In Ukraine, when the army experienced a recruiting crisis following increasing casualties on the battlefield, national star Serhiy Jadan enlisted. This 50-year-old poet, novelist, lyricist and rock figure explains that many of his friends were already fighting before him: “The feeling of having loved ones fighting for you, in your place when you could do it, played a lot in my decision.” The New York Times returns to its story.
Serhiy Jadan joined a local brigade in May 2024, located in his hometown of Kharkiv, before undergoing training for two months. Come summer, he is already operational to serve in an engineering unit (Army regiment) on the second line of defense. Initially, Serhiy did not intend to set an example, but his decision resonated with many Ukrainians of all generations, fans of his works or not. The commanders and comrades of the brigade rejoice at his arrival, because he also boosts the morale of the troops.
However, his superiors know that the presence of this national icon in the ranks of the Ukrainian army carries responsibilities: since he is appreciated in the country, the Russians make him more of a target. A Russian “war blogger” reported that a price of 4,500 euros was now being put on his head. Serhiy Jadan reacted by indicating that he did not benefit from any preferential treatment compared to his comrades; the only difference between them and him is that the other soldiers and instructors ask him for selfies and autographs during break times.
Engagement multiple
Alongside his service in the army, Serhiy Jadan fills rooms for poetry readings and gives concerts, as he did at the Atlas music festival in July 2024, with his rock band Zhadan i Sobaky (“Zhadan and dogs” in French). Proceeds from these events are used to purchase medical supplies and other equipment for soldiers.
He is also member of a pirate radio station named “Radio Khartia”which rides around in a van and whose objective is to support the war effort through reports, interviews and music.
Serhiy Jadan’s work is highly appreciated in the country. It must be said that it speaks to an entire generation, the one who grew up in the Soviet Union before living in an independent Ukraine, and whom he describes as homeless and nihilistic, in constant migration. Originally from the east of the territory, he is known for having given a voice to the inhabitants of Donbass, this border region today largely occupied by Russian forces and claimed as belonging to Russia by President Putin.
In February 2022, when Russian troops invaded eastern Ukraine, Serhiy Jadan was initially shocked: “My stress was such that it took my breath away.” But his need to write returned after a few months. From this emerged texts on the pain of events, on death and separation, as well as on the duty of memory to be maintained.
Source: www.slate.fr
