Once again regarding Galina Rymbu's accusations against Denis Beznosov.
Mikhail Shishkin
The genocide of the Ukrainian people and the deportation of Ukrainian children from the occupied territories of Ukraine is a heinous crime. All persons involved in this crime must certainly be identified and punished according to the law. The investigation is being carried out by the Ukrainian Government authorities and the International Criminal Court in The Hague. In the near future, the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine will also deal with this issue.
To what extent Denis Beznosov participated in these crimes (and whether he did) should be investigated by these competent authorities, not by the literary prize. The task of the Dar literary prize is to promote the finalists' books in every possible way, to attract the attention of social networks, press, translators, and publishers all over the world. And Dar successfully coped with its task in the first season. The books of the finalists have received and continue to receive a lot of attention in foreign media. The interest in the prize has been enormous, and we are already receiving a large number of applications for the next season. The accusations against one of the finalists were made only after the award season was already over, although the names of the shortlisted entrants had long been announced on the award's website. No one made any accusations against Denis Beznosov for several months while the award was running.
Litpremia is not an investigative committee and proceeds from the presumption of innocence. If the Ukrainian state authorities investigating the crimes of the Russian Federation against Ukraine confirm in their official conclusion the accusations against Denis Beznosov, the Literary Prize will certainly take all measures in its power. People involved in crimes against humanity, in the deportation of Ukrainian children from the occupied territories, in the genocide of the Ukrainian people have no place near the Literary Prize “Dar”.
What Are the Objectives of the Award?
The primary goal of the Award is to support authors and promote Russian-language literature worldwide. We welcome all who write and read in Russian, regardless of citizenship or place of residence. We aim to foster a Russian-language culture free from political and imperial influences.
How Is the Award Process Conducted?
The Prize is awarded annually. The Jury holds a vote in which each member selects between one and three works. The author whose work receives the highest number of votes becomes the winner.
What Awards Are Provided?
The Prize winner receives a grant for the translation of their work into English, French, and German.
When Does the Submission Period for the Competition Start and End?
Submissions for the third season of the prize will open on July 15, 2026, and close on October 15, 2026.
When will the list of finalists and winners be announced?
On January 20, 2027, the Council of Experts will announce the shortlist. The Independent Jury will announce the winner on May 25, 2027.
What are the conditions for the nomination of a book for the award
Works published in 2025 are eligible for the third season of the competition. Eligible works (novels, novellas, short story and essay collections, documentary prose) may have been published either as standalone editions or in literary magazines. Nominations may be submitted by publishing houses and magazine editorial boards, as well as by the authors themselves or third parties (with the author's consent and written confirmation). Texts must be submitted for consideration in electronic format. The DAR Prize is open to all authors. Given the prize's main goals — promoting contemporary Russian-language literature outside of Russia — and the nature of the award itself (a translation grant), priority will be given to authors whose works have not previously been translated into English, French, or German.
