Ukrinform joins National Unity Radio Dictation event

The event brought together military personnel, Ukrainian actors, directors, writers, musicians, and public figures.

“I am incredibly happy to see all of you today. This is the second time Ukrinform hosts this extremely important event for our culture and identity. I am confident that through this, we take a big step in showing: we are Ukrainians, we do not give up, and our language, which has survived oppression and attempts to erase it, endures. Just as we — the Ukrainian people — will endure,” said Ukrinform’s General Director Serhii Cherevatyi before the dictation.

This year’s radio dictation was written by writer Yevheniia Kuznetsova and read aloud by actress Nataliia Sumska.

Yevhen Nyshchuk, head of the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, noted that this year continued the trend of selecting relevant, contemporary texts. Even in a short excerpt, the author successfully conveyed a strong sense of unity and shared identity.

“Traditionally, this event is uplifting. It’s a moment when you realize that across the country—even in trenches or diplomatic offices—people are participating in the dictation, dedicating time to the Ukrainian word and language. Clearly, it’s about more than just writing correctly,” Nyshchuk said.

He also noted that this year’s dictation was more challenging than last year’s, featuring rarely used words and some difficulties with punctuation.

Theater and film actress Lesia Samaieva said the dictation text was incredibly beautiful and touched the soul.

“It reflects our present, it’s deeply moving, and writing it was a real pleasure. I am sincerely grateful to the author,” she said.

Taras Tkachenko, director and head of the Information and Communication Support Center of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, noted that he participated in the dictation for the first time and was reminded of his student days.

“I discovered long-forgotten skills. But I realized that my habit with the pen has somewhat atrophied, replaced by the keyboard habit, so it’s necessary to return to handwriting. Overall, it’s very touching and important: when you think you know the language well, it’s sometimes good to test yourself,” he said.

DIU representative Yevhenii Yerin thanked the organizers for the opportunity to engage with the Ukrainian language, to show that it is alive, beautiful, and extraordinary, and that it must be cherished.

“We must incorporate the language as broadly as possible into our lives, because it is the source of identity and inspiration for the Ukrainian people in these difficult times, as we fight for the survival of the Ukrainian nation and state. Today, this is extremely important and timely,” Yerin said.

Ukrinform reported that the All-Ukrainian National Unity Radio Dictation was launched by Ukrainian Radio in 2000 to foster unity around the language. Its annual conduct has turned it into the largest Ukrainian-language flashmob, bringing together Ukrainians and language enthusiasts worldwide.

Photo: Danylo Antoniuk / Ukrinform