On July 19, 2025, I had to participate in the commemorative ceremonies honoring the memory of Jean Pelissier. He was a participant in the French Resistance, killed by the Germans on July 19, 1944. A small memorial has been erected at the execution site.
Jean Pelissier was only 19 years old when he died for France. Every year, on the anniversary of his death, a small solemn ceremony is held at this site, by the roadside in the deep countryside among the picturesque hills of Provence, attended by local residents, veterans of the French armed forces, and also by Jean's sister, who at 97 years old actively engages, sharing memories of her brother, life under occupation, and the French Resistance – Résistance.
In honor of Jean Pelissier, flags are lowered, a trumpet plays, the Marseillaise and partisan songs from the Resistance era are sung, and village heads from surrounding settlements and anyone else who wishes to speak give speeches.
I was introduced to the gathering as a veteran of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who brought my paintings – front-line sketches – for an exhibition at the Museum of Peace in the nearby town of Estaing. I delivered a short speech.
Cultural Diplomacy as a Bridge of Understanding
France is a country where Moscow's propaganda has always had strong positions. For the French, especially in the provinces, it is difficult to grasp the essence of events in a distant part of Eastern Europe, which they have traditionally considered, and in some cases still consider, "part of Russia," or at least a sphere of Moscow's interests. However, at the same time, the French are quite open and sensitive people, and they are sincerely grateful for the respect that foreigners show towards French history and traditions.
Considering these circumstances, in my brief speech, I expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the ceremonies and pointed out how close the theme of resistance and struggle against brutal foreign invasion is to us, Ukrainians, at this time.
A Language Understood by the Heart
Such matters are well understood by the French. There is no need to talk to them about geopolitics, NATO, the interests of states, and the personalities of leaders. There is no need to try to disavow certain theses of Kremlin propaganda that can still be heard here and there in France. Instead, the French need to be given the opportunity to understand the essence of the modern Ukrainian Resistance, which is actually the same as that of the French Resistance during World War II.
We will not give up and will not accept occupation. We will fight. We are the Resistance! Nous sommes la Résistance!
The French cannot help but applaud such words.
And then there were many conversations, handshakes, hugs, and sincere wishes for victory for Ukraine.
The Mission of Every Ukrainian
People's diplomacy is the duty and responsibility of every Ukrainian while abroad. Each of us is a diplomat and an envoy, carrying out the crucial task of mobilizing international support for the Ukrainian Resistance.
Nous sommes la Résistance!
