Issue No. 2 of the popular science magazine "Svitohliad" (March–April) for 2026 has been published, published by the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine together with the Main Astronomical Observatory of the NAS of Ukraine.
At the beginning of the issue, the editor-in-chief, academician of the NAS of Ukraine Yaroslav Yatskiv congratulates the laureates of the L’OREAL-UNESCO "For Women in Science" 2025 award. The jury awarding this prestigious prize has selected 10 Ukrainian female scientists whose research and dedication advance science.
Back in the previous century, the French aristocrat and traveler Astolphe de Custine described in his book "Russia in 1839" his impressions of a country where the "dead seemed freer than the living." His impressions are comparable to Shevchenko’s verdicts on Muscovy, which are analyzed by Volodymyr Melnychenko, Doctor of Historical Sciences, academician of the NAPS of Ukraine (Kyiv) in the article "Taras Shevchenko and Astolphe de Custine: an incredible resonance of ideas, thoughts, and feelings of the Ukrainian Kobzar and the French Marquis."
An existential war is a war that threatens the very existence of a people and state attacked by an aggressor. It is a war for life, freedom, identity, and values. "What do we know about the existential war in modern Ukraine?" is explained by Serhiy Pyrozhkov, academician of the NAS of Ukraine (Kyiv) and Nazip Khamitov, corresponding member of the NAS of Ukraine (Institute of Philosophy of the NASU, Kyiv).
"Militarist policy of Muscovy" is an excerpt from the book "Muscovite Conquest" by Volodymyr Matviienko, a prominent Ukrainian statesman and Hero of Ukraine. In the book, the author reveals the essence of the militarist and propaganda policy of the Russian Federation authorities, which consider themselves a world hegemon.
"The question of how this war will end is actually an existential question for Europe. It will determine—in many respects—the future of this continent",—this quote from the report of Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the Munich Security Conference, was used as an epigraph to the article "MUNICH 2026: 'The destruction of the world order is underway'" by Vasyl Tkachenko, Doctor of Historical Sciences, corresponding member of the NAPS of Ukraine (Institute of World History of the NASU, Kyiv). Learn how, according to the author, the crisis in transatlantic relations will affect the war in Ukraine.
On "Post-war recovery of Ukraine in the context of adapting the Japanese model of national revival," reflect Viktor Vergunov, Doctor of Agricultural and Historical Sciences, academician of the NAAS of Ukraine, and Volodymyr Kostiev, Candidate of Philosophical Sciences (NNSGB NAAS of Ukraine, Kyiv), emphasizing that the post-war transitional period will be not only a time of reconstruction but also a test of Ukrainian society’s ability to preserve its identity and overall value integrity.
Foundry production, long considered traditional, has entered a new era—the era of digital intellectualization, where AI ensures accuracy, personalization, cost reduction, and increased efficiency. Volodymyr Doroshenko, Doctor of Technical Sciences (FTIMS NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv) presents: "Artificial Intelligence: from the first digital codes to intelligent metal casting. 70 years of success."
Starting from Kyivan Rus, the image of Jesus Christ became the main theme of small-form sculpture—crosses, icons, images, snake stones, etc. About the "Image of Jesus Christ in artistic cast metal," writes Volodymyr Doroshenko. Exquisite products made of gold, silver, or bronze have preserved these images over centuries, passing on to descendants not only spiritual meaning but also technological achievements of foundry art of past eras.
"Diversification of the active zone elements of the VVER-1000 reactor" is a story by Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Volodymyr Krasnorutskyi and Viktor Hrytsyna (National Scientific Center "Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology," Kharkiv) about organizing the development in Ukraine of domestic industrial production of nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants, which is extremely important for the functioning of Ukraine’s nuclear energy and aimed at import substitution of supplies from the Russian Federation.
In memory of the ethnologist, Candidate of Historical Sciences, poet Mykola Tkach and an analysis of his creative heritage, the essay "Facets of Talent" was dedicated by writer Mykhas Tkach.
"It is hard to imagine the significance of the number π for earthly civilization. At least since approximately the invention of the wheel, and later vessels, pipes, barrels, weapons, radio waves, and many other applications," writes Ivan Andronov, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (Odessa National Maritime University), emphasizing: "No day without the number π!"
Kostiantyn Burkut, Candidate of Philological Sciences (Department of Literature, Language and Art Studies of the NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv) visited the Muravyov-Apostol Palace in the village of Khomutets, Poltava region, which is described in the essay "Sad Extreme or a Walk Through the Ruin."
Liudmyla Morozova, a woman of great strength of spirit, throughout her long life selflessly did important work with love for Ukraine and her compatriots. More details in the publication by art critic Olena Shapiro (Kyiv): "The power of love, loyalty, and mercy. The life and creative path of Liudmyla Morozova."
Ihor Huk, transplant surgeon, public figure, Doctor of Medicine, professor, foreign member of the NAS of Ukraine, in the "Letters to Us" section recalls the history of the first performance of the song "Shche ne vmerla Ukraina," which later became the national anthem of Ukraine.
From the magazine’s editorial office: Congratulations to Rustem Skibin, an outstanding Crimean Tatar ceramic artist, on receiving the title of People's Artist of Ukraine!
Candidate of Legal Sciences Volodymyr Kampo sent two review letters on the article about Serhiy Podolynskyi, co-authored with Doctor of Legal Sciences Radym Huban and published in "Svitohliad" No. 1 this year. The reviews contain proposals for the proper honoring of the outstanding Ukrainian scientist.