Volodymyr Zelensky calls on writers and publishers to document Russian ‘terror’
In a speech broadcast at the Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the world’s leading publishing events, Volodymyr Zelensky today urged writers to describe the “terror” imposed by Russia. “Instead of importing culture, Russia imports death”denounced the Ukrainian president in a speech broadcast during the event which this year offers a close-up on Ukraine and its perpetrators. “So I ask you, please, to do everything so that people know about the terror that Russia has brought to Ukraine”launched the Ukrainian leader for whom “knowledge is the answer”. “Books, scripts, articles, reports, these are the answers”he hammered.
A cohort of artists made the trip from Ukraine despite the difficulties. The first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, should herself participate on Saturday, October 22 in an event organized on the sidelines of the show.
Mr. Zelensky himself blamed a ” lack of knowledge “ the indulgence which, according to him, would benefit in certain spheres from the Russian president in Europe. “We have to be frank: there are still many public figures in Europe who encourage ‘understanding’ of Russia”he regretted. “These people are present in different spheres: politics, business, NGOs and the media. How is it possible ? The only answer is lack of knowledge. »
Forty-six Ukrainian publishers are taking part in the five-day fair, which started on Tuesday, as well as many authors, such as the famous “punk poet” Serhiy Zhadan, and other literary actors. Ukrainian officials consider this type of event to be essential in countering Russian attempts to erase the country’s identity.
Russian state institutions, usually responsible for their country’s stand, were banned.