Lithuania's prime minister visits baku, showcasing refugee portraits

Lithuania’s Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė is set to arrive in Baku on April 9th, a visit timed to coincide with the opening of a powerful photographic exhibition documenting the experiences of Ukrainian war refugees. The trip, officially framed as a strengthening of bilateral ties, carries a decidedly human dimension – one that underscores the ongoing impact of the conflict beyond the battlefield.

A stark visual narrative of displacement

The exhibition, “Not All of Them. Portraits of War Refugees,” premiering at Khazar University, presents a collection of black-and-white photographs by the renowned Antanas Sutkus, alongside the work of Artūras Morozovas and Tadas Kazakevičius. These images, capturing the faces and stories of Ukrainian refugees who found sanctuary in Lithuania, offer a sobering counterpoint to the often-abstract geopolitical discussions surrounding the war. The choice of black and white enhances the raw emotional impact, stripping away any superficial distractions and focusing solely on the human cost.

While official statements emphasize bolstering cooperation in “key areas,” the deliberate inclusion of this exhibition suggests a broader strategic goal: building bridges through cultural exchange and demonstrating shared humanitarian concerns. The timing of the visit, just weeks after renewed fighting intensified in eastern Ukraine, lends particular weight to the gesture.

Beyond the cultural element, Ruginienė’s agenda reportedly includes a series of bilateral meetings. Details remain scarce, but sources indicate discussions will likely encompass energy security—a critical issue for both nations—and potential avenues for increased trade. But it's the photographs, the silent testimonies of those displaced by war, that will likely resonate most powerfully. The exhibition isn't merely a cultural event; it’s a visual reminder of the human stories often lost in the complexities of international relations.

The opening of this exhibition and Prime Minister Ruginienė’s visit come at a moment when the narrative surrounding the war in Ukraine risks becoming detached from the realities faced by millions. The number of Ukrainian refugees now exceeds 6 million across Europe – a figure that underscores the scale of the humanitarian crisis.