Arthur Drony to Pen 2026 National Unity Radio Dictation, Hosted by Arthur Proydakov and Dasha Astafieva

National Unity Radio Dictation of Ukraine 2026

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: In 2026, the Ukrainian National Unity Radio Dictation will feature a text authored by writer and veteran Arthur Drony, who served in the Russian-Ukrainian war. For the first time ever, the dictation will be read by two presenters: Ukrainian language teacher Arthur Proydakov and singer Dasha Astafieva. The event is scheduled for October 27, coinciding with the Day of Ukrainian Literature and Language, and will be broadcast across Suspilne Media platforms. During the live broadcast, donations will be collected for the "Dronopad" initiative supported by the charitable foundation "Come Back Alive."

Arthur Drony, known for his poetry collection "We Were Here" and the book "Hemingway Knows Nothing," joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces in March 2022, serving in the 125th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade. He fought across the Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions and sustained a serious injury in October 2024, which led to his demobilization. Reflecting on the dictation, Drony shared:

"Every year, the radio dictation brings us together. Through my text, I want to highlight how language unites us, connecting each person individually. I hope participants feel how we all use the same words while thinking about our own personal stories."

Prominent Figures Join the Event

Arthur Proydakov, a respected Ukrainian language and literature teacher, was recognized in 2023 as the first Ukrainian to rank among the top ten finalists of the Global Teacher Prize. Speaking about his role, Proydakov said:

"Reading the Radio Dictation is both an honor and a great responsibility. As a language teacher, I know this event goes beyond just testing literacy. It’s a powerful moment when thousands of Ukrainians across cities and countries write the same text simultaneously in Ukrainian."

Singer, volunteer, and public activist Dasha Astafieva added, "This event is another proof that dreams come true! I’m grateful to be chosen and trusted. Ukrainians must keep dreaming, unite, stand firm together, and emerge victorious." Astafieva is also the founder of the UnderBooks app, promoting Ukrainian literature, reflecting her dedication to cultural development.

Yulia Sheludko, coordinator of the radio dictation, described the dual-reader format as an innovative experiment designed to engage audiences in a fresh way. She emphasized, "We are aware of the risks, but from a dramaturgical perspective, this approach is original and captivating."

Launched by Ukrainian Radio in 2000, the National Unity Radio Dictation aims to bring Ukrainians together both domestically and abroad. Traditionally held in October for the Day of Ukrainian Literature and Language, since 2020 the dictation text has been written by Ukrainian researchers at the Vernadsky Station. Past editions have attracted over 7 million online views and more than 45,000 participants from 58 countries worldwide.

The dictation can be accessed via:

• Ukrainian Radio
• Radio Kultura
• Ukrainian Radio’s YouTube channel
• Suspilne TV channel
• Suspilne Kultura website and YouTube channel
• Suspilne.radio and Diia mobile apps

The National Unity Radio Dictation stands as a vital cultural event that unites Ukrainians within the country and across the globe. The involvement of figures like Arthur Drony, Arthur Proydakov, and Dasha Astafieva highlights the critical role of language and cultural identity amid ongoing challenges. Beyond a literacy test, the dictation symbolizes solidarity and reinforces national consciousness through the celebration of the Ukrainian language.

As we look forward to the National Unity Radio Dictation, it's essential to recognize the broader context of celebrating Ukrainian language and literature. From October 1 to 25, various initiatives are taking place to enhance awareness and appreciation of these cultural treasures. For more insights on how the community is coming together through creative endeavors, explore this celebration of language and literature.