The Veselka Publishing House presented a book about Ukrainian children growing up during the war

Bogdan Chervak, First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting, took part in the presentation in Kyiv of Oksana Rubanyak’s book "The Flame of Victory" – a fictional novel for children and teenagers about the wartime experiences of Ukrainian children.

The book was published by the National Children’s Literature Publishing House “Veselka,” which operates under the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting. “The Flame of Victory” became the first book published by “Veselka” in 2026. It tells the story of twelve-year-old Artur – a symbolic figure of a child forced to grow up in the midst of war.

Through the protagonist’s story, the author addresses the loss of home, loved ones, and childhood, yet also speaks of strength, resilience, and faith. The protagonist is based on Ukrainian serviceman Artur Svitukhov (Asadov), call sign “Saint,” commander of the fire support company of the 49th Separate Assault Battalion “Carpathian Sich,” who was killed in April 2023.

The book’s author, Oksana Rubanyak, is a serviceman in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, commander of a strike unmanned aerial vehicle company, a poet, and a writer who combines her military service with literary work. The author chose the presentation date based on her ability to attend during a brief break between fulfilling her military duties. It was symbolic that the presentation date coincided with the 92nd anniversary of the founding of the “Veselka” publishing house.

The event drew a large crowd – young readers with their parents, schoolchildren, educators, publishers, military personnel, and the families of Ukraine’s defenders. The presence of Artur Svitukhov’s family was particularly significant. During the meeting, participants discussed how contemporary children’s literature can help make sense of the experience of war, preserve the memory of the fallen, and support children growing up during a difficult time for the country.

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