Laureate of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize Vasyl Slapchuk from Lutsk has begun a hunger strike that will last until Viktor Yushchenko's complete victory. The Afghan war veteran cannot, due to his physical condition, be on the Maidan with everyone today, so he decided to support Viktor Yushchenko and all fighters for Ukraine's freedom through prayer and fasting. Vasyl Slapchuk is convinced that "prayer and fasting have great power. God has more than once averted calamities from his people, heeding the prayers and fasting of people" – it is stated in the artist's letter. The Honored Artist of Ukraine is convinced that Ukraine today has awakened, risen from its knees, raised its head, and the Ukrainian people have seen the light and managed to separate light from darkness. Vasyl Slapchuk believes that every conscious citizen should be on the Maidan today. To Viktor Yushchenko and all the heroes of the orange revolution, the poet dedicated "The Orange Revolution."
Autumn snow lies like salt on the wound of the hundred-times-crucified Fatherland. What further shifts and what efforts are needed for the Lord to acknowledge my people.
Cold night, like a rider without stirrups. There is no way to shield oneself with a saber. In my chest I have so few lungs to warm this Maidan with a breath.
There is so little of me to cover you from all the knives of this blizzard. Let words explode in your souls, and let bullets be silent in my body.
We will prevail. We will prevail, for all the darkest darkness will disperse in the morning. We are with Ukraine, and God is with us. And the warm orange of the sun is rising
25.11.2004 Vasyl Slapchuk Lutsk