYUlgTUzcZkX4lyletKdtHaXyptwi57rNGDK7Jabynx5og/viewform