News

On 26 February in Vilnius, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius met with the war reporter, photographer for the Los Angeles Times, author of the novel ‘Airport’ Sergei Loiko.

Loiko poured much of his own personal experience, gained in the Donetsk airport battle in October 2014, into the novel ‘Airport’. He was the only foreign reporter, who stayed at the Donetsk airport for five days together with the so-called ‘cyborgs’ – Ukrainian defenders.

The writer gave Lithuania’s Foreign Minister his book as a gift. The book has been signed by the ‘cyborgs’ who defended the airport.

“These people desired life, but became death defying symbols of heroic resistance. They defended not only the airport that was reduced to rubble, but also the freedom of Ukraine and the freedom of the whole of Europe,” said Loiko.

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister underlined the importance of the book by Loiko, which tells the story of Ukraine’s struggle for freedom.

“The citizens of Lithuania, who defended their freedom during the tragic events of 13 January 1991, are perfectly aware of Ukraine’s struggle for freedom in the face of Russian aggression. The world must know the whole truth about the aggression and the suffering of the Ukrainian people. Therefore, your book, just like the other stories, is very much needed. This is a European conscience and our tribute to the victims,” said the Minister.

Loiko is a Russian and a graduate of Maurice Thorez Moscow State Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages, who later became a war reporter and visited “hot spots” in Afghanistan and Iraq. In 2015, Loiko received one of America’s most prestigious journalism awards – Overseas Press Club Bob Considine Award – for his for coverage of the events in Ukraine. He is also a recipient of the Los Angeles Times’ Editorial Award for 2014 for the incomparable Ukrainian coverage.

The writer came to Lithuania to take part in the international Vilnius Book Fair, where he presented his book ‘Airport’ and, together with Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, participated in a debate “Ukraine – Lithuania: a new great narrative on geopolitical issues and cultural connections”.