Some invited foreign authors have canceled their participation in the international festival "Book Arsenal" in Kyiv. They made this decision after Russian threats to carry out new strikes on Ukrainian territory. This was reported by told Ukrainian poet, prose writer, and curator of the "Writer's Program" at the festival, Andriy Lyubka.
Authors' refusals and Olga Tokarczuk's visit despite the risks
The refusal of some foreign guests was announced by the Ukrainian poet, prose writer, and curator of the "Writer's Program" at the festival, Andriy Lyubka. He noted that after new statements from the Russian Federation, some authors decided not to go to the Ukrainian capital. At the same time, the curator emphasized that the support of those guests who, despite the risks, still attended the event, is particularly valuable.
Among the foreign authors who came to Kyiv is the Polish writer with Ukrainian roots, Nobel Prize and Booker Prize laureate Olga Tokarczuk.
The program curator himself is currently a serviceman. He added that his commander released him from military service for two days to participate in the festival.
Statements by the Russian Ministry about strikes on the capital
The reason for the refusal of some foreign writers were official statements from the aggressor country. In particular, on May 25, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia urged diplomats to "leave Kyiv as soon as possible." The Russian department announced preparations for military strikes on "decision-making centers" and "command posts" in the capital of Ukraine.
