Andrey Kurkov

Andrey Kurkov is a highly-acclaimed Russian-born Ukrainian novelist who writes in Russian.

A democracy activist, Andrey is an unwavering critic of Vladimir Putin. Because of this, his books were banned in Russia in 2014 and he was placed on a Kremlin list of pro-Ukrainian activists. In this capacity, Andrey is also a contributor to various publications worldwide including The New York Times, The Guardian, New Statesman, La Liberation, Le Monde, Die Welt, and Die Zeit.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Andrey was forced to stay in Ukraine as he was at the age of conscription. During that period, he regularly reported on the situation on the ground and published “Diary of an Invasion,” a collection of his writings and broadcasts from Kyiv.

The author of over 20 novels and 10 children’s books, Andrey was named Ukraine’s most famous living writer by The New York Times. Through notable books such as “Death and the Penguin” and “Grey Bees,” he is best known for his dark humour, and depictions of the Soviet and post-Soviet realities with elements of surrealism.

Andrey has been recognized worldwide for both his novels and activism. These include awards such as the Halldor Laxness Prize, the “Legion d’Honneur,” the Medici Prize for Best Foreign Novel, The Freedom of Expression Award, and the Hans and Sophie Scholl Prize.

Speeches

Ukraine

Diary of an Invasion: Eyewitness to Russia’s War on Ukraine with Andrey Kurkov

Highly-acclaimed Russian-born Ukrainian novelist known for his unwavering criticism of Vladimir Putin who reported on the situation on the ground in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, Andrey Kurkov, addresses the 15th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see below for his remarks. Full Remarks Do I have the right to be tired