Ukrainian artist refuses to accept Remarque Peace Prize alongside Russian laureate

That's according to Serhiy Maidukov's letter penned to the prize committee, Ukrinform reports, referring to Chitomo.

Ulitskaya became the laureate of the prize in 2023. She will receive the award on June 22, the 125th anniversary of Remarque.

According to Susanne Menzel-Riedl, the head of the jury, this year's prize was to be interpreted as a sign of hope for reconciliation. 

"The last word should be the language of humanity, which also unites people of warring states. War should not drown out the language of literature and art," she said.

"That is why we hoped to invite a writer from Russia and an artist from Ukraine to Osnabrück to honor them with the Remarque Peace Prize and a special prize," said Vice-Chair of the jury Katharina Pötter.

In his turn, Maidukov refused to receive the prize on the same day as Ulitskaya.

"It was a surprise for me that I was chosen. I received a letter about a month ago. At first, I said I would come some other time, but in further letters, I wrote that I wouldn't come. I want to put most of the money in my monobank account, where I am saving up for a car for the Ukrainian Armed Forces," he said.

The Remarque Peace Prize has been awarded by the German city of Osnabrück every two years since 1991.

In 2005, a special award was granted to Ukrainian writer Yuriy Andrukhovych.

Among the laureates are Tony Judt, Svetlana Alexievich, Ali Ahmad Said Esber, Lev Kopelev, and others. Among those who were honored with special awards are Russian Navy officer Grigory Pasko and Russia's Memorial rights watchdog.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the head of the Center for Civil Liberties, Oleksandra Matviichuk, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, said that a long-term strategy toward Russia is needed after Ukraine seals its victory.

Photo: The Ukrainians