Hetman Ivan Mazepa Saber in London Tower

For the first time in history, Ukrainian cultural heritage was presented in one of the main museums in the world. Hetman Ivan Mazepa Saber of the late seventeenth century in July – in early August 2025 the year exhibited in the royal arms (The Royal Armouries).

The organizers of the project were the public organization Ukraine Wow together with The Royal Armouries Museum, Chernihiv Regional Historical Museum named after Vasyl Tarnovsky, In partnership with Ajax Systems.

Royal arms (The Royal Armouries) - One of the oldest museums in the world. It saves a national collection of weapons and armor, which was formed above 700 years. Many of her exhibits are presented in London Tower - UNESCO World Heritage Site, what is the care of the organization of Historic Royal Palaces and which is attended every year 3 Millions of people. Mazepa Saber from Chernihiv Museum is presented in the White Tower - the oldest part of London Tower, that was laid by Wilhelm Conqueror in the XI century.

The project was implemented with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, Chernihiv Regional State Administration and the Aurora Multimarket Network.

«Exposing the Saber of Hetman Ivan Mazepa in London Tower is a spoken gesture, that returns to Ukraine her voice and a significant place in Europe's history. This saber symbolizes the decisive role of the Ukrainian army in the history of Europe, And it is very relevant today. It emphasizes the Ukrainian factor in the history of glorious victories of the European past. It's about the power of a Ukrainian warrior, the power of Ukrainian weapons and the weapons for centuries. Also important is the restoration of Hetman Ivan Mazepa's glory - a prominent statesman, diplomat and philanthropist, which embodies Ukraine's struggle for dignity, freedom and independence. During the genocide Russian aggression, the representation of the Ukrainian relic in the heart of the United Kingdom is an act of memory and at the same time the act of the future. We care about that, That the world knows, saw and understood Ukraine, What is it: a state with majestic history and rich culture ”, - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sibiga.

“Ivan Mazepa, which little is remembered now in Europe, He was once, From the light hand of Voltaire and Byron, incredibly recognizable and popular character - a symbol of reckless passion and adventure, Hero of poems, paintings and even circus performances. I hope, that Mazepa Saber in London Tower will be a reason for the British not only to remember him, but also to get acquainted with the real hetman - the figure is much deeper and more multifaceted: State, a thin politician, patron of arts and education, the real European of one's day. Mazepa in this sense is a good symbol of our country. It has a depth, What is worth it, To be open ”, ― First Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine Galina Grigorenko.

According to the words Head of Chernihiv Regional Military Administration in’Yacheslav Chaus “The world has to know more about the history of Ukraine, Her heroes, Unique artifacts, and in particular, be able to know the ancient history and cultural heritage of Chernihiv region. Chernihiv, as a regional center, survived a terrible siege in February-April 2022 year. When, Under the fire of the Russian army were not only civilian buildings, but also historical monuments, музеї, Reserves. And today the enemy is firing area every day, trying to destroy as people, So is infrastructure, our history and culture. But despite that, as your own efforts, and thanks to the support of international partners, We keep, We protect and promote our historical, cultural heritage ”.

“We are proud to present a unique historical artifact in one of the oldest museums in the world. Such an event is an opportunity to talk again and again about Ukrainian culture and inheritance, outstanding figures of the past. For centuries, Russia has tried to burn the name of Hetman Mazepa. Today he will receive a well -deserved recognition: as a hero, who fought for the sovereignty of the country and its freedom. We thank the United Kingdom, London Tower and The Royal Armouries Museum for Initiative's Support ”, - UKraine Wow co -founder Yaroslav Gres and Yulia Solovey say.

“Hetman Mazepa's saber is a unique example of Ukrainian armory at the end of the seventeenth century, created under the influence of oriental cultures. Today is part of the heritage, which we keep during the war, - says Maxim Blue, Director of the Chernihiv Regional Museum of Museum of Museum. VV. Tarnovsky. - Our museum suffered from Russian shelling in 2022 year, and a threat to cultural heritage still stays. Thanks to support, In particular, foreign partners, We are able not only to keep, but also to show the world, What is Ukraine's protecting ”.

“Exposing Mazepa Saber is a rare opportunity to see a historical artifact, related to one of the main statesmen and warriors of Ukraine, who was well known in Europe. Mazepa's saber has acquired a symbolic meaning, When Alexander Usik's World Wadwear Champion, Alexander Usyk raised her over her head in the ring after his victory over Tyson Fury in 2024 year. It demonstrates, What force can objects have in the formation of national identity and stability. It is a great honor for us to represent this relic along with the royal armored gun collection in London Tower on the eve of Usik's battle against Daniel Duba for protecting the World Champion title, який відбудеться 19 July, - said Nat Edwards, CEO.

“A wonderful exhibition, that demonstrates the historical saber of Ivan Mazepa in London Tower, is a rare opportunity to see this powerful symbol of Ukrainian heritage. Such cultural exchanges strengthen the links between our peoples, As it has already been demonstrated in the hundred years of partnership between the United Kingdom and Ukraine, And they remind us, Why should we continue to maintain Ukraine's sovereignty and independence ”, - said Minister of Creative Industry, the arts and tourism of UK Chris Braiant.

The materials for the exhibition were helped by historians Sergey Plohiy and Alexei Sokyrko. They reveal the figure of Mazepa as a warrior, diplomat and philanthropist. Hetman's image inspired Victor Hugo, George Byron, Yezhen Delacrois, Theodora Jerico, Ferenc Liszt and many other prominent artists, who devoted his works to him.