On April 2, 2025, the "Space of Ideas" of Faculty of History, Political Science and National Security of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University hosted a presentation of the books by Dmytro Chobot "Keys to Peace and War" and Andriy Chobit "Sergeant V'yun".
The event was attended by veteran policy specialist Andrii Lev, who acted as the moderator to give the floor to the guests, Deputy Dean for Educational Work, Youth Policy and Social Work Ivan Rudianyn, and the students. Everyone also greeted war veteran Mykola Vʼyuk with loud applause, whose story formed the basis of the book "Sergeant Vʼyun".
Dmytro Chobit, a Ukrainian historian, politician, writer, publicist, and local historian, was the first speaker. He talked about his book “Keys to Peace and War” consisting of two parts and highlighting the issue of Ukrainian statehood, debunking russian falsifications of historical facts about Ukraine, and showing the cruel national oppression of Ukrainians in colonial conditions. This work helps to form a holistic understanding of the national identity of Ukrainians.
“The title of the books “Keys to Peace and War” speaks for itself, but it needs to be deciphered. The keys are an allegory of Ukraine and security issues. And the future fate of peace and war not only in Europe but also in the whole world will depend on what security system Ukraine will find itself in as a result of this war,” said Dmytro Chobit.
“Sergeant Vʼyun” is Andriy Chobit’s debut novel, which was based on the real story of his friend, war veteran, defender from Rivne region Mykola Vʼyuk, who captured 10 occupiers while performing a combat mission. Mr. Andriy visited the soldier in the hospital, where he was treated after receiving serious injuries on the battlefield leading to the amputation of his legs. It was the story told by the defender in the hospital walls that became the impetus for writing the novel.
The book raises issues of the importance of linguistic identity, social adaptation of veterans after returning from the war. In addition, copies of the book were sold at auctions in America, thanks to which it was possible to collect 27 thousand dollars, which will be used to pay for the prosthetics of the Ukrainian soldier.
“I am sure that the book will survive today's era. It tells about the events that took place before the war, during the war and after such a tragedy that happened to Mykola,” said Andriy Chobit.
Deputy Dean of the Faculty of History, Political Science and National Security Ivan Rudyanyn thanked the soldier Mykola Vʼyuk for his feat.
“The fact that such books are being published is very good, because over time, much is erased from memory and forgotten. Thank you for finding this opportunity to tell about yourself, your comrades. Such works are important. I would also like to address everyone: take notes, remember what the guys who come from the front tell you. It is their memories that will become the basis for future research on today's war,” emphasized Ivan Rudianyn.
In conclusion, Dmytro Chobit presented his autographed books to the Faculty of History, Political Science and National Security and the University library.
Information Policy Office
