Kharkiv–Copenhagen: A conversation with Ukrainian writer Serhiy Zhadan – 30 October 2026

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On Friday, 30 October, we invite you to a conversation with acclaimed Ukrainian writer Serhiy Zhadan and Danish translator and scholar Jon Kyst, as part of Zhadan’s visit to Copenhagen for Bogforum 2026.

Serhiy Zhadan is one of Ukraine’s most internationally recognised literary voices. His novels, poetry and stories explore life in eastern Ukraine, questions of home and belonging, and the experiences of war. His literary distinctions include the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade (2022) and the Austrian State Prize for European Literature (2025). Since 2024, he has also served in the Khartiia Brigade of Ukraine’s National Guard.

Jon Kyst is a Danish translator and scholar who has lived in Kyiv. He translated Zhadan’s Arabesques into Danish as Jeg slukker lyset som den sidste: Nye fortællinger fra krigen, published by Jensen & Dalgaard. Through twelve interconnected stories, the book portrays lives shaped by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Together, Zhadan and Kyst will discuss the experiences behind the writing, the challenges of literary translation, and how Ukrainian literature finds its way to Danish readers. The afternoon will also feature readings in Ukrainian and Danish, followed by questions from the audience.