I was delighted to be invited to a reception on the Ukraine Book Institute stand at LBF2026.
I’ve always admired the way they arrive at the show and put on such as warm, positive face despite the adversity back home. This year the Ukraine Ambassador to the UK, Valeriy Zaluzhny (left|), spoke of the importance of books and invited listeners to discover Ukraine through its literature – through the ideas, experiences and voices of the people who their history today.
‘Books shape a person’s memory, worldview, and future. That’s why books once had an amazing ability to survive eras, wars, and borders. However, like a newspaper with the editor-in-chief’s name at the end, a book disappears. The editor and author disappear with it, and, as a result, the truth disappears. Instead, so-called information has appeared that strikes people’s minds from anonymous sources and shapes their future. Unknown people are still doing this today, and AI will do it tomorrow.
Therefore, today, in times of great trials, the word of truth acquires special power. It must become an instrument of memory, a form of resistance, and a way to explain to the world who we are. That is why Ukrainian literature is experiencing an important moment today – it speaks not only about war, but about the values that determine our future. That is why it is extremely important for us today that Ukraine is present here at the London Book Fair.’
Welcoming everyone to the stand he concluded: ‘As a person who has the honour of serving his country, and as an author, I understand well that a book is not just a text. It is an opportunity for Ukrainian voices to be heard. It is a chance for new translations and for new partnerships. I am sincerely grateful to all our international partners, translators, publishers and readers who help Ukrainian literature find its place in the world cultural space’.
I’d also like to thank Olena Odynoka, Deputy Director of International Cooperation, for her kindness and media assistance.
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