In an unthinkable tragedy that has rocked the literary world, a beacon of hope and chronicler of truth, Victoria Amelina, paid the ultimate price in the pursuit of justice. Read on to uncover the astonishing life and untimely death of a writer who put her nation before herself.
The Martyrdom of Victoria Amelina
Victoria Amelina, a renowned Ukrainian novelist and war crimes researcher, lost her life after being critically wounded in a Russian missile strike. The attack occurred in Kramatorsk at a restaurant known to be bustling with civilians. Amelina, whose formidable literary contributions included winning the Joseph Conrad literary prize in 2021, was not just a writer. She was a champion of truth, actively documenting Russian war crimes since the invasion.
Heartfelt tributes to Amelina’s activism and literary prowess have been pouring in from around the globe, painting the picture of a heroine who stood undeterred in the face of adversity. The world was informed of her tragic demise through PEN Ukraine, confirming that she breathed her last in a hospital in Dnipro, surrounded by her loved ones.
Unyielding Crusader against War Crimes
Following the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Amelina largely set aside her literary pursuits to focus on documenting war crimes and working with children on or near the frontline. Her relentless determination led her to unearth the diary of fellow writer Volodymyr Vakulenko, who was detained and killed by Russian soldiers. This diary served as a chilling record of Russian atrocities.
Human rights groups have labeled the attack that killed Amelina and 13 other people as a war crime. During this attack, she was traveling with Colombian journalists and writers to document the war crimes and build support for Ukraine in the global south.
A Legacy Beyond Words
Amelina was acutely aware of the risks she was taking. In her own words, “We are, you could say, obsessed about our freedom, and we’re ready to die for it. Russians cannot forgive us for that.” Her unyielding commitment to her country and its people was evident in her actions, as she put her personal safety aside to gather evidence that could be used in future prosecutions.
Before her tragic death, Amelina was working on a non-fiction book about Ukrainian women’s experience of the invasion. She had also been awarded a fellowship at Columbia University and was planning to move to Paris with her son.
Her indomitable spirit was also evident in her literary endeavors. She founded a literary festival in New York, Donetsk, and was deeply committed to celebrating and supporting Ukrainian defiance and culture.
PEN Ukraine has vowed to carry forward the cultural initiatives set up by her. Her life’s work, her unyielding spirit, and her sacrifice will continue to inspire and be a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people.
