Ukrainian Literary Leaders Inspire Resistance Amid War

Tetyana Oharkova and Volodymyr Yermolenko, a husband-and-wife team, have emerged as significant cultural figures in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict. As leaders of the writers’ group Pen Ukraine, they produce political and cultural podcasts in three languages, organize poetry events, and deliver essential supplies to the frontlines. Their new book, Life on the Edge: Ukraine, Culture and War, is set to be published in Kyiv this autumn and in Paris next February, furthering their mission to document and resist the cultural impact of war.

At their headquarters in Podil, Kyiv’s oldest neighborhood, the couple reflects on their journey. Surrounded by a bustling office filled with young creatives, they discuss the importance of cultural recognition amidst conflict. Yermolenko emphasizes that unlike some political leaders, Europeans will never accept Russia’s annexation of Crimea, viewing it as a violation of international law.

Oharkova adds that when Vladimir Putin speaks of addressing the “root causes” of the war, he implies that Ukraine lacks the right to exist independently. Yermolenko describes Ukraine as a diverse nation with a history of internal debate, warning that Putin seeks to exploit divisions within the country.

From Academia to Activism

The couple’s academic roots run deep, having met 25 years ago at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, where they both teach. Yermolenko studied philosophy, while Oharkova focused on literature. They married a decade later and have since raised three daughters. Their experiences abroad during pivotal moments like the 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2013/4 Maidan protests solidified their commitment to Ukraine’s independence.

Recently, a moderator in Paris drew a comparison between them and iconic intellectuals Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, which Oharkova approached with caution. She clarified that while they share a commitment to resistance, the historical context differs greatly, particularly given Sartre and de Beauvoir’s controversial responses to Nazi occupation.

The couple highlights the tradition of politically engaged intellectuals in Ukraine, tracing it back to Taras Shevchenko, the national poet. Yermolenko notes that unlike their French counterparts, Ukrainian writers do not subscribe to the notion of “art for art’s sake” because they have historically lived under empires that sought to suppress their language and identity.

Engagement Through Adversity

Oharkova and Yermolenko have distanced themselves from Russian intellectuals who have chosen a path of disengagement following the invasion. Yermolenko explains that many have adopted a detached stance, whereas their work remains deeply intertwined with the current realities in Ukraine.

Reflecting on the historical repercussions of the Soviet era, Oharkova points out that intellectualism in Ukraine is inseparable from political commitment. She contrasts this with Russia, where intellectuals often face suppression. “Ukrainians are active pessimists; Russians are passive pessimists,” she states, underscoring the resilience and engagement of Ukrainian culture.

The couple is also acutely aware of the dangers facing artists and writers in the current climate. More than 200 cultural figures have been killed since the full-scale invasion, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture. Their recent discussions with poet Serhiy Zhadan and other artists center around whether Ukraine is experiencing a new “Executed Renaissance,” akin to the cultural purges of the 1930s. Yermolenko asserts that while historical resistance faced futility, today’s Ukraine has a functioning state and military, enabling them to resist actively.

As they navigate the complexities of war and culture, Oharkova and Yermolenko exemplify the resolve of a generation committed to preserving Ukrainian identity and supporting their nation’s fight for sovereignty. Their efforts not only highlight the importance of cultural engagement in times of crisis but also serve as a poignant reminder of the power of literature in the face of adversity.