You're reading: Ukrainian poet Borys Oliynyk dies at 81

The Ukrainian poet, translator and songwriter Borys Oliynyk has died in Kyiv, according to journalist Mykhailo Masliy. Oliynyk was 81.

Masliy noted on his Facebook page that Oliynyk had died on April 30 at noon, after suffering a long and severe illness.

In his lifetime, Oliynyk published over 40 poetry compilations, as well as numerous essays and journalistic articles, and translations of texts from many Slavic languages into Ukrainian.

From 1991-2006, he was a member of parliament for Ukraine’s Communist Party, although he was eventually suspended from the party in 2005 due to his support for the Orange Revolution of 2004.

In October 2005, Oliynyk was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.

“Ukrainian culture has suffered a grievous loss,” Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said in his official statement of condolences on April 30.

“(Oliynyk) did a lot to maintain the nation’s language and culture.”