In Finland, a Ukrainian refugee named Tetiana Fedorenko prepares borscht, a traditional Ukrainian beet soup, during a community event aimed at celebrating Ukrainian culture. The event, held at the Kolohonka youth center in Vantaa, invites local youth and Ukrainians living in the area to come together and share their rich culinary traditions. Fedorenko emphasizes the importance of this dish for Ukrainians, stating that it provides a sense of home and belonging despite being spread across the globe.

Fedorenko's experience also highlights a common misconception in Finland, where borscht is often categorized as a Russian dish. Upon researching Finnish recipes, she was surprised to find that many sources list borscht under 'Russia,' further complicating the cultural narrative surrounding this iconic soup. This misunderstanding underlines the challenges faced by Ukrainian culture in being recognized independently from that of Russia, especially in the context of historical and ongoing political tensions.

The article shines a light on the broader implications of cultural ownership as recognized by UNESCO, aiming to preserve the authentic culinary heritage of Ukraine amidst conflicts and misattributions. By preparing and sharing borscht, Fedorenko not only honors her roots but also educates others about its true significance and origin, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride among Ukrainians in Finland.