The British BBC Audio Drama Awards in the nomination “Best European Drama” this year was won by the radio play “Unborn for War”, created by Radio Kultura in collaboration with the Third Army Corps.
The BBC Audio Drama Awards are one of the most prestigious international awards in the field of audio production. The award recognizes originality, diversity and high quality of audio projects. The award ceremony took place on March 1, 2026 in London, at the BBC Broadcasting House Radio Theatre.
“Not Born for War” is a production based on the real stories of Ukrainian volunteers. The script was written by Anatoly Neyolov, and the main role was played by Yevhen Avdeenko, an actor who currently serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The play features stories from soldiers of the Third Army Corps about everyday life on the front line, everyday life, and experience of participating in assault operations on the hottest sections of the front.
According to Yevhen Avdeenko, the plot is based on real events and experiences of fighters who defended Ukraine and were hardened in battles.
Anatoly Neyolov noted that the main idea was to show not only the war itself, but primarily people who go through its trials. At the center of the story is internal choice, human dignity, and the ability to remain oneself even in the most difficult circumstances. That is why the play has a tragicomic character – it combines pain, resilience and humor.
«…And most importantly: war is a tragedy. But the play that we created, the text that appeared, is tragicomic. One of the greats said that the world was saved because it laughed. Under such pressure of circumstances, we have not ceased to be human, we live with sadness and tears, but we smile and rejoice in life, we love, we believe. This is important for us,” Neyolov said.
The project was also worked on by producer and director-producer Svitlana Svyrydko, editor and cinematographer Kateryna Avramenko, who prepared the English-language version, and recording director Marina Goltseva.
Previously, “Not Born for War” was shortlisted for the international Prix Italia competition in the “Radio and Podcasts” category and received a special award at the Prix Europa 2025 in the “Audio Fiction” nomination. The radio play is available for open access listening on the Radio Culture platform.
