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About the project

Kyiv is an open and inclusive city that welcomes everyone who comes here, regardless of origin, language or history. It is a big home where everyone can find their place: a native, a migrant, a guest from abroad or a tourist. There is no division here into “their own” and “strangers” – the city creates a space for equal opportunities, support and mutual respect.

The capital of Ukraine stands as the heart of the country and a symbol of unity, combining ancient history and modern meanings. It offers not only architecture and culture, but also a special atmosphere of mutual care, shelter and new beginnings. “The city of everyone” is Kyiv, where you can feel at home even when you come here for the first time, and which always remains a part of the life of those who have touched its rhythm at least once.

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“The Wise Rules the Stars” mural

And now, friends, take a look at another mural — completely different in mood, but no less expressive. Before us is a work with a very symbolic title — The Wise Rules the Stars.

Its author is the same artist, Volodymyr Manzhos, and while the previous mural was about open struggle, this one is about another dimension of war — intellect, strategy, and invisible power.

Look at the center of the composition. You see an owl — a symbol of intelligence. But it is not static here. It moves across the sea, literally gliding on the waves like a surfer. It is a very unusual image, isn’t it? And that is precisely its strength — it combines lightness of movement with the complexity of the processes behind it.

This mural is dedicated to the work of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. If you look more closely, behind the owl you will see hands — almost invisible. They guide, direct, and keep balance. This is a metaphor for how modern war operates: many processes remain unseen, yet they determine the outcome.

At the bottom, there is a Latin phrase: Sapiens dominabitur astris — “The wise rules the stars.” This is not just a beautiful phrase and the motto of military intelligence. It speaks about control over chaos and the ability to see further than others.

Now lift your gaze higher — into the sky of the mural. There you will see the constellation Taurus. In this work, it symbolizes Ukraine. The entire composition is built around the idea that victory is determined not by brute force, but by intelligence, precision, and strategy.

Interestingly, this mural is not just art on a wall. It has become part of a large project initiated by the Modern Ukraine Foundation. Around it appeared a postage stamp, clothing, and even digital products. The image began to live beyond the boundaries of this street.

And once again — Podil. Here, among old buildings and narrow streets, appears art about the most modern war in the world — about drones, technology, and intelligence. This contrast is powerful and thought-provoking: Kyiv is not only preserving history — it is creating it right now.

So if the first mural we saw was about strength and resistance, this one is about wisdom and control. And together, they form a very precise portrait of modern Ukraine.