PEN Ukraine calls on writers worldwide not to remain silent and to resist the new tyranny

PEN Ukraine has called on writers from around the world to support Ukraine and to appeal to their fellow citizens and governments with calls for assistance. The appeal was published on the non-profit organisation’s website.

Photo: “Slovo i Dilo”

The document is signed by 70 members of PEN Ukraine, including human advocate and co-founder of ZMINA Human Rights Center and Hromadske Radio Maksym Butkevych, PEN Ukraine President Volodymyr Yermolenko, Vice Presidents Tamara Hundorova and Andriy Lyubka, Honorary President Myroslav Marynovych, historian Yaroslav Hrytsak, as well as writers Kateryna Kalytko, Oleksandr Mykhed, Olena Styazhkina, Iryna Shuvalova, Kateryna Zarembo, Artem Chapai, Svitlana Povalyaeva, Pavlo Korobchuk, Olga Rusina, Iryna Slavinska, Mykhailo Zharzhailo, Anna Maligon, Andriy Kurkov, Ostap Slyvynsky, and others.

In their appeal, the authors emphasised that Ukraine is not a burden for the free world, but rather a key to solving the problem of Russian tyranny. In their words, freedom is not a given, as it requires constant struggle, and dignity is gained only in the process of defending it. Despite the pressure of dictatorial regimes, Ukraine continues to fight, showing the world that hope is possible even in the most difficult times.

The writers called on their colleagues not to stand aside, to speak about the events in Ukraine, to appeal to the governments of their countries, to resist tyranny, and to garner international support. They stressed that light in the darkness can only appear through a common struggle.

PEN Ukraine released the statement after the United States announced the suspension of military aid to Ukraine until President Donald Trump is convinced that the Ukrainian authorities are committed to a peaceful settlement.

Ukraine has already called Russian ruler Vladimir Putin‘s proposal for a “peace agreement” involving the renunciation of Russian-occupied territories absurd.

In addition, the public has condemned the negotiations between the United States and Russia without Ukraine’s participation.