Roma Programme Featured at One of Europe’s Largest Conferences

Over five thousand participants from Ukraine and other European countries took part in the CAFE KYIV 2025 conference, held in the German capital. Politicians, diplomats, military personnel, experts, representatives of ethnic communities and civil society organisations from Ukraine and Europe gathered in Berlin. The key topics of the event included Russia’s war against Ukraine, the rebuilding of Ukraine, and the path toward EU integration.

"The Roma community is the largest minority in Europe. We feel strong support from the German state"

As in previous years, the Youth Agency for the Advocacy of Roma Culture “ARCA” was once again an official partner of the event. The overall programme included more than 100 venues, featuring roundtables, discussions, presentations, and film screenings. The Roma programme consisted of two important events highlighting Roma history and current experiences in Ukraine and beyond: the panel discussion “Roma in Ukraine: Fighters for Democracy, Justice and Diversity”, and a screening of the documentary “Voices with Names.”

Natalia Tomenko, Co-Chair of the Ukrainian Roma Advocacy Alliance “AURA” and Deputy Director of ARCA, emphasized the ongoing support ARCA receives from fellow ethnic minorities and the German government:

"In particular, from the Crimean Tatars. We feel significant support from the German state. They are interested in supporting Roma initiatives in Ukraine — in part, because Germany bears responsibility for those horrific periods in our shared history," Tomenko noted.

She also reminded that the Roma are the largest minority in Europe, and supporting this community means showing solidarity with all ethnic minorities across the continent.

"Today, thousands of Roma are fighting for their families, their homes, and their country — Ukraine"

During the panel discussion, Roma veteran of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Arsen Mednyk, spoke publicly before a European audience for the first time — addressing German, Ukrainian, and Roma activists. He shared how the full-scale Russian invasion began for him, his decision to volunteer, and how people reacted to his Roma heritage and Muslim faith.

"At first, people were sceptical. But over time, during service and while defending Ukraine, they saw my human qualities. They realised it doesn’t matter what ethnicity or background you are. I was honest and just. If someone was being humiliated, I stood up for them — I stood for truth," said Mednyk.

He served for two and a half years, suffered serious injuries, and was in a coma. Upon returning, he faced a long recovery and a profound shift in values.

"Today, thousands of Roma are defending their families and their homeland. I want people to see us as equal citizens of Ukraine — able to get an education, work, and live like everyone else," he stressed.

"In politics, business, or the arts — Roma are an essential part of society"

Mednyk’s address deeply moved the audience. Michael Roth — former Minister of State for Europe at the German Federal Foreign Office and then-Chair of the Bundestag Committee on Foreign Affairs — stated:

"Roma are not victims — they are warriors and heroes. We must acknowledge their contributions. In every sphere — politics, business, the arts — Roma are a vital part of our society. We must bring Roma voices closer to the mainstream."

He called Mednyk’s story — as someone who fought for Ukraine’s freedom and democracy — both moving and symbolic.

"He did everything he could to stop Russian imperialism, and we are grateful."

"It’s important to show that Roma are in the Armed Forces — and we are proud"

Natalia Tomenko added that ARCA had long planned to bring a Roma veteran to such international events:

"This was the first time we succeeded. It's crucial to show that Roma also serve in Ukraine’s Armed Forces. We are proud that Arsen Mednyk is one of our defenders. When he shares his story, Roma issues become more relatable. Shared suffering brings people together."

"There is hope that stereotypes will be broken in Ukrainian society"

Stefan Müller, International Affairs Advisor to the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma and moderator of the panel discussion, highlighted the importance of Roma civil society participating in major events like CAFE KYIV 2025:

"Before the full-scale invasion, Roma often faced discrimination and brutality. Now many are serving in the military — something unexpected for many. This can change perceptions and bring lasting impact."

"Roma are building Ukraine’s future — they protect, support, and serve"

Jonathan Mack, researcher at the Heidelberg University Center for Antigypsyism Research, called Mednyk a hero:

"His story shows that Roma are integral to Ukrainian society. When we tell stories of Roma as victims, we risk leaving out their agency. Arsen’s story is one of resilience and contribution. Roma are helping Ukraine become more inclusive and democratic."

"Many Roma have given their lives defending Ukraine — we want those stories heard"

Janush Panchenko, Co-Chair of the Ukrainian Roma Advocacy Alliance “AURA” and researcher at the Czech Academy of Sciences, noted:

"Roma are highly visible in Ukraine — unfortunately, often in a negative context. But today, many Roma are on the front lines. Over a thousand have served. We must tell their stories to both Ukraine and Europe."

Roma Documentary Premiered at CAFE KYIV 2025

Another highlight of the Roma programme was the screening of “Voices with Names”, a documentary based on the archives of the Youth Agency for the Advocacy of Roma Culture “ARCA” and interviews from the Ukrainian Center for Holocaust Studies. It tells the story of Nazi genocide against Roma in the 1940s and their present-day experiences during the current war.

Natalia Tomenko explained:

"The film weaves together two timelines — WWII genocide and the current war — so closely that it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins."

"Roma are an inseparable part of Ukrainian society"

Stefan Müller commented on the importance of the film:

"We selected this film because it shows how Roma defenders have contributed to Ukraine’s fight. It represents one of the greatest contributions of Roma to society today."

After the screening, a discussion followed about the historical and current challenges facing Roma communities in Ukraine and abroad.

Photos in this material by: Svitlana Myalyk