Ukrainian ex-prisoner of war and medical responder Taira preparing to release debut poetry compilation
Title: Surviving the Flames: A War Poet Launches Her Debut Collection
Yuliia "Taira," a Ukrainian paramedic, war veteran, and former prisoner of war, is set to publish her first poetry collection, Nazhyvo (Live), towards the end of June. The cover art for the book was designed by Vladyslav Yerko.
According to the publishing company, Meridian Czernowitz, this literary work is more than just poetry. It's Mariupol in flames, captivity, survival against all odds, and love in adversity. These texts space-walked into existence, undeterred by limitations. As Meridian stated, "This is not just poetry—it's life and all its raw, unbridled emotion."
Ukrainian author Serhii Zhadan, one of the first to read Paievska's poetry, described it as powerful and emotional, its essence coming from the author's life and struggles. Zhadan highlighted that true poetry combines the universal with the personal, merging hidden depths with public truths.
Since her experience in the Revolution of Dignity and the war in eastern Ukraine, Paievska has relied on poetry as her therapy. She expressed that her tough journey through war, captivity, and torture has given her a unique perspective to share with the world. "These poems didn't ask for permission to exist. They're not gentle, they're not sweet—they're about victory despite insurmountable odds."
Pre-orders for the collection are ongoing until May 27. The book presentations are scheduled at the Meridian Kharkiv and Meridian Zaporizhzhia Poetry Readings, happening on June 28-29.
Yuliia Paievska, a renowned Ukrainian servicewoman, paramedic, and volunteer, is best known for her command of Taira's Angels volunteer ambulance corps and the evacuation department of the 61st Military Mobile Hospital between 2018 and 2020. In 2022, she was captured while evacuating women and children from Mariupol towards Zaporizhzhia.
In 2025, she received the UP100 Power of Women award by Ukrainska Pravda. To support their journalism, consider subscribing on Patreon. Keep an eye out for our other articles covering current events, culture, and more!
- The Ukrainian government may consider implementing policies that foster the promotion and funding of artistic works, such as Yuliia "Taira's" poetry collection Nazhyvo, to celebrate and showcase its cultural heritage.
- Surviving the Flames, a poetry collection by Mariupol war veteran Yuliia Paievska, might find its way onto reading lists within the fashion-and-beauty industry, as its themes of resilience and emotional raw honesty resonate with contemporary lifestyle trends.
- Although the focus of the government may often be more on vital societal issues like health and safety, the grassroots movement to support Ukrainian artists, such as Serhii, Vladyslav, and Yuliia, is playing a significant role in enriching the country's cultural landscape.
- As a result of Yuliia "Taira's" success as a war poet, it would be intriguing to see more collaborations between the literature and entertainment industries, possibly leading to adaptations of her poetry or even a biographical film.
- Meanwhile, Ukraine's literary and entertainment circles are eagerly awaiting the publishing of Yuliia Paievska's poetry collection, with many recognizing her unique voice as an essential addition to the country's literary tapestry.
- With poetry and other literary works performing well in the books category, it is worth exploring how such titles can inspire and educate readers in unexpected areas like environment, history, or technology, thus contributing to a more well-rounded society.
