On September 1, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine organized a ceremony, in the village of Cherepyn, Cherkasy region, to unveil a monument to Hryhorii Yakymovych Kulishenko and to celebrate the start of the new school year at the school named in his honor.

The event was attended by Ambassador Ma Shengkun, Deputy Head of the Cherkasy Regional Administration Oleksandr Turcheniak, author of the monument Veronika Dirova, Chinese diplomats, members of Kulishenko’s family, local authorities of the district and the village, as well as teachers and students of the school.

Alongside with Deputy Governor Turcheniak and other guests, Ambassador Ma cut the ceremonial ribbon and laid flowers at the monument before delivering a speech. He recalled that in 1939, Hryhorii Kulishenko, born in Ukraine, led a bomber squadron to support China, and fought side by side with the Chinese people against Japanese aggression until his heroic death on October 14 that year. “With his life and blood, Kulishenko strengthened the friendship between China and Ukraine, and the Chinese people will never forget him,” Ambassador Ma emphasized.

He stressed that while the guns of that war have long fallen silent, the spirit of heroes will never fade. Both history and the present remind us to always cherish peace, stand for justice and be ready to sacrifice for those who are in need. Ambassador Ma expressed hope that Kulishenko’s noble example would inspire the students of the school bearing his name to foster China–Ukraine friendship through their own actions. He assured that the Chinese people know how to be grateful and will never forget friends who extended help in times of hardship. China, he said, is ready, within its capacity, to continue supporting the development of Kulishenko’s homeland and the grow and education of local children.

The Ambassador also pointed out that 2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. He underlined that such a great victory would not have been possible without the sacrifice of international heroes like Kulishenko. “We honor Kulishenko’s memory not only to recall the past, but to carry forward the traditions of friendship between China and Ukraine. May his noble example continue to inspire us, and may the friendship between our peoples be passed down from generation to generation, leading us toward peace, development and prosperity,” he concluded.

Ukrainian representatives, including Deputy Governor Turcheniak, praised the support of the Chinese Embassy for the local school, named after Kulishenko, noting that freedom is a shared value of all nations, and that Kulishenko’s sacrifice for the independence and freedom of the Chinese people earned him eternal respect both in China and in Ukraine, building a strong bridge of friendship between the two countries.

Monument author Veronika Dirova noted the great effort and inspiration she put into this work, and said that she was glad to be able to convey the hero’s legendary deeds through the language of art. Members of Kulishenko’s family were moved to tears, saying they felt pride and gratitude at how highly China honors his memory. They noted that photos of his solemn resting place in China left a powerful impression on them and expressed their wish to one day visit China to pay tribute personally.

Following the ceremony, Ambassador Ma and Deputy Governor Turcheniak visited Kulishenko School, where they toured the facilities and memorial museum exhibits. On behalf of the Embassy, Ambassador Ma presented students with gifts including backpacks, notebooks and stationery. Additionally, Chinese companies such as ZTE donated new network equipment and educational materials to the school.

The monument to Hryhorii Kulishenko was commissioned by the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine and installed in the center of his native village of Cherepyn. A commemorative plaque beside the monument bears the hero’s name and his honorary titles awarded in China, inscribed in three languages: Chinese, Ukrainian, and English.