By hannover-web.com Poets, artists, playwrights, and musicians in Ukraine are not just surviving; they are using their art to reflect the intense emotions and horrors of war. I recently had the chance to speak with Yaryna Chornohuz, a 29-year-old combat medic and soldier in the 140th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion, who is also gaining recognition as one of Ukraine’s most influential poets. With her long hair and polished nails, she embodies a striking juxtaposition of vulnerability and strength.
Reflecting on the ongoing war that escalated dramatically in February 2022, Chornohuz revealed how it has shaped the lives of many young Ukrainians. “I feel it would be very natural for me to teach literature,” she remarked, underscoring how war has transformed her ambitions. “If Russia hadn’t attacked us, I’m not sure I would be in the military.”
The war has swept up a diverse group of creative individuals. Prominent figures like novelist Artem Chekh, who fought after the Russian-backed annexations in 2014, and Serhiy Zhadan, a celebrated poet and musician who volunteered for the 13th Khartia Brigade, have all been drawn into the conflict. When I asked Chornohuz about the idea of a “cultural front” where artists could contribute from afar, she dismissed it. “The life of a farmer isn’t less valuable than that of a poet or a politician. All lives matter equally, especially in this fight,” she asserted.
Tragically, many artists have already lost their lives. The poet and soldier Maksym Kryvtsov, aged just 33, was killed earlier this year. Others, like novelist Victoria Amelina, became victims of missile attacks while advocating for victims of war crimes. Oleksandr Mykhed, a writer and soldier, lamented how history shows that many Ukrainian artists often meet untimely ends, a pattern that is tragically repeating itself today.
Chornohuz recalled the chaotic early days of the war, where they were forced into direct combat. “We were thrown as infantry against a major Russian advance. That’s when I lost my platoon commander,” she revealed, expressing how the trauma of loss made her question her ability to write again. However, she found that poetry became a way to honor those lost. “Poetry books have become monuments; they might also be a weapon,” she stated, noting the power of words against those who perpetuate violence.
During our conversation, she reflected on the immediacy of their experiences, contrasting them with the works of poets like Paul Eluard, who wrote in a different time. “Poetry is the documentation of feelings,” she affirmed, emphasizing the unique role it plays in capturing raw emotions during the war.
Visual artist Vladyslav Melnyk shared a similarly poignant story. Initially paralyzed by fear and anxiety, he found a creative release only after serving in the military. “I couldn’t paint for nine months. I felt completely helpless,” he recalled. Serving in air defense, he now finds that his artwork offers light during dark times, juxtaposing the heaviness of his current reality with reflections of home and family.
I also spoke with soldier-poet Seraphim Hordienko, who recently published an anthology of writings from fellow volunteers captured in the war’s stark reality. “We understand the importance of documenting these emotional states now while they are real,” he emphasized. Hordienko, who joined the fight as a 19-year-old history student, recounted how the enormity of war pushed him and his peers to express their inner turmoil through various art forms.
A few weeks ago, Hordienko launched an online platform for soldiers to share their creative work. He hopes that this will not only allow voices from the frontlines to be heard but also foster a sense of control over their experiences. “When you can describe the hardest thing you went through, it means that you can survive it,” said Chornohuz, emphasizing the therapeutic nature of expression.
In this paradoxical moment, amid the devastation, the Russo-Ukrainian war is also giving rise to a new generation of artists. For instance, the newly established Theatre of Veterans recently held a festival showcasing the stories of military personnel. Playwright Maksym Kurochkin, who volunteered at the onset of the invasion, aims to amplify the unfiltered voices of those often overlooked. “Our task is first of all to return the right to a voice to those who are usually silent,” he explained.
As these artists navigate the intersection of conflict and creativity, they’re discovering not only a newfound purpose but also a path toward healing. The plays and poems emerging from the war capture the profound struggles and stories of survival, serving as vital reminders that even in the darkest times, stories can illuminate the human experience.
