American historian and writer Timothy Snyder has won the Vasyl Stus Prize for 2025.
This was announced by PEN Ukraine.
The award is presented annually for contributions to the development of Ukrainian culture and consistency in civic stance. It can be awarded to both Ukrainian and foreign authors.
“There are so many poets, so many Ukrainian authors who have been able to convey the essential truth about war through poetry and prose. And that’s why I feel a little uncomfortable. Because I personally know so many people who express this war through prose and poetry. Thank you very much. In Ukraine during the war, I cannot write about myself, I can only write about others, from whom I am learning, both now and in the future,” said Timothy Snyder in his speech.
The award was presented by the president of PEN Ukraine and chairman of the award jury, philosopher and writer Volodymyr Yermolenko. He emphasized that Snyder is one of the strongest voices in the world in support of Ukraine, and his position is based on the conviction that tyranny must be resolutely resisted.
Timothy Snyder is known for his research on the history of Central and Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine, the Soviet Union, and the Holocaust. His books have been translated into more than 40 languages. Among his most famous works are Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin, On Tyranny, The Road to Unfreedom, and On Freedom.