Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia on February 24, 2022, different areas of the Ukrainian market have done various activities to support the Ukrainian defenders and displaced people left in danger. Andriy Veselyy, the head of the Charitable foundation Rodyny Veseloho, purchased the famous picture by Boris Groh and commented on the further fate of the painting.
The picture “Russian Warship go f…” painted by Boris Groh displays the flagship of the Russian Black Sea fleet, the cruiser “Moskva,” which sank on April 14, 2022, after being hit by a Ukrainian missile. This painting attracted many investors as well. It became the basis for the legendary Ukrposhta stamp of the same name. Over 800,000 stamps were sold on the first day of sales.
According to Andriy Veselyy, a thematic exhibition was held in Drohobych, Lviv region, on July 16, 2022. The painting “Russian warship, go f…“ was included there. In addition, the exhibition was accompanied by a charity rap concert by Khas and a fundraiser for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The event took place in the main square of the city. Furthermore, other citizens and children had an opportunity to write supporting letters to Ukrainian defenders.
The Family Veselyy Charity Foundation bought the painting and a stamp based on it at the auction as a part of the “1000 Cars of Freedom” project. The raised funds were aimed at purchasing two ambulances for Ukrainian defenders. So after the exhibition in Drohobych, the vehicles were sent to the war zone along with the supporting letters written by Drohobych citizens.
Andriy Veselyy noted that the foundation also raised funds for maintaining the vehicles. Moreover, the painting will not stay in Drohobych. Instead, the project focuses on sending the picture on a charity tour along cities in Europe and Canada. Thus, by reaching the Ukrainian diaspora representatives worldwide, the project will also hold a local exhibition and fundraise for Ukraine in such a difficult time.