Andrey Kurkov, a leading Ukrainian novelist and public figure, shares his experiences as a writer enduring life in Kyiv during Russia's ongoing invasion. He has documented the war through three published diaries, capturing the daily realities of conflict, resilience, and loss. In his conversation with Jean-Emile Jammine, Kurkov reflects on the role of literature and personal testimony amid destruction, emphasizing how storytelling becomes both an act of resistance and a means of preserving truth.
The interview highlights the emotional and psychological weight of living under constant threat while continuing to create. Kurkov discusses the responsibility he feels as a witness to history, using his voice not only to record events but also to convey the human cost of war. His work stands as a testament to the enduring power of narrative in times of crisis, offering insight into Ukraine’s struggle from a deeply personal perspective.