Taras

Graffiti portrait of Taras Shevchenko in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

A 19th-century poet is a symbol of resistance in Ukraine

Arts, Culture & Media

Every March 9, Ukrainians celebrate the father of Ukrainian literature, poet Taras Shevchenko. But this year — on his 200th birthday — the celebrations took on special meaning. Centuries ago, Shevchenko was an advocate for an independent Ukraine, free of Russian domination. Every March 9, Ukrainians celebrate the father of Ukrainian literature, poet Taras Shevchenko. But this year — on his 200th birthday — the celebrations took on special meaning. Centuries ago, Shevchenko was an advocate for an independent Ukraine, free of Russian domination.