Victor Zabella Ukrainian poet, lyricist. Date of Birth: 01.01.1808

1. Vasily Zabila: A Ukrainian Poet and Lyric
2. Early Education and Military Service
3. Life After the Military and Friendship with Taras Shevchenko
4. Impact of Shevchenko's Influence
5. Legacy and Death

Vasily Zabila: A Ukrainian Poet and Lyric

Vasily Zabila, a Ukrainian poet and lyric writer, was born in 1808 into a family of modest means, with lineage tracing back to a renowned Cossack clan.

Early Education and Military Service

From 1822 to 1825, Zabila pursued higher learning at the Nezhyn Gymnasium of Higher Sciences. Subsequently, he served in the Russian Imperial Army from 1825 to 1834, retiring with the rank of lieutenant.

Life After the Military and Friendship with Taras Shevchenko

Settling on his estate near Borzna, Zabila dedicated himself to writing and maintaining a close friendship with Taras Shevchenko. During Shevchenko's visits to Ukraine, they frequently met, and in 1847, Shevchenko resided with Zabila on his estate, "Kukurikovshchyna." Shevchenko captured Zabila's likeness in a poignant portrait.

Impact of Shevchenko's Influence

Shevchenko's revolutionary and democratic ideals had a profound impact on Zabila's worldview and literary creations. In 1847, Zabila's poems were confiscated by the gendarmerie when they arrested Shevchenko. These writings were labeled as "libelous" in the interrogation report.

Legacy and Death

Zabila attended Shevchenko's funeral and contributed to the upkeep of his grave. The poet passed away in November 1869 in Borzna, leaving behind a legacy of lyrical verses and a deep friendship with one of Ukraine's greatest literary figures.