Nationwide Literary Contest 'Eyewitness Word' Opens for Submissions on the Russo-Ukrainian War Until March 31, 2027

Introducing the National Literary Competition "Eyewitness Word"

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: The "Eyewitness Word" literary contest has been launched across Ukraine to collect firsthand accounts from those involved in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, aiming to preserve the story of Ukrainian courage and resilience. The competition begins on October 1, 2026, coinciding with Defender of Ukraine Day, Ukrainian Cossacks Day, and the Feast of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin, and will remain open until March 31, 2027.

Entry Guidelines

This contest focuses on both documentary and fictional prose. Eligible submissions include memoirs, true stories, as well as fictional works in the form of novellas or novels. All entries must be submitted electronically and contain a minimum of 20,000 words. Expert reviewers will initially screen the works, forwarding the top selections to the judging panel for final evaluation.

Leading the jury is Vasyl Shkliar, a celebrated writer honored with the Taras Shevchenko National Prize, the international "Spiral of Centuries" award, and recognized as a "Golden Writer of Ukraine." The judging panel also features:

• Oleksandr Ivantsov
• Yanina Sokolova
• Volodymyr Tykyi
• Serhiy Pantyuk
• Mariya Matios
• Natalka Vorozhbyt

Oleksandr Ivantsov commands a platoon of strike drone aviation complexes within the 3rd Separate Brigade of the Third Army Corps. Yanina Sokolova is a journalist and civic activist who founded the "Yanina Sokolova Foundation," providing blood donation and psychological support to military personnel and civilians alike.

Volodymyr Tykyi is a film director and screenwriter, also a recipient of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize. Serhiy Pantyuk, a writer and war participant, has earned multiple literary accolades. Mariya Matios, an honored cultural worker of Ukraine, likewise holds the Taras Shevchenko National Prize. Natalka Vorozhbyt is a playwright, writer, and director, known for co-founding the Theater of Displaced Persons and the Drama Writers' Theater.

The winners will be announced and their books presented at a ceremony scheduled for May 2027. Submissions are accepted via a dedicated online portal. The "Eyewitness Word" competition seeks to honor the memory and bravery of those who fought for Ukraine by preserving their stories for future generations.

This contest represents a vital effort to document contemporary Ukrainian history, specifically the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. By gathering authentic testimonies from active participants, it creates an invaluable resource for historians, researchers, and posterity. The involvement of prominent cultural figures as jurors highlights the competition’s prestige and its importance within Ukrainian cultural heritage.