Podcast appearance prompts public outpouring of support for Ukrainian poetry

A podcast appearance by a University language expert who’s been working to showcase the new wave of Ukrainian wartime poetry has prompted a surge of support.

Professor Hugh Roberts appeared on The Telegraph’s Ukraine: The Latest podcast to talk about the work being done to translate, publish and platform the poetry.

Following its release on YouTube, a wave of supporting messages was shared with Professor Roberts, with many viewers reporting they had been moved to tears by his reciting of some of the poetry and the stories behind them.

“A wonderful pod. The poetry segment had me in tears,” wrote one viewer. “The depth and force of the poetry had me holding my breath” said another. A third, on email, wrote, “The interview today was one of the most moving I have ever listened to on Ukraine the Latest, and I am a daily listener… When I finished listening, I checked Amazon to see if any of the poetry books you had mentioned were available in the United States and was delighted to find We Were Here, which I ordered immediately”.

Since 2023, Professor Roberts has worked with poet and translator Yuliya Musakovska, colleagues in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Visual Studies, and with UNESCO Cities of Literature, to bring wartime poetry and the poets to English-speaking audiences.

The collaboration has translated and published two collections of poetry, including one from Artur Dron’ that was written while he was on the front line of his nation’s defence against Russia’s illegal invasion.

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

“The podcast had a great response, and we were told by The Telegraph team that it’s without question one of the most well-received conversations they’ve had this year,” said Professor Roberts. “It’s clear from the comments and emails we’ve received that this poetry has moved people around the world, including many who admitted they nearly skipped the interview because they don’t usually enjoy poetry!

“This is testimony to the work of the poets and translators who have brought this work into English, and the power of poetry to convey a deeply personal yet collective experience of war.”

Professor Roberts’ interview with Adélie Pojzman-Pontay will be followed by a series of pieces with some of the Ukrainian poets.

To read more about this work, visit the Lines of Resistance website.