Stories written by Marichka Melnyk

Voices in the Ukrainian Wilderness. Part II

For eight years an ordinary family from Kyiv oblast has been stuck in the quagmire known as Ukraine’s justice system…

Voices in the Ukrainian Wilderness

The area to the right of the river crossing was cordoned off with white and red striped tape. “They must have drowned her,” came a whisper in

Deus ex Ucraina: The Lost Ones

This stray wasn’t like the rest. He’s too rebellious? Freedom-loving? Fearless?

The Specter of Smuta

It’s never been seen nor heard; yet everyone carries a subconscious fear of encountering it…

A Working Woman’s Story

In a country where you’re only allowed to speak in party slogans, it’s best to keep your mouth shut…

A Bird in Hand – A Thorny Choice for Ukraine

“Long live the servant of socialist construction, dear comrade Shakespeare!” — “Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!”

(In)correct Ukrainians

The first Russian soldiers appeared in my village at dawn on February 25, 2022…

To Run Like a Rabbit, You Need Balls

“Show me your ticket!” the inspector’s thundering voice startled Masha out of her reverie…

An Albino Raven in the Museum of Soviet Values

One day in the life of a museum researcher …