**Ukrainian Literary Festival Defies Russian Claims in Occupied City**
In a bold move, the Meridian Czernowitz literary festival was held in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine on June 28-29, 2025. Despite Russia’s claims of ownership over the city and surrounding oblast, the event brought together renowned writers and locals to celebrate Ukrainian culture and literature.
The president of Meridian Czernowitz, Svyatoslav Pomerantsev, explained that hosting the festival in Zaporizhzhia was a way to push back against Russia’s territorial claims. “In the eyes of the Russians, we are holding a festival of Ukrainian literature on their territories,” he said with a laugh.
Zaporizhzhia has been partially occupied by Russian forces since 2022, and the city has suffered greatly as a result. The full-scale invasion has led to a significant drop in population, with many refugees fleeing westward for safer areas. The city’s infrastructure has also been severely damaged, making life increasingly difficult for its residents.
However, despite these challenges, the festival was a huge success, attracting over 150 attendees who listened attentively to works about grief, war crimes, love, and the beauty of nature. The event featured a range of literary styles, from fiction to nonfiction, including a poetry reading by Yaryna Chonohuz, a poet and drone pilot in the Ukrainian Marine Corps.
One of the standout authors at the festival was Artem Chekh, who read from his latest book “Dress Up Game”, which explores psychological transformations that take place throughout the chaos of war. Chekh, who fought at the front lines, including in Bakhmut, one of the bloodiest battles of the war, now serves in a communications unit in Kyiv but identifies first and foremost as a writer.
“I hope foreigners will show sustained interest in Ukrainian works beyond violent themes,” he said. “I want the world to learn about other sides of Ukraine and its literature.”
The festival was also attended by Ihor, a Zaporizhzhia native who fought in Zaporizhzhia’s 110th Territorial Defense Brigade under the callsign “Vikin”. He emphasized the importance of culture and language in determining the core of a nation.
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, events like the Meridian Czernowitz literary festival serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of Ukrainian people. By celebrating their literature and culture, we can gain a deeper understanding of this complex and multifaceted country.
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