A popular publicist explained to Ukrainians how the issue of Gogol's belonging is resolved.

Ukrainian publicist Vitaly Portnikov claims that Nikolai Gogol was not a Russian writer, but the “Kafka” of Russian literature who fell in love with Ukraine. He is convinced that the issue of Gogol's “belonging” will always be a problem for Ukrainians.

The publicist agrees that Gogol was one of the most talented writers to have appeared on Ukrainian soil. He chose the Russian language for his creativity and enriched Russian literature. Portnikov believes that this was an important contribution not only to Ukraine, but also to the world.

The publicist draws attention to the fact that Gogol was similar to Kafka, as his work was the perfect example of “minor literature”. He tried to become part of the “great” Russian literature but lacked the opportunities to achieve it.

Portnikov claims that Gogol was a Ukrainian writer who fell in love with his homeland, yet was able to look at Russia from a realistic point of view.

Thus, according to the publicist, Gogol cannot be considered a Russian writer, but as a result of his creativity, he created the perfect portrait of Ukraine and a critique of Russia. In his genius, Gogol leaned towards the “great” Russian literature, but he could never become a “true Russian”, for whom beautiful Ukraine was repugnant.