National Unity Radio Dictation 2026
On October 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM, Ukrainians worldwide—including those in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and even at the Antarctic station 'Akademik Vernadsky'—came together to participate in the annual National Unity Radio Dictation. The text for this year’s event was written by Artur Dron, a celebrated author and veteran of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Participants joined from diverse locations such as:
- Sense Bookstore
- V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
- Metro school
- Territorial center
- Libraries
- Philharmonic hall
- Antarctic research station
The 2026 dictation was read aloud by Artur Proydakov, a Ukrainian language and literature teacher, alongside Dasha Astafieva, a civic activist and volunteer. In Kharkiv, 16 visitors from the Nemishliansky district’s territorial center also took part. Varvara Zirka, a high school senior from Kharkiv Lyceum No. 173 and a recipient of the Ukrainian President’s scholarship and the Shevchenko Prize, participated for the third time. She shared her thoughts:
“I hoped Artur Dron would be the author of this year’s dictation. He is one of my favorite writers, and I know him personally. His text was filled with love and light, like all of his works.”
Ukrainians from Germany, Sweden, and Canada also joined the event. Participants included teachers, students, volunteers, military administration staff, and polar researchers. Employees of the Velykoburlutsk village military administration and council took part as well. In Kharkiv, students and faculty wrote the dictation from a shelter, illustrating how the community adapts to ongoing challenges.
Irina Gudymenko, a visitor of the territorial center who graduated from a Ukrainian gymnasium in 1976, participated in the dictation for the first time. She reflected on her experience:
“By chance, I took my granddaughter’s notebook and noticed a mistake in her Ukrainian writing. I started to correct her, but she insisted otherwise. When I checked online, I discovered that the 1976 and 2026 spelling rules are different. I was embarrassed by my mistake and decided to join the dictation this year to improve my skills in practice.”
The Emotional Power of the Text
Artur Dron described his dictation piece as "A Letter That Never Ends." Participants remarked on the text's emotional depth and poignant tone. Communication specialist Vasylina commented:
“It was hard for me to concentrate because the text brought a lump to my throat. The author wanted everyone to see themselves and their loved ones in this text—and he succeeded. It is deeply touching and intimate.”
Through this event, the National Unity Radio Dictation brought Ukrainians together from across the globe, emphasizing the vital role of language and unity amid today’s challenges.
The National Unity Radio Dictation is a significant cultural tradition in Ukraine that fosters social cohesion around shared values and the Ukrainian language. Beyond promoting literacy, it reflects the cultural and historical ties that connect Ukrainians everywhere, regardless of where they live. In times marked by war and displacement, initiatives like this play a crucial part in preserving national identity and strengthening bonds within the Ukrainian diaspora.
As the excitement surrounding the National Unity Radio Dictation grows, many participants are eager to explore how they can contribute their own writings to this significant event. If you're interested in learning more about the submission process and the theme of this year's dictation, check out our detailed guide on joining and submitting your work for Ukraine’s 2026 nationwide initiative.