The ‘Unwritten’ project: Russia killed 289 literary figures during the full-scale invasion

The Unwritten volunteer project, dedicated to those in the literary field whose lives were cut short by Russia, has identified 289 literary figures.

In addition to such well-known authors as Hlib Babich, Victoria Amelina, Vasyl Palamarchuk, and Volodymyr Vakulenko, the list also features lesser-known authors who were at the early stages of their creative careers, as well as translators, editors, publishers, librarians, literature promoters, and book factory workers.

Ми публікуємо оновлений опорний список «Недописаних».

Станом на лютий 2026 року верифікований архів містить 289 імен людей літератури, які загинули внаслідок російсько-української війни з 2014 року.

Ці імена — частина сучасної української культури. Серед загиблих — письменники… pic.twitter.com/oIo9KCzDjY

— Недописані (@nedopysani) February 17, 2026

The creators of the project are Olena Herasymiuk, veteran paramedic from Hospitaliers volunteer medical battalion, poet, and public figure; and Eugene Lir, military officer, volunteer, writer, translator, co-founder of the project “Your Underground Humanitarian Aid.” The two collected stories and memories about deceased authors and workers in the literary field so that their voices would not be lost. The project endeavors to create a space for commemorating each of the deceased, ensuring that their contributions to Ukrainian culture are not forgotten. Herasymiuk and Lir started compiling the list of people killed by Russia in the spring of 2023.

“Their texts, research, translations, and publishing projects are interrupted along with their lives, and will never be completed,” wrote the project’s founders. “The Unwritten initiative records these works so that they remain in Ukrainian cultural and scientific discourse and do not disappear after the authors’ deaths. It is not just about preserving memory, but also about recording Ukraine’s cultural losses caused by the war.”

In addition to spreading information about those whose lives were extinguished by Russia, the project’s volunteers collect their manuscripts, translate texts, gather memories from loved ones, and organize memorial evenings.

RELATED: ‘Unwritten’ project: At least 224 literary figures killed in Russia’s war on Ukraine (Updated)

Images: Project page on X

Copy editing: Ben Angel