ПРЕЗИДЕНТИ й література / Період ЮЩЕНКА, ПОРОШЕНКА, ЗЕЛЕНСЬКОГО / МОСКВА і горілка – ЮРІЙ АНДРУХОВИЧ

Cultural Front or Cultural Backwardness?

The Context of Ukrainian Society and Leadership

• The discussion begins with a reflection on the cultural shifts during the Orange Revolution, highlighting it as a celebration of new culture and literature amidst political turmoil.

• There is a recurring theme in Ukrainian society's search for new leadership, with citizens quickly becoming disillusioned after elections, expecting immediate results from newly elected officials.

The Concept of "Cultural Front"

• Yuriy Andrukhovych expresses skepticism about the term "cultural front," suggesting it undermines the real sacrifices made by armed forces at the actual front lines.

• He argues that using military terminology for cultural efforts trivializes genuine risks faced by those in combat, leading to an inappropriate glorification of cultural endeavors.

State of Culture in Ukraine

• Andrukhovych describes the current state of culture as neglected, attributing this to external war circumstances but also pointing out systemic issues within cultural institutions.

• He emphasizes that culture encompasses not just artistic achievements but also institutional frameworks that are currently underfunded and poorly managed.

Insights on Cultural Institutions

• The conversation highlights various projects aimed at revitalizing culture, such as media libraries replacing traditional ones and innovative academic music initiatives.

• Literature is portrayed as less affected by bureaucratic structures compared to other art forms; it relies more on individual creativity than institutional support.

Political Dynamics Affecting Culture

• Discussion shifts to recent appointments in cultural leadership, particularly focusing on Mykola Tochitsky's role as Minister of Culture and Information Policy.

• Andrukhovych views Tochitsky’s diplomatic background positively, suggesting it could bring fresh perspectives needed for reforming Ukraine's cultural landscape.

Critique of Bureaucracy in Culture

• A provocative question arises regarding the necessity of a Ministry for Culture; Andrukhovych argues that culture can thrive independently without bureaucratic constraints.

• He suggests that while reform may be necessary, simply having a minister does not guarantee improvement; rather, there should be clarity on where state involvement should end.

The Role of State Support in Literature

Author's Perspective on State Assistance

• The author expresses a personal view on state support for publishing, indicating no strong expectations or grievances regarding the level of assistance provided.

• He appreciates the collaboration with state structures, citing an initiative from the embassy in the Netherlands that facilitated his travel and engagement there.

Experiences in the Netherlands

• The author shares his experience of being invited to visit Rotterdam and The Hague, highlighting a desire to see significant locations related to current events, such as where Putin might be judged.

• He reflects on the ideal relationship between writers and a liberal-democratic state that allows freedom of expression without resentment towards critical commentary.

Artistic Collaboration and State Influence

• Discusses how different art forms (e.g., orchestras, ballet troupes) require substantial state involvement due to their collective nature and impact on product quality.

Reflections on Moscow During His Studies

• The author recounts his time studying in Moscow during the late Soviet Union, describing it as a period marked by economic collapse and societal decline.

• He recalls witnessing rapid deterioration in living conditions, which sparked feelings of schadenfreude as he observed societal breakdown.

Observations from 1991 Onwards

• Describes chaotic scenes post-Soviet Union collapse, including long lines for basic goods like alcohol, illustrating social tension prevalent at that time.

• Reflecting on his experiences during this tumultuous period reveals deep insights into societal stressors affecting daily life.

Cultural Dynamics in Moscow Post-Revolution

• Shares experiences from visits to Moscow after Ukraine's Orange Revolution; cultural divisions among artists were evident based on political affiliations.

• Engaged with both supporters and opponents of the revolution but found it challenging to change entrenched views among skeptics.

Distinctions Between Ukrainians and Russians

• Discusses a conversation with a Spanish publisher about distinguishing between Russians and Ukrainians based solely on behavior rather than language use.

• Highlights perceptions around wealth influencing behavior; wealthy individuals tend to be more vocal and assertive compared to quieter Ukrainians.

Political Culture Insights

• Emphasizes how political culture shapes identity differences between Ukrainians and Russians; historical context plays a crucial role in these distinctions.

Democracy and Political Culture in Ukraine

Instincts of Democracy Among Ukrainians

• The speaker discusses the inherent democratic instincts of Ukrainians, suggesting that a tyrant or dictator is fundamentally incompatible with Ukrainian identity due to historical lack of statehood.

• Contrastingly, Russians are described as having a centralized political culture where democracy is viewed negatively, equating it with failure.

Historical Context and Political Evolution

• The speaker reflects on Ukraine's independence from Russia and Belarus in 1991, noting significant changes in parliamentary composition and leadership over time.

• There is a persistent skepticism among Ukrainians towards authority, leading to opposition victories in elections, unlike the unchanging power dynamics observed in Russia.

Reflections on Eurointegration

• The speaker highlights their role in promoting Ukraine's integration into Europe post-Orange Revolution, emphasizing the importance of evaluating progress amidst ongoing Russian aggression.

• A metaphor is used to describe Ukraine's journey towards Europe as akin to a disoriented traveler who ultimately finds their way home despite setbacks.

Literature Under Political Regimes

Literature During Krawchuk’s Era

• The period under President Krawchuk is characterized by newfound freedom for literature as government interference diminished significantly.

• Despite censorship still existing in media, literary creativity flourished without direct governmental oversight during this time.

Challenges Faced by Authors

• Authors faced logistical challenges; for instance, one poet had to transport his printed works manually due to the collapse of traditional publishing channels.

• The 1990s were marked by both creative opportunities and difficulties for authors trying to publish their work amid economic instability.

Publishing Landscape Under Kuchma

• During Kuchma’s presidency, while oligarchic influences grew stronger, some private initiatives began emerging within the publishing sector.

• However, there was a notable invisibility of new Ukrainian literature domestically as Russian publications dominated the market.

Historical Perspectives on Ukrainian Politics

The Orange Revolution and Its Aftermath

• The period of Yushchenko is described as a promising time for Ukraine, marked by the Orange Revolution, which symbolized the triumph of new Ukrainian culture, art, and literature.

• Despite initial hopes, there was no unity among government branches during this time; it was characterized by continuous conflict, with Yanukovych posing a constant threat to stability.

• Under Yushchenko's leadership, cultural events like publishing forums gained significance as he engaged with public opinion and promoted literature through his presence at these events.

Reflections on Yanukovych's Era

• The speaker reflects on living in a state of despair during Yanukovych's presidency, likening it to a recurring nightmare where they felt compelled to act against threats to Ukraine.

• In contrast, the Poroshenko era is viewed optimistically; the speaker believes that labeling it a failure would undermine the success of EuroMaidan in removing Yanukovych from power.

Critique of Political Developments

• While acknowledging some positive actions taken by Poroshenko’s administration, there were frustrations regarding unfulfilled promises and ineffective governance.

• The 2019 campaign against the ruling system is noted as an aggressive challenge to authority; many achievements under Poroshenko may have been underestimated or overlooked.

Current State Under Zelenskyy

• The current literary climate under President Zelenskyy is seen as less favorable but shows signs of improvement with writers increasingly receiving recognition such as Shevchenko prizes.

• Legislative measures initiated during Poroshenko’s term aimed at limiting Russian book imports are recognized as necessary steps for cultural preservation despite initial skepticism about their effectiveness.

War Impact on Leadership Perception

• The full-scale invasion has intensified scrutiny over Zelenskyy's leadership; however, his ability to articulate Ukraine's position globally has garnered respect.

• There’s acknowledgment that criticism towards military leadership during wartime is complex; while it's generally discouraged, transparency about issues must be maintained for accountability.

Governance Challenges During Wartime

• Questions arise regarding how civilian authorities can ensure governmental change without elections amidst ongoing conflict; maintaining democratic principles remains crucial even in war conditions.

• The inability to conduct elections due to security concerns raises significant ethical dilemmas about representation and governance continuity during crises.

Understanding the Search for Leadership in Ukrainian Society

The Quest for New Leadership

• The interviewee discusses how Ukrainian society is instinctively searching for new leadership, despite a general opposition to elections. This reflects a deeper societal trend rather than a recent phenomenon.

• It is noted that Ukrainians often become disillusioned with new leaders shortly after their election, highlighting a pattern of immediate disappointment when promises are not fulfilled.

• Historical references are made to past leadership selections in Ukraine, illustrating that the search for effective leaders has been an ongoing process throughout history.

Personal Reflections on Achievements as a Writer

• The interviewee expresses that true achievement for a writer lies in the artistic value and literary quality of their work, rather than commercial success or popularity.

• They emphasize that having high sales figures does not equate to genuine accomplishment in writing; instead, it may reflect marketing success or market trends.

• The speaker conveys humility regarding their own achievements, stating they feel they have yet to accomplish anything significant in their writing career.