Tribute honoring hero commander: Ukrainian artists create murals near war zone

Espreso TV releases exclusive scenes.

The Ukrainian artist Yarema Stetsyk has painted a mural on the facade of a sports complex in Zaporizhzhia, dedicated to Nazar Lugarev, the commander of his son Yurko, a soldier of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Both servicemen gave their lives defending Ukraine from Russian invaders in the Zaporizhzhia region.

"The closer we get to the place where Yurko died, the closer to him we feel. For us, it’s like a pilgrimage, like walking the path of St. James. This journey means more to our family than any existing shrine. Those places are important, but this trip is deeply personal. It’s not just about our Yurko - it’s about everyone who gives their health, time, and even their lives here. It’s a path walked by the saints."

The mural displays a modern version of Cossack Mamai - wearing a bulletproof vest, holding a rifle, and surrounded by a laptop with the Resistance Movement symbol and drones, a symbol of modern warfare. According to the artist, this is a reimagined Mamai: a fighter who now defends truth not only with weapons but also with top-notch technology.

"Art speaks differently than words - whether on the front line, under occupation, or abroad. Each tells a different story, but all of them matter. The value is simply different. Leisurely painting a mural in Barcelona is one thing; creating one under occupation is something totally different."

The Resistance Movement of Ukraine's Special Operations Forces and the National Resistance Center jointly launched the initiative to create patriotic murals in the Zaporizhzhia region, partly under occupation. The artists have planned to craft murals in other frontline regions.