Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska Picks Up Three Books at the Book Arsenal Festival

Launch of the 14th International Book Arsenal Festival

According to Главком: Olena Zelenska attended the opening of the 14th International Book Arsenal Festival in Kyiv, held from May 28 to 31. This year’s focus theme was 'Carry Your Freedom.' During the event, Ukraine’s first lady purchased three books that caught her interest.

Books She Bought

• 'Hemingway Knows Nothing' by veteran author Artur Dron, published by Staryi Lev Publishing House.
• 'Narratives of Mass Destruction: Tactics and Strategies of Information Warfare,' written by writer and scholar Artem Zakharchenko and published by A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA.
• 'The Triangle of Power: Balancing a New World Order' by Finnish President Alexander Stubb, also from A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA.

Zelenska also showed interest in a poetry collection by Lina Kostenko, Oleksii Anulov’s documentary diary 'Jingle bellZ,' Wallace Stegner’s novel 'To Safe Shores,' and Judith Kerr’s 'When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit.' Sharing her impressions on Facebook, the first lady wrote: 'I’d love to read everything, but this time I’m taking these three books home with me.'

Accompanied by Olesia Ostrovska-Liuta, Director General of the Art Arsenal State Enterprise, and Yuliia Kozlovets, Director of the 14th Arsenal, Zelenska explored new releases from various publishers. She remarked that her 'eyes were darting everywhere' due to the sheer number of books. She also noted, 'Ukraine cannot be stopped or defeated when writing and reading are experiencing such a surge.'

Zelenska highlighted that 'people are coming for books. The same people who, just days ago, were taking shelter from Russia’s massive missile attack on Kyiv and clearing debris from their homes and businesses, are finding the time and energy to read, learn, think, and dream.'

Her visit underscores the significance of cultural initiatives in Ukraine, especially amid war. The festival served as a platform to discuss themes of freedom and resilience, reflected in literature. The first lady’s active role in cultural life may boost reading interest and support Ukrainian authors, which is vital for preserving national identity during crises.

In addition to her literary pursuits, Zelenska has also been actively supporting the arts, as evidenced by her recent attendance at the premiere of a theatrical adaptation of a classic work. This commitment to culture highlights the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit, even amidst challenging circumstances.