Ukrainian literature is being published through the Translate Ukraine 2026 programme
The Ukrainian Book Institute has announced that it is accepting applications for participation in the Translate Ukraine 2026 programme, one of the key state instruments for supporting the translation of Ukrainian literature into foreign languages. The programme aims to expand the international presence of Ukrainian culture and give foreign readers a deeper understanding of Ukrainian experience, identity and values.
Translate Ukraine has already proven its effectiveness as a tool of cultural diplomacy. Despite the full-scale war, the programme has supported 326 translation projects in 36 languages. As emphasised by the Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture of Ukraine, Tetiana Berezhna, translations of Ukrainian books are a concrete contribution to shaping international understanding of Ukraine and strengthening its voice in the world.
Foreign and Ukrainian publishers planning to translate, publish and distribute works of Ukrainian literature abroad are invited to participate. Applications will be accepted from 6 January to 9 February 2026.
Projects involving the translation of contemporary Ukrainian literature, as well as works in the public domain written in Ukrainian and published by Ukrainian publishers, are eligible to participate in the competition. All projects must be fully implemented by the end of 2026, and the minimum print run must be at least 300 copies.
Priority in the selection process will be given to:
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Ukrainian classical literature;
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works by military authors;
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books about the Russian-Ukrainian war;
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publications on the history and culture of Ukraine.
Deputy Minister of Culture of Ukraine Bohdana Lauk emphasised that fiction, poetry, non-fiction and children's books by Ukrainian authors are often able to tell the world more about Ukraine than news reports. According to her, state support for translations is not only a cultural policy, but also a component of national security.
The programme provides for reimbursement of publishers' expenses for the acquisition of copyrights, translation, editing and printing of books. The maximum amount of support is up to 8,000 euros or the equivalent of this amount in hryvnia.
The competitive selection process consists of two stages: technical verification of applications and expert evaluation of projects. The winners are to be announced by 1 April 2026 on the official website of the Ukrainian Book Institute.
Translate Ukraine 2026, Ukrainian Book Institute, Ukrainian literature, cultural diplomacy, war
