Lina Kostenko's achievements – the order and recognition of the writer in Ukraine.

Every Ukrainian has known about Lina Kostenko since school. However, many of them do not know that the poetess is still alive and even working. It's also worth noting Lina Kostenko's awards, as they are quite numerous. All of them show how much the poetess has done for Ukrainian culture. 

Lina Kostenko's order is also an important detail of the poetess's career. And she is as interesting as it is possible. 

Lina Kostenko's Awards

Lina Kostenko's name is not just a name for Ukrainians — it is a symbol, a synonym of honor, conscience, inner strength, and steadfastness. Her poetry is permeated with pain for Ukraine, sincere love for the language, history, and national dignity. Lina Vasylivna never sought fame, did not look for official recognition, remaining true to her own beliefs. However, her talent and principled civic stance did not go unnoticed — over the years she has received a number of high awards, both in Ukraine and abroad. The recognition of the writer has become another confirmation of the significance of her words in the history of Ukrainian literature.

Lina Kostenko's creativity is not only an aesthetic experience but also a deep philosophical reflection on being, ethical categories, the struggle between good and evil. From the beginning of her literary activity, she has established herself as a bright poetess of the sixties, but even before this, her works amazed with emotional intensity and artistic expressiveness. Each of her poems is a kind of spiritual manifesto in which the voice of a woman, mother, intellectual, citizen resonates.

Despite the prolonged silence of her creativity during the Soviet era, when some of her works were banned from publication, Kostenko did not retreat from her own views. After the period of 'silence', she returned to the reader with a powerful poetic collection, and later — with the prose novel 'Notes of a Ukrainian Madman', which caused a wide resonance in society. It is precisely thanks to the power of artistic word, the depth of thought, and the boldness of views that she has been honored with a number of honorary awards.

Shevchenko Prize (1987)

One of the highest and most prestigious literary awards in Ukraine is the National Prize of Ukraine named after Taras Shevchenko. In 1987, Lina Kostenko became the laureate of this prize for her collection 'On the Banks of the Eternal River'. This collection became a landmark in her creative work — it particularly reflects philosophical tension, the meaning of human destiny, history, and culture. The image of the river serves as a symbol of Time, which flows incessantly, changing the face of the world, but leaving eternal values in the human soul — love, faith, and conscience.

Receiving this award was not only a recognition of her literary mastery but also a sign of rehabilitation of her creativity after many years of silence. After the awarding of the prize, her name again actively began to resonate in the public space, and books — began to reach the reader. This award was in some way a symbolic gesture — society confirmed its gratitude for her courage, endurance, and talent.

International Prize of the Omelian and Tetiana Antonovych Fund (1989)

Two years after the Shevchenko Prize, Lina Kostenko was honored with another high recognition — the International Prize of the Omelian and Tetiana Antonovych Fund. This fund, established in the USA, awards distinctions to Ukrainian figures of culture, science, and literature who have made a significant contribution to the preservation of national identity.

For Lina Kostenko, this prize had special significance — it symbolized that her word was heard not only within the Soviet Union but also in the global Ukrainian community. Her creativity became a spiritual bridge between Ukrainians in the diaspora and in Ukraine, between those who lost their homeland physically and those who lost it spiritually under totalitarian conditions.

This prize was awarded to her as a poetess who managed to preserve the truth of the word in an era of falsehood, and for this, she was honored by Ukrainians all over the world. Recognition in the emigration environment has become another confirmation of the nationwide love for her creativity.

Honorary Award of the President of Ukraine (1992)

In independent Ukraine, in 1992, Lina Kostenko received the Honorary Award of the President of Ukraine. This award indicated official recognition of her importance as a cultural and moral authority for a state that was just starting to stand on its feet. In the difficult times of establishing a new Ukrainian identity, it was Lina Kostenko's word that served as a reference point, a starting point for many citizens who sought to comprehend a new reality.

Receiving this award was not only a tribute of respect to the poetess but also a symbol that the government recognizes the value of culture as a fundamental basis for nation-building. Lina Kostenko's creativity helped Ukrainians maintain optimism, understand the meaning of independence, and form a new national consciousness.

Order of the Legion of Honor (2005)

The year 2005 became significant for the international recognition of Lina Kostenko. She was awarded the French order of the Legion of Honor — one of the highest state awards of France. This order is awarded for outstanding contributions to culture, science, and public life. For Ukrainian literature, this was an exceptional event — such recognition of a Ukrainian artist at the global level happens rarely.

This order confirmed that her word has a universal resonance — it is understood not only by the Ukrainian reader but also in the global cultural space. Lina Kostenko was honored as a poetess who embodies the best traits of European intellectualism, cultural resistance, and creative fire.

Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise of V degree (2000), Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise of IV degree (2005)

Another important page in honoring Lina Kostenko's merits has become the state awards — the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. In 2000, she was awarded the order of the V degree, and in 2005 — the IV degree. These awards are given to citizens for outstanding contributions to the development of statehood, culture, science, enlightenment, and many other spheres.

This recognition had deep symbolic meaning. Yaroslav the Wise, as a historical figure, is associated with wisdom, books, and enlightenment — the very spiritual foundation that Lina Kostenko has formed in the consciousness of her people for decades. She has become the modern guardian of the Ukrainian word, and the order with such a name is undoubtedly a logical continuation of her journey.

Golden Writer of Ukraine Award (2006)

In 2006, Lina Kostenko was awarded the honorary prize 'Golden Writer of Ukraine'. This is an award given to Ukrainian writers whose works have sold over 100 thousand copies. In the case of Lina Kostenko, this threshold has been exceeded multiple times, as her poetic collections, novels, and essays are immensely popular among readers of various generations. This award has not only certified the love of readers but has also confirmed that the artistic word of Kostenko resonates powerfully in the heart of Ukrainian society.

Honorary Professor of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy

Another form of recognition became the honorary professorship at one of the oldest and most authoritative educational institutions in Ukraine — the National University 'Kyiv-Mohyla Academy'. This title was awarded to Lina Kostenko for her significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian literature, culture, and education. The status of honorary professor confirms not only the scientific or artistic depth of the writer but also her ability to influence the formation of the young generation of Ukrainians.

Honorary Doctor of the Lviv National University

Among other prestigious recognitions is the title of honorary doctor of the Lviv National University named after Ivan Franko. This is one of the oldest universities in Ukraine, with a glorious history of forming the Ukrainian intelligentsia. Granting this title to Lina Kostenko has become an act of deep respect from the academic community. Her creativity is viewed not only as an aesthetic phenomenon but also as an intellectual one that expands the horizons of national consciousness.

Author of the Year Award (2011)

In 2011, after the release of the long-awaited poem-novel 'Notes of a Ukrainian Madman', Lina Kostenko received the 'Author of the Year' award. This award became yet another recognition of her unparalleled style, ability to make deep generalizations, and bold artistic decisions. The novel provoked a wide public resonance as it raised current issues of the post-Soviet era, spiritual loneliness, truth, and the responsibility of the intelligentsia. The award only confirmed that Kostenko remains relevant, honest, and sharp in her word.

Alexander Dovzhenko Medal

Among the distinctions that emphasize not only the literary but also the cultural significance of Lina Kostenko is the Alexander Dovzhenko Medal. This award, named after the outstanding Ukrainian film director, is given for special contributions in the field of cinematography, literature, and culture. Its awarding to Kostenko confirmed that her artistic word influences not only literature but also visual art, inspires artists in various fields, and contributes to the creation of quality national products.

Honorary Award 'For Services to the Ukrainian Nation' (2015)

In 2015, during one of the critical periods in contemporary Ukrainian history, Lina Kostenko received the honorary award 'For Services to the Ukrainian Nation'. This is evidence that her word and civic position have immense significance in the context of the struggle for identity, dignity, and freedom. Lina Kostenko has repeatedly made important speeches and open letters in which she supported democratic values, emphasized the importance of preserving cultural memory, and the moral core of the nation. Her contribution to national self-consciousness has been recognized not only by the literary community but also by state institutions.

International Francesco Petrarca Prize (2022)

One of the latest and especially symbolic awards is the International Francesco Petrarca Prize, which Lina Kostenko received in 2022. This award, named after the outstanding Italian poet, is given to writers whose works stand out for their high artistic level, humanism, and eternal themes. Receiving this prize has become a sign that Kostenko's creativity has transcended the national scale and gained international resonance. Her poems and texts, filled with depth, philosophy, and love for humanity, are recognized worldwide as a sample of intellectual and moral art.