RUSSIA EXPO hosted a concert of Yulia Baranovskaya's Social Forum "Women of Donbass"

Yulia Baranovskaya's Social Forum "Women of Donbass" hosted a concert with the participation of famous musicians and cultural figures, as well as project participants. The large-scale program was presented at the RUSSIA EXPO under the motto "As Long as Culture Lives — So Does the Country".

"This project happened on intuition, I just knew with my heart that the stories we heard should be told firsthand by our heroes. Those people in whose hearts our stories about the women of Donbass resonate are the ones we are in step with. Therefore, once again, a huge thank you to all our heroes for finding the strength within themselves because, when you talk about what you've been through, it's like reliving it and opening up your soul. And, of course, thank you to everyone who responded to our project," said TV and radio host, author of the social project "Women of Donbass" Yulia Baranovskaya.

A bright moment of the concert program was the performance of the band "123 Regiment". The name of the group was chosen for a reason, because its members — soloists of the Lugansk Philharmonic — served in the 123rd rifle regiment of the People's Militia during the special military operation and took part in combat operations.  

In addition, the presentation of Yulia Baranovskaya's book "Women of Donbass", published in 2023 by the publishing house "Yauza" in the series "Stories of the Strong", took place within the framework of the concert. This book contains thirty stories about the women of Donbass, whose fates have changed dramatically in recent years. They rescued the wounded and captives, buried loved ones, took up arms, taught children under shelling and helped babies to be born. Several fragments from the book were read for the audience by the famous theater and film actor Nikolai Sakharov.

Photo: Sergey Baranov/Press service of the RUSSIA EXPO

"I really want to read this book, because there is life in it. I am sure that this book will become an important element of the new history, which is now being written before our eyes," said singer and public figure Rodion Gazmanov, who performed at the concert as a presenter.

Along with the artists, the participants of the project presented creative numbers at the concert. For example, the Donetsk artist Galina Zhuravleva introduced the audience to the history of writing her works, most of which are about the people of Donbass: seemingly ordinary, but with a heroic fate. And 16-year-old Diana Matukhno managed to survive the horrors of hostilities through dance, after which she decided to teach choreography in her hometown of Rubezhnoye in order to help her fellow countrymen to become a little happier.

Director of the Donetsk Botanical Garden Svetlana Prikhodko brought Donetsk roses as a gift to the RUSSIA EXPO, solemnly handing them over to the representative of the stand of the Donetsk People's Republic Athena Khadzhinova.

"Thank you for these beautiful roses, you have passed them over into reliable hands, and they will be a great addition to the stand of the Donetsk People's Republic at the RUSSIA EXPO." Roses have already been planted there, but there are never too many Donetsk roses," Athena Khadzhinova said.

Photo: Sergey Baranov/Press service of the RUSSIA EXPO

As part of Yulia Baranovskaya's Social Forum, heroes of stories about the people of Donbass were presented at the RUSSIA EXPO. In addition, on the day of the Forum, the Exposition hosted strategic sessions with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova, the premiere screening of the movie "People of Donbass" and other events.

The project "Women of Donbass" was created two years ago. Thanks to it, about ten million people were able to learn the real stories of people living in Donbass. In the course of the project's implementation, targeted assistance was provided to thirty women. The socio-cultural program of the initiative reflects the main thesis: "Аs long as culture lives, so does the country". The "Women of Donbass" social forum was supported by the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives.

The RUSSIA EXPO is the most important achievements of the country gathered on one platform. During the whole time of the Exposition the guests are welcomed with cultural events, rich business and educational program. The expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal agencies, corporations and public organizations are presented to the visitors. More than 16 million people have already visited the Exposition. The RUSSIA EXPO takes place at the VDNH in Moscow from November 4 to July 8.

The International RUSSIA EXPO showcases the most important achievements of the country in one place. Throughout the Exposition, cultural events, a rich business and educational program await the guests. The expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal agencies, corporations and public organizations are presented to the visitors. More than 16 million people have already visited the Exposition. The International RUSSIA EXPO takes place on the territory of VDNH in Moscow from November 4 to July 8.