Ukrainian Ambassador Volodymyr Lakomov paid tribute to the famous Ukrainian poet, translator and songwriter Borys Oliynyk who passed away in Kyiv. He was 81.
Oliynyk died on April 30 at noon, after suffering a long and severe illness, said a press release issued on Monday. Oliynyk was a national hero of the Ukrainians who possessed all the virtues of a gentleman. “We all are proud of him,” Lakomov added.
The late poet was a face of the motherland. His love for the country and nation was the motivation for his poetry. Lakomov said that Oliynyk has died physically but he will remain alive in the hearts of Ukrainians.
Oliynyk published over 40 poetry compilations, in addition to numerous essays and journalistic articles. He also translated many Slavic languages to Ukrainian. From 1991-2006, he was a member of parliament for Ukraine’s communist party though he was eventually suspended from the party in 2005 due to his support for the Orange Revolution in 2004.
In October 2005, Oliynyk was awarded the title ‘Hero of Ukraine’. “Ukrainian culture suffered a great loss today,” Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said in his official statement of condolences on April 30.
