Wounded Ukrainian Veterans Turn Epic Poetry Into Living Testimony

In a weary Kyiv, injured war veterans and drama students take turns reading from a script that blends poetry and personal accounts.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In Kyiv, Ukraine, a group of wounded Ukrainian war veterans and drama students have come together to perform a piece that blends epic poetry and personal testimony. Sitting in a circle, they take turns reading lines from a script that captures the experiences and emotions of those who have endured the conflict.

Why it matters

This performance serves as a powerful artistic expression of the human toll of the war in Ukraine, giving a voice to the veterans and allowing them to share their stories through the lens of classic Ukrainian poetry. It highlights the resilience and creativity of the Ukrainian people in the face of ongoing challenges.

The details

The performance features a mix of Ukrainian war veterans and drama students from local schools. Together, they have created a script that interweaves excerpts from epic Ukrainian poems with first-hand accounts and reflections from the veterans themselves. The goal is to blend the timeless themes of the poetry with the raw, personal experiences of those who have lived through the conflict.

  • The performance is set to premiere on the eve of a significant date.

The players

Ukrainian War Veterans

A group of Ukrainians who have been injured or affected by the ongoing conflict in their country.

Drama Students

Local students from Kyiv who have joined the veterans in creating and performing this unique piece.

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The takeaway

This performance serves as a powerful artistic expression of the human cost of war, allowing the veterans to share their stories and experiences through the lens of classic Ukrainian poetry. It highlights the resilience and creativity of the Ukrainian people in the face of ongoing challenges.