Larnaca has installed the island’s first sculpture honoring Vasyl Hryhorovych-Barsky, an 18th-century traveller from Kyiv who explored Cyprus extensively on foot and provided detailed descriptions that remain valuable historical records. The statue is part of the Ukrainian cultural project “Shukai!” and marks the initiative’s first sculpture beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Created with support from the cultural centre Obiimy Cyprus and Sushko Philanthropy, the sculpture highlights deep historical and modern ties between Cyprus and Ukraine. Barsky’s travels vividly documented the island three centuries ago, while today over 30,000 Ukrainians live in Cyprus, strengthening the connection between the two nations.

The unveiling ceremony attracted dignitaries including the Deputy Mayor of Larnaca and representatives from multiple embassies. The sculpture is publicly displayed at Obiimy Cyprus in Larnaca and symbolizes ongoing cultural exchange and shared heritage between Cyprus and the Ukrainian community on the island.