At the risk of his life, the writer remained in Kharkiv and helped the townspeople to resist Russian aggression.
Man of the Year according to the Polish edition Gazeta Wyborcza became a Ukrainian writer, poet and musician Serhiy Zhadan.
A native of Luhansk region, Zhadan has lived in Kharkiv for many years, and did not leave it, despite the mortal danger. He stayed in the city to volunteer and raise the morale of the townspeople. He also writes articles about the war for Western newspapers and gives interviews.
“He did not leave, despite the fact that the Russians are brutally bombing the city, but did what writers were called to do during the war: lifting people's spirits, calming their hearts, organizing concerts at the Kharkiv metro bomb shelter,” the article reads.
Among the candidates for the title of Man of the Year, in addition to Zhadan, were President Volodymyr Zelensky, Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk, mayors of Kyiv, Mariupol, Mykolaiv and Kharkiv, Ukrainian commanders and diplomats, soldiers and rescuers.
“When we were discussing this year's winner, it was clear that we should honor someone from Ukraine, a person who participates in struggle… Ukraine has become a land of heroes “, – emphasizes the editorial board.
Zhadan thanked the editorial board for the recognition and expressed confidence that with such international support Ukraine must definitely defeat Russia.
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“Thank you to Gazeta Wyborcza for the title of Man Although I understand perfectly all the conventions of this definition – today all Ukrainians who fight for their country, who work for it, are the People of the Year, people with a capital letter. . And a huge thank you to the Polish people for their support and help. Together we will defeat the evil empire, “said Zhadan.
< span style = "font-weight: 400;"> Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been an unprecedented violation of international law and human rights. How racists will have to answer for this, read the article Olga Kuchmienko “ War in Ukraine: why international the right remains an effective mechanism for punishing the aggressor ».
