Ukraine House in Washington, D.C. opened its doors on May 12th for a special staged reading of Balance, a war drama written by Ukrainian playwright and veteran Alina Sarnatska. The event brought together members of the Ukrainian and American communities for an evening of storytelling, reflection, and connection.

 

The play was performed by Natasha Diaz and directed by Elizabeth Dinkova. Balance draws on Alina’s firsthand experience on the frontlines, weaving together the realities faced by Ukrainian frontline medics with a deeply personal search for meaning amid war.

The evening was co-organized by Leleka Foundation and held in partnership with Ukraine House.

“This event was a chance to share the story of our organization and its connection to Alina,” said Ivan Vidyakin, co-founder and treasurer of Leleka Foundation. “Alina often says that the first tactical medical backpack she ever received came from Americans, through Leleka. That’s why she supports us. Ukraine needs more help, that’s the message she has carried to every community she’s visited across the United States. Washington was no different.”

The audience responded warmly, with many sharing their own insights and reflections after the performance. For Leleka, the evening was a reminder of why the work matters — putting a human face to the medics they equip, and the stories that rarely make headlines.

This was the final event of the U.S. tour that Leleka organized to highlight Sarnatska’s experience as a field medic — experience she reflects in her writing, and also to raise funds to deliver more medical supplies to the frontline medics.