**Ukrainian Volunteer and Poet Yuliia Paievska Shares Her Story**
Yuliia Paievska, a Ukrainian volunteer, former prisoner of war, and poet, has shared her inspiring story with the world. In an exclusive interview with the Kyiv Independent, Paievska talks about how war is shaping Ukraine’s writers and why literature plays a crucial role in fighting against Russian propaganda.
**From Volunteering to Writing**
Paievska began volunteering during the early days of the conflict in 2014. As she continued to serve, she started writing poetry as a way to process her experiences. However, it wasn’t until recently that she felt ready to share her work with the public. Her new collection, which was first published earlier this year, has received widespread acclaim and praise.
**The Power of Literature in Times of War**
Paievska believes that literature plays a vital role in shaping society during times of war. “What else is this all for? If we don’t have culture, what difference does it make?” she says. “Culture is the soul of the nation. If there is no culture, then there is no nation.”
She also notes that many young writers are emerging as a result of the conflict. “There are a lot of girls and boys, both very young and not so young, at the front now,” Paievska says. “They write poems, good poems. Some are already poets, while some are forged into poets during hostilities.”
**Fighting Russian Propaganda**
Paievska acknowledges that Russian propaganda has had a significant impact on the war narrative. However, she believes that literature can play a crucial role in countering these efforts. “If the enemy uses missiles, we must also use missiles, or better missiles,” she says. “If the enemy uses literature, we must give stronger and better versions to block this propaganda.”
**The Writing Process**
Paievska reveals that her writing process is often spontaneous and unplanned. She typically writes in short bursts, with ideas flowing from her head onto paper without much editing or revision. Her poetry is raw, honest, and reflective of the experiences she has faced during the conflict.
**A Message to the World**
As Paievska shares her story with the world, she sends a powerful message: “My poems on their condition resonate well,” she says. “I say what they feel, I manage to put it in the form of poetry.” Her words serve as a testament to the resilience and strength of Ukrainian society in the face of adversity.
**Supporting Independent Journalism**
The Kyiv Independent’s reporting on Ukraine’s challenges and stories is made possible through the support of its members. If you’d like to contribute to this important work, please consider becoming a member today.
Read the full interview with Yuliia Paievska here: Read More @ kyivindependent.com
