At 75, Vasyl Shklyar Reflects on a Journey from 'The Black Raven' to Resisting Occupation

Vasyl Shklyar Turns 75

According to Главком: On June 10, Ukrainian writer, journalist, and political figure Vasyl Shklyar celebrates his 75th birthday. Born in the village of Hanzhalivka in the Lysianka district of Cherkasy region, he graduated with a silver medal from a ten-year school in Zvenyhorodka in 1968 and then entered the philology faculty at Kyiv University. During his studies in 1972, he completed an internship at Yerevan University, where he learned Armenian in just two months. He finished his education at Kyiv University in 1973.

Literary and Political Career

Shklyar’s literary career began with a collection of novellas and short stories. His first book, 'First Snow,' was published in 1977, followed by:

• 'Where Is Your Ostap, Solomiya?' in 1979
• 'Zhivytsia' in 1982

From 1988 to 1998, Shklyar was deeply involved in political journalism. In 1999, he published the novel 'The Key,' which he started writing while hospitalized with leptospirosis. His next novel, 'Elemental,' came out in 2001, followed by 'The Black Raven: The Left Behind' in 2009. In 2011, he was awarded the Shevchenko Prize for 'The Black Raven,' but he declined the honor.

Shklyar entered politics in 1991, joining the leadership and serving as press secretary for the Ukrainian Republican Party, where he remained until 1998. In March 1998, he ran for parliament as a candidate from the National Front bloc. In September 2015, he joined the leadership of the UKROP party, staying until it disbanded in 2020. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, he has been actively volunteering.

Shklyar holds a firm stance on the war and Russian aggression. He states:

'This war did not start in 2014 or 2022. It has been going on for hundreds of years. It was just disguised as a 'brotherly embrace' before, but now the masks are off. This is an existential battle for our survival.' - Vasyl Shklyar

He emphasizes what victory means for Ukraine:

'Victory is not just about restoring borders. It is about a complete mental break from the empire. We must burn out every trace of the 'Russian world' from within ourselves.' - Vasyl Shklyar

Thus, on June 10, Vasyl Shklyar marks a significant milestone in his life, highlighting his substantial contributions to literature and his active civic engagement.

Shklyar remains a key figure in Ukrainian literature and politics, and his birthday underscores the importance of his work and public activism, especially amid the challenges Ukraine faces today. His words on war and the need to preserve Ukrainian identity resonate deeply with many Ukrainians enduring difficult times. He continues to be a voice calling for unity and the fight for Ukraine’s independence and cultural distinctiveness.

As Vasyl Shklyar marks this significant milestone, it's worth reflecting on other remarkable figures in Ukraine who have made a lasting impact. For instance, Maria Shevtsova recently celebrated her 102nd birthday in Kryvyi Rih, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people throughout history. Such stories highlight the enduring legacy of those who have shaped the nation.