On the 209th anniversary of the birth of Ukrainian writer, artist, and thinker Taras Shevchenko, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with cultural and artistic figures.
The event was held in a mixed format: live at the Office of the President and via video conference. Famous performers, theater and film actors, artists, journalists, producers, heads of cultural institutions and specialized government agencies joined the conversation.
According to Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko, the meeting on the anniversary of Kobzar's birth is symbolic, as the Russian aggressor is trying to deny Ukraine's right to exist, to its own language, history, culture, and identity.
According to the minister, many of those invited were directly involved in the defense of the state from the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion of our country and are now fighting in the cultural sphere.
The President emphasized that cultural and artistic figures who went to defend Ukraine as part of the defense forces contributed to the consolidation of Ukrainian society, the growth of patriotism and encouraged citizens to defend the country by their example.
"Ukraine defends its independence because it is not alone. Thanks to the united people, thanks to our Armed Forces and the whole world," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
According to the Head of State, diplomacy, journalism and culture played an important role in uniting the world around Ukraine - both inside and outside the country.
In particular, various international venues hosted numerous cultural events that told about Ukraine, the war launched by Russia, the consequences of Russian aggression and the crimes of the Russian army. As the President emphasized, such informing of the international community influenced the strengthening of financial and defense support for our country by our partners.
"I thank all the artists who are helping here, who are in the trenches giving their lives to this cause. And also to all those abroad who created and helped diplomacy and journalism to form this wave of support so that Ukraine would not be alone," he said.
The participants of the meeting discussed ways to deepen cooperation between the state and representatives of the cultural sphere, in particular to bring Ukraine's victory in the war unleashed by Russia closer. In this context, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of continuing cultural and educational work that would help strengthen support for Ukraine from partners and the world.
The parties also discussed the awarding of the 2023 Shevchenko Prize. Yuri Makarov, Chairman of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize Committee, emphasized that during the time of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, especially since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, a large number of literary works and other cultural products about the war have appeared. Therefore, the Committee proposed to provide nominations specifically for works created during the war and on the war theme.
"This would be right and worthy," said Yuri Makarov and expressed his belief that the Shevchenko Prize should be in line with the realities of today.
"I fully support this idea. It is important not to lose the people who did so much during the war. It is important to show these people that everyone sees and appreciates the works created during the war, as well as their authors," Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded.
The President emphasized that Russia must lose not only on the battlefield, but also in the information space. In order to overcome the narratives imposed by the aggressor, it is necessary to produce and distribute high-quality Ukrainian content: music, movies, theater performances, etc. The Head of State added that work with children and youth is especially important.
Following the meeting, the President proposed to develop recommendations and necessary steps that should be backed by the state.
