Yaryna Chornoguz and Translators Honored with the 2026 Alain Bosquet Prize

Yaryna Chornoguz and Her Translators Receive Prestigious Recognition

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Renowned Ukrainian poet, servicemember, and recipient of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize, Yaryna Chornoguz, along with translators Ella Yevtushenko and Frédéric Marten, have been awarded the 2026 Alain Bosquet Prize. This accolade was given for the French edition of Chornoguz’s second poetry collection, originally titled dasein: оборона присутності, which was published in French as C'est ainsi que nous demeurons libres. The prize is presented by the esteemed French publishing house Gallimard.

The French edition of the collection was printed in 5,000 copies, with over 3,700 sold within the first year. At the award ceremony, Yaryna Chornoguz and Frédéric Marten performed the poem "If We Survive Together." Reflecting on the honor, Chornoguz commented:

“My second poetry book, dasein: оборона присутності, translated into French as C'est ainsi que nous demeurons libres, has been recognized by the Alain Bosquet Prize awarded by the prestigious Gallimard publishing house.”

Future Projects and Upcoming Releases

The idea to publish the collection in French originated in 2024 in Rennes, following a suggestion by Frédéric Marten. Looking ahead, Yaryna Chornoguz plans to release her first prose book in the fall of 2026. This upcoming work draws on six years of military service, personal war experiences, and reflections on the role of women combatants.

Additionally, in 2027, the British publisher Jantar Publishing will release an English translation of Maksym Kryvtsov’s poetry collection Poems from the Embrasure. Furthermore, Yevheniia Kuznetsova’s novel Ask Miechka is scheduled for French publication in early September 2026.

The prize jury highlighted the award’s focus on poetry that is extraordinary, philosophical, and daring. “It was gratifying to see my work appreciated in such a way by the literary figures and editors on the jury,” Chornoguz added.

The recognition of Yaryna Chornoguz and her translators underscores the growing international significance of contemporary Ukrainian poetry. Their work powerfully captures complex themes related to war and identity, reflecting the expanding global interest in Ukrainian literature and the active role Ukrainian authors are playing in worldwide cultural conversations.