A Ukrainian artist burning a Russian-language book in a garden.

Tainted love: how Ukrainians are ridding themselves of Russian-language books | AI News Digest

Published: September 2, 2025, 10:07 p.m. World Neutral

In the wake of Russia's invasion, many Ukrainians are distancing themselves from Russian-language literature, viewing it as a symbol of cultural oppression. Artists and readers alike are grappling with the decision to keep or discard these books, often opting for destruction or recycling as a form of protest. Some, like Stanislav Turina, have burned works by Russian authors, while others, such as Mariana Matveichuk, have recycled large collections. The shift towards Ukrainian literature reflects a broader movement to reclaim cultural identity and resist Russian influence. However, the debate continues, with some advocating for the preservation of Russian texts for their historical significance.

UkraineRussian literatureCultural identityWar impactBook recycling