The April 1986 disaster at Chernobyl’s nuclear powerstation is remembered as one of the darkest moments of Ukrainian history, but it is also inspiring expressions of art, folklore, poetry and humor.

Tchaikovsky was neither American, nor a founding father, but his “1812 Overture” has become the soundtrack to our Independence Day, as integral as fireworks and the flag.

This post was updated July 6 at 8:01 p.m. Marianna Bezhanyan created art symbolizing Russian identity. The Russian government then labeled her as an “extremist.” Bezhanyan, a rising fourth ...