Website showcases new wave of Ukrainian wartime poetry

Some of the finest examples of the new wave of critically acclaimed Ukrainian wartime poetry that has emerged since Russia’s illegal invasion in 2022 are being showcased thanks to the University of Exeter.  

Lines of Resistance is a cultural initiative between the UK and Ukraine to translate, publish, and research Ukrainian wartime poetry, bringing it to English-speaking audiences worldwide. 

The website features numerous video recordings of poet-soldiers reciting their work – even while on active duty. 

The site also explores some of the ways that the University and the UNESCO Cities of Literature of Exeter and Lviv have worked with civilian poets and translators in Ukraine to bring their art to cultural events in the UK and Europe. It is led by Professor Hugh Roberts and the Lviv-based poet, translator, and PEN Ukraine representative, Yuliya Musakovska, who has a strong international presence.   

“Lines of Resistance refers both to the lines of poetry and to the front lines on which Ukrainians are defending their freedom while resisting Russia’s modern-day colonialism and genocidal aggression,” said Yuliya Musakovska. “It also speaks of the lines we are drawing between Ukrainian and British cultures, and of our shared efforts to resist aggression that violates international law and undermines fundamental human values.”   

Since 2023, the collaboration has translated into English and published two collections of poetry, including one from Artur Dron’ that was written while he was on the front line of his country’s resistance against Russia’s invasion, and which Yuliya Musakovska translated herself.  

They have also orchestrated numerous festival appearances, public talks, meetings with UK servicemen and women, and creative writing workshops with Ukrainian refugees. 

“Public engagement has been at the heart of what we’re doing,” says Professor Hugh Roberts of the University’s Department of Languages, Cultures and Visual Studies. “It’s deliberately unlike a more traditional research website and blog because the most urgent and important thing isn’t the research but the poetry.  

“Ukraine’s fight is existential – Russia’s intent to destroy Ukrainian identity, culture, and indeed literature and those who produce it is all too clear – so there’s a corresponding urgency to share this work while those who produce it are still faced with such a threat. We hope it will lead to greater understanding and recognition of the poetic nature of Ukraine’s defence and national identity through the voices of some of today’s most active figures.” 

Currently, eight poets are featured on the website who are either serving or have served in Ukraine’s military. They include the award winning Yaryna Chornohuz and Dmytro Lazutkin, alongside Dr Anatoliy Dnistrovyi, Artur Dron’, Ihor Mitrov, Fedir Rudyi, Eva Tur, and Liza Zharikova.  

Further translations are planned in the coming months, along with some of the poets who are missing in action like Mykola Leonovych. He has been missing since his first combat mission near Avdiivka on April 27, 2023.  

“Consistency has been important to us, so these poets know they are supported and promoted,” adds Professor Roberts. “We are also mindful that there are many others who are leading voices of poetry in Ukraine and, by working together, we want to bring many more to an international audience.”