The Museum of the History of Kyiv planned to present a book about Bulgakov, prompting a response from the Kyiv City State Administration. Details to follow.

The Department of Culture of the Kyiv City State Administration has canceled the presentation of the book "Kyiv of Mikhail Bulgakov," which was scheduled for January 14 at 5:00 PM. This information was posted on the department's Facebook page.

"The department was not informed about this event, and we will definitely investigate all circumstances to ensure that such situations do not occur in the future. For now, the presentation is canceled," the agency stated.

They added that no budget funds were allocated for the publication of the book and its presentation.

Cancellation of the Book Presentation: Museum's Position

Representatives from the Museum of the History of Kyiv stated in a comment to "Suspilne" that the presentation of the book "Kyiv of Mikhail Bulgakov" was supposed to take place at the museum, as public discussion of this writer is not illegal. They also mentioned that the museum has rethought its concept and now focuses more on the history of Kyiv during the national liberation struggle of the early 20th century.

"The publication of the book and all promotional expenses were covered by the publishing house 'ADEF-Ukraine.' The book is a photo narrative about Kyiv in the early 20th century—a significant and tragic period experienced by both the city and the writer," the Museum of the History of Kyiv explained, adding that the publishing house will hold the event in another location.

Presentation of the Book "Kyiv of Mikhail Bulgakov": Background

It is worth noting that a banner announcing the presentation of the book "Kyiv of Mikhail Bulgakov" appeared in the lobby of the Museum of the History of Kyiv on January 14. This was reported by public figure and chairman of the Charitable Foundation "Heroika," Oleg Slabospitsky.

He pointed out that the book was published in 2025 with the support of the Museum of the History of Kyiv and the M. Bulgakov Museum. The introductory word in the book was written by the director of the Museum of the History of Kyiv, Diana Popova.

"In fact, on the 11th year of the war with the Russians, a book about 'Kyiv through the eyes of the Russian world' is being presented," the public figure added.

Kyiv City Council member Ksenia Semenova noted on her Facebook page that this book does not focus on the biography and works of Bulgakov.

"This is precisely a propaganda piece romanticizing the Russian perspective on Kyiv. A propaganda piece that was published in 1993 and has now been reissued for some reason," she added.

Ksenia Semenova reported that she wrote a letter to the city mayor demanding the cancellation of the presentation. She reminded that the expert commission of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory recognized Mikhail Bulgakov as a symbol of Russian imperial policy.

It is also worth mentioning that several Russian and Belarusian authors, including Mikhail Bulgakov, were removed from the school curriculum for the subject of Foreign Literature in 2022.

Additionally, the Expert Commission of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory has recognized the writer Mikhail Bulgakov as a symbol of Russian imperial policy. They stated that the continued presence of monuments in his honor in public spaces serves as a tool for Russian propaganda.