Zabuzhko urges not to divide people into "pro-Putin" and "anti-Putin": taboo should be applied to all Russians

Ukrainian writer Oksana Zabuzhko, who this year joined the international jury of the Berlin Film Festival, explained in a clear way why Ukrainians should not divide Russians based on whether they support the policies of Russian President Vladimir Putin or not. The author is convinced that the interaction of Ukrainian and Russian citizens on common platforms in the world is unacceptable.

Such cooperation sends a message that dialogue between the two countries is possible, Zabuzhko added. She shared her thoughts in a conversation with Deutsche Welle on YouTube.

"The participation of Ukrainians in joint events with Russians is publicly impossible not because they are "pro-Putin" or "anti-Putin," but impossible because it sends the wrong message to the public. That a dialog is possible between us, that there is no representative of the country of the executioner and the country of the victim. The hierarchy is getting confused, you know?" the writer explained.

She disagrees with the requirement for all media figures to check the biographies of their colleagues before events, looking for any mention of Russia. Instead, the author proposes to establish a taboo on the participation of Ukrainians in all events where Russians are invited.

"Demonstrating dialogue means zeroing out 10 years of shed blood. Dialogue was possible until 2014. Since the aggression began, it is the end of the dialogue. The first dead, the first stomachs of Ukrainian citizens cut open for the yellow and blue flag are the end of the dialogue. Period," the Ukrainian summarized.

By the way, during the press conference at the Berlin International Film Festival, the press and other attendees felt like Ukrainians for a moment when an air raid siren went off on Oksana Zabuzhko's phone.

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