THE NATIONAL UNION OF
JOURNALISTS OF UKRAINE
The strategic partner of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU), the Swiss Fondation Hirondelle, has opened an office in the capital of Ukraine.
Congratulating loyal friends on this event, NUJU President Sergiy Tomilenko emphasized that “for the Ukrainian journalistic community, this is a sign of trust and faith in our common future.”
Since February 2022, when the large-scale invasion began, it was Fondation Hirondelle, together with Ukrainian colleagues from the Institute for Regional Media and Information (IRMI, Ukraine), that became the reliable shoulder on which dozens of regional media outlets could rely. Their systematic support – both financial and mentoring – has allowed Ukrainian journalists not just to survive, but to continue working, developing, and becoming modern. Thanks to this cooperation, more than 20 Ukrainian media outlets, most of which operate a few kilometers from the front line, have had a chance to preserve their editorial offices and their voices.
Sergiy Tomilenko welcomed the well-known American journalist Sabra Ayres, who headed the Ukrainian office as National Representative, and Maks Krasytskyi, who became the project coordinator.
“It was incredibly warm to hug Sandra Fontaine, who heads the Ukrainian department from the central office in Lausanne. Her sincere interest in Ukraine, our problems, and achievements is striking to the core! I also had the honor of meeting Karin Prestat, the director of the support service, who clearly understands the media challenges of wartime,” Sergiy Tomilenko noted.
He added that no Zoom meetings will replace the feeling of unity and understanding that arises during personal meetings. When international partners come to Kyiv despite the war and anxiety, it means much more than dozens of official statements of support. This is not just a formality – it is a powerful symbol of solidarity, trust, and confidence in the future of Ukraine.
NUJU Information Service
Discussion about this post