Tragic news has hit the literary world when 37-year-old Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina passed away from injuries sustained in the Russian shelling of Kramatorsk on June 27.
This devastating attack claimed the lives of thirteen people, and Amelina was among the victims.
His untimely death has left a void in the writing community, prompting reflection on the consequences of the war and the importance of preserving freedom of expression.
The fateful attack on the Kramatorsk restaurant
That fateful day, Victoria Amelina was in a pizzeria in Kramatorsk, accompanied by the Colombian writer Héctor Abad and the former High Commissioner for Peace Sergio Jaramillo of the Colombian presidency.
Tragically, the Russian attack targeted their location, resulting in the loss of several innocent lives. Although Jaramillo, Abad, and Colombian journalist Catalina Gómez survived with minor injuries, Amelina’s injuries proved fatal.
Ukrainian PEN announcement
The heartbreaking news of the death of Victoria Amelina was released by the Ukrainian PEN, a cultural organization dedicated to safeguarding the rights of Ukrainian journalists, writers and scientists.
In its statement, Ukrainian PEN expressed its deep regret and conveyed that Amelina succumbed to life-threatening injuries sustained during the rocket attack.
The organization assured that the news was communicated with the consent of Amelina’s relatives.
Amelina was an esteemed member of the Ukrainian PEN and contributed significantly to documenting war crimes for the Truth Hounds organization.
Born in Lviv in 1986, she spent her childhood in Canada before studying information technology at the Polytechnic University in her hometown. In 2014 she ventured into writing with the publication of her first novel, “El síndrome de noviembre o Homo Compatiens”. She later became an author of children’s books and gained international recognition with her second novel, “Home for Home.”
His works have been translated into several languages and he has received accolades and nominations for prestigious literary awards. Victoria Amelina’s commitment to shedding light on war crimes and the lives of Ukrainian women during the conflict exemplified her dedication to justice and human rights.
Call for Accountability: In the midst of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Amelina was active in appealing to international governments, urging support for Ukraine and advocating for a special international court to address Russian war crimes.
His work extended beyond writing as he played a role in organizing the New York Literary Festival in the Donetsk region. In addition, she was working diligently on her first non-fiction book, “War and Justice Diary: Watching Women Watching War,” which explores the experiences of Ukrainian women documenting war crimes.
The tragic death of Victoria Amelina serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the importance of defending freedom of expression.
His contributions to literature and his dedication to exposing war crimes will continue to inspire future generations. As we mourn his loss, let us honor his memory by reaffirming our commitment to justice, peace, and the power of words.
Keep reading:
° Three Colombians were injured after the Russian bombardment of Kramatorsk
° Russian attack on Ukraine restaurant: 14-year-old twin sisters among the dead
° Several deaths are reported after the impact of a Russian missile in a restaurant in a city in Ukraine