Odesa has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative — the world’s first art train dedicated to the theme of war in Ukraine.

In specially equipped cars, photographs by Howard Buffett, a former sheriff and philanthropist, are on display, taken during his travels across Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.

"We’ve accomplished something extraordinary. This train is the result of the tremendous effort of many individuals. I have visited Ukraine 25 times and want to thank everyone who supports this country," said Buffett.

The event was attended by the chairman of Ukrzaliznytsia, Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, along with several prominent Ukrainian figures.

Buffett and Pulitzer Prize winner Muhammad Muheisen signed their autographs on one of the train cars.

"This project is unique because there have never been art trains in wartime. With the help of the Howard Buffett Foundation, we have revived old passenger cars and filled them with photographs meant to touch the hearts of everyone. The art train plans to visit 63 cities over four months, but we will not disclose the exact schedule for safety reasons," emphasized Oleksandr Pertsovskyi.

He explained that today marks exactly 92 days since Howard conceived the idea of creating something special for Ukraine that has never existed before. "The art train will travel throughout Ukraine, reaching small communities where galleries and museums do not operate, bringing a bit of art and emotion," added Pertsovskyi.

The exhibition is unique in that the photographs are displayed in three specially equipped cars with light and sound accompaniment.

"I traveled from the east to Odesa and saw how tired people are and what peace means to them. But no one gives up. I am absolutely certain that Ukraine will prevail," commented Howard Buffett to a correspondent from Ukrinform.

The mobile exhibition will remain in Odesa until June 17. After that, the art train will travel through Ukraine from frontline regions to the Carpathians.

Admission to the exhibition is free, but visitors can book a time slot without waiting through prior registration. To receive an electronic invitation, one must fill out the registration form on the official website.

The art train was created by Ukrzaliznytsia with the support of the Howard Buffett Foundation. The creative ideologue and organizer of the exhibition is photojournalist and National Geographic photographer, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Muhammad Muheisen.

The art train will be in Odesa until June 17.

Since 2022, the Howard Buffett Foundation has allocated over $1 billion in Ukraine for recovery efforts, including demining, humanitarian aid, prosthetics, children’s programs, investigations of war crimes, agriculture, public safety, critical infrastructure, and projects that tell the truth about the war and strengthen Ukrainian communities.