Volodymyr Yermolenko, a Ukrainian philosopher, cultural commentator, and President of PEN Ukraine, delves into the profound role of culture as a unifying force during conflict. Nicole Verbeeck spoke with him about culture’s power to sustain a nation’s spirit under siege and the challenges faced by artists and intellectuals striving to make their voices heard in Ukraine and beyond.
NV: Can you tell us more about PEN Ukraine and your role within the organisation?
VY: PEN Ukraine is part of a global network known as the PEN International network, which unites writers from around the world. In Ukraine, it comprises about 160 members, including prose writers, poets, essayists, philosophers, human rights activists, and journalists.
Our mission is multifaceted: promoting Ukrainian literature, encouraging intellectual reflection, defending human rights, and upholding freedom of expression. Even in these challenging times, we continue our work.
Many of our members have taken up arms; some have been injured, and tragically, some have been killed. Yet, our activities persist. We travel across the country, including to frontline areas, supporting libraries—many of which have been destroyed—by bringing books, organising poetry festivals, and participating in cultural events.
NV: Poetry holds a significant place in Ukrainian culture. Can you tell us more about the importance of poetry in Ukraine?
VY: Poetry is indeed deeply cherished in Ukraine. Recently, Lviv hosted a festival called ‘The Land of Poets’, a monumental event that even warranted a special train from Kyiv. Poetry in Ukraine is not just about literature; it’s an experience often intertwined with music. For example, we host monthly gatherings where poets collaborate with musicians—many of whom, like myself, are also philosophers. These events foster unique improvisations that bridge literature and music.
Ukraine boasts exceptional poets like Kateryna Kalitko, Artur Dron, and Sergey Zhadan. Sadly, some, like Maxim Krivtsov and Victoria Melina, have lost their lives in this conflict. Others, like Boris Gumenyuk and Mykola Leonovych, remain missing in action. These names represent the soul of a culture that refuses to be silenced.
NV: What role does culture play in times of war?
VY: War reveals the profound necessity of culture. It is not merely a form of entertainment or a leisure activity—it structures our identity and community. Culture is a tool of resistance, a medium through which we assert who we are and why Ukraine’s existence matters to the world.
This war underscores that culture is about values: dignity, freedom, and empathy. While the war is a reality of destruction, it paradoxically inspires creation.
Human beings, when confronted with the fragility of life, often turn to culture to express love, resilience, and the essence of humanity. In Ukraine, this is evident in literature, visual arts, sculpture, and performance.
NV: How has the cultural sector been affected by the war?
VY: The war has had a devastating impact. Over 600 libraries, particularly in small villages and towns, have been destroyed. Schools have been targeted to disrupt education, which is a cornerstone of culture. Museums, too, have suffered: some were looted, with entire collections taken to Russia, while others were obliterated.
Beyond infrastructure, the war has directly affected cultural figures. Many have joined the frontline as soldiers or medics. Tragically, some have lost their lives. Yet, amid this devastation, there is a paradoxical surge in creativity—a testament to the indomitable spirit of Ukrainian culture.
NV: What are the main challenges for Ukrainian culture today, and how can Europe help?
VY: The most pressing challenge is ensuring that Ukrainian voices are heard worldwide. While there have been efforts to publish Ukrainian authors abroad, these are often isolated successes rather than part of a systemic approach.
Translating Ukrainian literature into other languages remains a significant hurdle. Academia also struggles with limited awareness of Ukrainian history and culture outside the country.
Many Eastern European specialists still focus predominantly on Russia, leaving a gap in understanding Ukraine’s unique cultural identity. Europe can play a pivotal role by fostering long-term partnerships; for example, major publishing houses in Germany, France, and other countries could establish a series dedicated to Ukrainian literature, supported by grants.
It’s not just about funding Ukraine but also creating opportunities for collaboration. Supporting Ukrainian institutions, like PEN Ukraine and the Ukrainian Institute, is equally crucial.
NV: Can culture contribute to European integration?
VY: Absolutely. Russia’s aggression isn’t just aimed at Ukraine—it’s an assault on European values. By emphasising freedom, dignity, and individual choice, Ukrainian culture stands as a counterpoint to the authoritarian ideals propagated by Russia.
Culture is not just about art; it embodies a way of life and a set of values. Strengthening Ukrainian culture means reinforcing these shared European principles.
NV: Looking to the future, how do you envision the Ukrainian cultural sector?
VY: I believe we are in the midst of a cultural renaissance. Despite the war, there is incredible creativity in literature, music, visual arts, theatre, and philosophy. However, history warns us of the fragility of such renaissances.
The 1920s and 1930s saw the ‘Executed Renaissance’ when hundreds of Ukrainian cultural figures were killed by Stalin’s regime. Today, over 100 artists have already lost their lives in this conflict. If Russia continues its aggression, the risk of losing more of our cultural identity looms large. Yet, Ukrainian culture today carries universal significance.
It speaks of life’s fragility, the necessity of love, and the power of empathy. Protecting this culture requires not only defending Ukraine but also amplifying its voice on the global stage.
NV: What is your key message to the world?
VY: Culture is not a luxury or a pastime—it is essential to our humanity. It shapes who we are, sustains our communities, and provides the meaning we need to navigate life’s challenges. In Ukraine, culture is a tool of survival and resistance.
As we face destruction, it is a culture that reminds us of our shared values and our capacity for resilience. Protecting and promoting culture is not just about preserving the past—it’s about safeguarding the future.
[Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab ]
