From 24 to 31 March 2026, Ukrainian Week took place in France — a series of academic and public events in Grenoble, Metz, Rennes and Paris. The initiative aimed to strengthen the presence of Ukrainian studies in European universities, develop inter-university cooperation, and increase academic interest in Ukraine.
As part of the events, France expanded its participation in the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies to 16 institutions. The programme was implemented in collaboration with Ukrainian state institutions and international partners at leading universities and cultural centres.
Participants emphasised the importance of studying Ukrainian history, language and culture directly, without Russian intermediaries, as this helps to counter disinformation and uphold academic integrity.
Olha Budnyk, Special Adviser to the President of Ukraine, emphasised that the development of international academic cooperation is linked to the strengthening of Ukrainian universities, support for young people, and a long-term strategy for preserving human capital.
The Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies and the President of Ukraine’s Foundation for the Support of Education, Science and Sport, in cooperation with the Ukrainian Institute, the Crimean Platform, the Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Embassy of Ukraine in France, and French and Ukrainian partners, organised a packed programme at Sciences Po Grenoble, the University of Lorraine, CMI Rennes, INALCO, the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Paris, and Sorbonne Université.