Viktoria Kuneva, a participant in the regional “Young Person of the Year 2026” competition in the “Youth Initiatives” category
Victoria Kuneva is a talented violinist originally from Bakhmut who, after being forced to evacuate to Bolhrad, not only continued her artistic work but also became the initiator of cultural and youth projects that bring together communities in the Donetsk and Odesa regions.
A graduate of the Ivan Karabits Bakhmut Professional College of Arts, she now works as a teacher at the Danylo Kryzhanivsky Bolhrad School of Arts, nurturing a new generation of musicians. Her students, many of whom are internally displaced children from Donetsk Oblast, successfully represent Ukraine at national and international competitions.
Despite her personal losses, Viktoria has not stopped her community work. She organizes cultural events for internally displaced persons, supports charity concerts and fundraisers for the Ukrainian Defense Forces, and initiated a large-scale art project for Europe Day, bringing together children, youth, and educators on one stage.
For her active civic engagement and significant contribution to the implementation of the state’s youth policy, Viktoria Kuneva was awarded a Certificate of Honor by the Odesa Regional Council. Her story is an example of how creativity, leadership, and compassion help preserve unity, support people, and inspire young people even in times of war.