Tina Peresunko is a founder of the Leontovych Institute and author of the book “100 Years of Ukraine`s Cultural Diplomacy – Shchedryk’s World’s triumph”.

Topics include:

• "Shchedryk is much more than a Christmas song. It's a politically significant song for Ukrainians."

• "The appearance of Shchedryk in Ukraine in 1916 is linked to the historical context of the collapse of the Russian Empire during World War I."

• "This song became a tool for cultural diplomacy, promoting international recognition of Ukrainian statehood during the Paris Peace Conference in 1922."

• "The song faced challenges during the Soviet era, as it was suppressed and misrepresented as a Russian folk song, leading to the murder of the composer, Mykola Leontovych."

• "The history of Shchedryk is an example of Ukrainian soft power, showcasing the country's cultural diplomacy and historical significance."