Serhiy Zhadan is a highly respected figure in Ukrainian literature and beyond.
Known for his influential poetry and prose, he has received widespread national and international acclaim.
His significant achievements, including the Peace Prize for the German Book Trade (2022) and the Derek Walcott Prize for Poetry (2022), underline his influence and success in the literary world.
File
- Full name: Serhiy Zhadan
- Stage name: Serhiy Zhadan
- Date of birth: August 23, 1974
- Age: 60 years old
- Place of birth: Starobil’s’k, Ukraine.
- Nationality: Ukrainian
- Occupation: Poet and novelist
- Height: unknown
- Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Zhadan
- Siblings: Unknown
- Spouse: Svetlana Oleshko (Divorced) and Iryna Kunitsyna (d. 2009)
- Children: 1
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $100,000 to $500,000
Early life and education
Serhiy Zhadan was born on August 23, 1974 in Starobil’s’k, Ukraine. He was raised by his parents, commonly known as Mr. and Mrs. Zhadan, and was influenced by his family’s Ukrainian heritage and culture.
He graduated from HS Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University in 1996, majoring in philology. Although his religious beliefs are not explicitly stated, his work often reflects Ukrainian identity and cultural themes.
Career
Serhiy Zhadan is one of the most influential contemporary writers in Ukraine. He is honored for his profound poems, novels and essays. A graduate of HS Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, where he earned a PhD in Ukrainian futurism, Zhadan began his literary career in the 1990s.
Over the decades, he has published numerous collections of poetry and novels, such as Voroshilovgrad and The Orphanage, which delve into themes of identity, memory and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. society must face.
His works often reflect Ukraine’s turbulent socio-political landscape, blending insight with deep sympathy for the human condition.
In addition to literature, Zhadan is also a dedicated social activist. He actively participated in the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Euromaidan protests in 2013-2014, supporting democratic reform and civil rights in Ukraine.
His commitment to humanitarian causes deepened after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when he chose to stay in Kharkiv, his hometown, to assist civilians and soldiers.
He co-founded the Serhiy Zhadan Charitable Foundation to formalize these efforts. The foundation focuses on supporting communities in the Donbas region affected by conflict, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his country and its people.
Zhadan’s influence extends beyond writing. He is also the frontman of the band Zhadan i Sobaky (Zhadan and the Dogs), which combines punk rock with literary storytelling.
His activist and creative pursuits have received international acclaim, earning him awards such as the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. Through his multifaceted career, Zhadan has become a symbol of resilience and a strong voice for contemporary Ukrainian culture, highlighting the enduring power of art and activism in the midst of adversity.
Awards and nominations
- Peace Prize of the German Book Trade (2022)
- Angelus Central European Literary Prize (2015)
Social Media
- Instagram username:@serhiy_zhadan
- Facebook manager: Serhiy Zhadan
- Twitter name: @serhiy_zhadan
Personal life
Serhiy Zhadan married Irina Kunitsyna, a relationship that began on December 13, 2009. Before marrying Kunitsyna, Zhadan was married to Svetlana Oleshko, with whom he has a child.
Recently, it was reported that Zhadan had filed for divorce from Kunitsyna, sparking many speculations about the reasons behind this decision. However, neither side confirmed these rumors publicly.
Net worth
Serhiy Zhadan’s net worth is estimated to range between $100,000 and $500,000, reflecting his extensive and multifaceted career. His income comes mainly from his acclaimed literary works, including poetry and novels.
