Michael Roth: “Roma are the largest ethnic community. And its contribution should be recognized”

Today, CAFE KYIV 2025 Conference is taking place in the German capital. This is one of the most important European events. By tradition—same as it was last year—ARCA Youth Agency of Roma Culture Advocacy is an official partner of this event. This year’s events—which are most important for the Roma community—include, among others, a panel discussion entitled Roma People in Ukraine: Fighters for Democracy, Justice, and Diversity, and a screening of Named Voices, a documentary.

During the panel discussion, Arsen Mednyk, a Roma veteran of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, presented his first speech before a European audience. The veteran told how Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine began, how he volunteered to join the Ukrainian army and what was the people’s perception of his Roma ethnicity and his Muslim faith.

«Initially, the attitude was sceptical, but then, in the course of my service and defence of Ukraine, they appreciated my human qualities. They realised that it did not matter what ethnicity you are and what are your roots. I was decent and fair. If anyone wanted to humiliate anyone, I was on the side of the victim; I stood for the truth», - said Arsen Mednyk.

The Roma soldier defended Ukraine for two and a half years; he was seriously injured and was in a coma for some time. Upon having returned from the frontline, he had a difficult time adapting and changing his life values.

According to him, thousands of Roma are now fighting for their families, their homes, and their country, Ukraine.

«I would like to be perceived as equal citizens of Ukraine. I would like to see a change in attitudes towards Roma who would be able to receive education and get a job. We are people, too—same as anyone else. We have the same needs as anyone else. We want to live, work and be happy», - stressed Arsen Mednyk.

The Roma veteran's speech during the panel discussion was commented on by its participants.  As Michael Roth, former Minister of State for Europe at the German Federal Foreign Office and Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the German Parliament, noted, Roma people are the largest ethnic community in Europe; they are no victims but they are warriors, they are our heroes and we should recognise the contribution of Roma people into our society.

«In any sphere, be it politics, business, or arts, Roma people are an important part of our society and we have to bring the Roma soul and the Roma community closer to our community, integrate them into our society. Take the touching story of Arsen Mednyk who has been fighting for the democracy and freedom of Ukraine and also for the freedom and democracy of European society. He has done everything in his power to stop Russian imperialism. And we are grateful to him for that», - stressed Michael Roth.

The German politician expressed hope that Ukrainian society would be able to unite, overcome stereotypes, and grant equal rights to all minorities—and also engage them in the restoration of Ukraine.  

The panel discussion entitled Roma People in Ukraine:  Fighters for Democracy, Justice, and Diversity was attended by Stefan Müller, Advisor on International Matters at the Central Council of German Roma and Sinti, Nataliia Tomenko, Deputy Director of ARCA Youth Agency for Roma Culture Advocacy  and co-chair of AURA Ukrainian Roma Advocacy Alliance and Yanush Panchenko, Research Associate of the Institute of Ethnology at Czech Academy of Sciences.