Oleksandr Mykhed, a Ukrainian author who transitioned to a soldier after the Russian invasion, has penned a new book titled “The Language of War.” Prior to the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022, Mykhed resided in Hostomel with his wife, Olena, and their dog, Lisa, near Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. When Russian troops approached Hostomel Airport on February 24, he and Olena fled to Chernivtsi in southwestern Ukraine. Within a week of the invasion, Mykhed, a respected author with nine published books, joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces, witnessing the destruction of his former residence by a Russian assault.
In his book, Mykhed reflects on the profound impact of the conflict through emotionally charged narratives, showcasing the chaos of war. He emphasizes that the conflict in Ukraine should not be solely attributed to Putin but to all Russians, holding them accountable for their actions. Mykhed condemns the atrocities in Bucha and Mariupol and highlights the indiscriminate violence targeted at rescue workers in double-tap strikes.
One compelling narrative from his book recounts the survival of his parents during the occupation of Bucha, underscoring the resilience of Ukrainian citizens amid the brutal realities of war. Mykhed expresses his intense emotions of rage and love, describing how both fuel his determination to continue documenting the ongoing conflict and praising the unity and solidarity emerging within the Ukrainian armed forces.
Despite facing overwhelming challenges and loss, Mykhed remains committed to shaping his narrative in the face of adversity, echoing the sentiment that the biggest challenge for a writer in wartime is simply to stay alive. Through his experiences and reflections, he offers a poignant depiction of the ongoing struggles in Ukraine and the resilient spirit of its people.
