Andrey Kurkov
Ukraine’s best-known novelist, known for his absurdist style and novels such as Death and the Penguin and Grey Bees. His work often reflects on conflict and Ukrainian identity.
Top 5 podcasts with Andrey Kurkov
Ranked by the Snipd community
Mar 3, 2024 • 38min
Andrey Kurkov: ‘It’s time to stop being naive - Putin will not give up while he's alive’
Andrey Kurkov discusses radical social change in Ukraine, escaping imminent danger from Russian forces, adapting to writing during turmoil, ongoing conflicts with Russia, and the visual aspect of modern warfare.
Feb 13, 2026 • 37min
Author Andrey Kurkov on Winter in Kyiv and Why Putin Won’t Stop
Andrey Kurkov, acclaimed Ukrainian novelist behind Death and the Penguin and wartime diaries, speaks from Kyiv and France. He describes the brutal winter, why he left for a residency, and how daily life and writing have changed. He warns against pressured peace deals, urges stronger European support, and shares plans to return to Kyiv in spring.
Dec 2, 2025 • 56min
Is US Prioritizing Business Over Peace?
Andrey Kurkov, a Ukrainian novelist known for chronicling life in a war-torn Ukraine, shares harrowing stories of survival amidst constant bombing and cultural destruction. He reflects on the displaced population and the fight for identity. Brian Muehlberger, whose daughter was a victim of a school shooting, discusses the emotional weight of preserving memories in her bedroom and the power of storytelling in healing. Mahnaz Afkhami, a pioneering Iranian women's rights activist, spotlighted the struggles women faced after the 1979 Revolution and the importance of grassroots activism for change.
Mar 3, 2025 • 27min
Andrey Kurkov: "Life is now measured in Orwells and Kafkas"
In a poignant conversation, Andrey Kurkov, an award-winning Ukrainian author, shares insights from his life in war-torn Kyiv. He reflects on the resilience of residents striving for normalcy, despite constant threats. Kurkov explores the Orwellian undercurrents shaping contemporary politics and the intertwining of language with identity as Ukrainian culture evolves. Humor emerges as a vital tool for coping, showcasing the spirited defiance of Ukrainians amidst adversity. His musings illuminate the surrealism of life under siege, revealing the strength found in community and creativity.
Mar 18, 2024 • 42min
Intrigue and disinformation from the Russian Revolution to Ukraine invasion
From historical espionage to AI deception, this podcast explores the evolution of propaganda from the Russian Revolution to modern-day Russia. Delve into the daring WWII exploits of a propogandist, the challenges of distinguishing deepfakes from reality, and the risks of accepting false realities in a world of information warfare.
