On February 22-23, the University of Rzeszów hosted the Days of Solidarity with Ukraine, an event aimed at expressing support for the Ukrainian nation attacked by Russia.

The gathered guests were welcomed at the University of Rzeszów by Professor Jolanta Szempruch, Vice-Rector for Research and International Relations.

"We have gathered to responsibly and substantively recall past actions and discuss the current challenges facing Ukraine, as well as to support initiatives that can contribute to building peace, stability, and solidarity in our region," said Professor Jolanta Szempruch.

Vice-President of Rzeszów, Krzysztof Stańko, also addressed the gathered guests, expressing hope that during the next anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, we will be talking about the end of the conflict.

"I hope that the near future will be a breakthrough time, so that during the next Days of Solidarity, we can discuss, for example, the reconstruction of Ukraine in the future," said Krzysztof Stańko.

It is worth recalling that in 2022, Rzeszów received the honorable title of "Rescuer City."

Rzeszów is currently one of the key cities in Europe, playing an extremely important role. In the early days of the conflict, like other cities in the region, it was the first point of refuge for many war refugees. According to data from the Rzeszów City Hall, registered Ukrainians make up just over 2 percent of its residents. Rzeszów was the first city to receive the title of Rescuer City for helping Ukrainian refugees.

"Rzeszów, our city, has become a true rescuer city since the beginning of the Ukrainian conflict. Numerous aid activities have been concentrated here in the Subcarpathian region. Rzeszów has become one of the main centers of assistance to Ukrainians, as well as a logistics center for humanitarian transports," said Professor Jolanta Szempruch.

The program included two thematic debates, during which experts discussed topics related to the role of Rzeszów in the ongoing conflict, humanitarian aid, and cross-border cooperation.

On February 22, a debate titled "Rzeszów - 3 Years as a Rescuer City" was moderated by Lesya Holovata. The participants of the debate were:

• Associate Professor Maciej Milczanowski,
• Dr Agnieszka Buk,
• Andrzej Burnat,
• Anastasia Plakhtiy.

During this panel, we also had the opportunity to watch a film screening that reminded us of the early days of the invasion and how, upon receiving news of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the people of Rzeszów united to help their neighbors from across the eastern border.

The following day, the gathered guests could listen to a debate titled "Community Below Divisions: Lasting Cross-Border Collaborations," featuring the following speakers:

• Associate Professor Paweł Kowal,
• Oleh Kuts,
• Dr Małgorzata Kułakowska,
• Maciej Staszewski,
• Dariusz Bobak.

On February 22-23, numerous cultural events took place in Rzeszów, including a photography exhibition titled "Faces of War" and a screening of the film "Intercepted," directed by Oksana Karpowicz. The highlight of the events was the lighting of the bonfire - the Flame of Solidarity, which was ignited at the Rzeszów “Żwirownia” on Monday, February 24, at 4:00 AM. The event was initiated by Maciej Staszewski, president of the ArtCity association.

Photo by Michał Święcicki