THE NATIONAL UNION OF
JOURNALISTS OF UKRAINE
Dear colleagues! Dear friends,
2025 has become another year of trials for Ukrainian journalism — and at the same time a year of great professional dignity and solidarity. We are united by love for the profession and Ukraine, a conscious choice to be close to people in times of russian military aggression, when reliable information becomes a critical condition for security.
Together with you, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) has done everything possible throughout the year to support colleagues in the most difficult conditions, using all available opportunities both in Ukraine and abroad. We are convinced that the media is an element of the country’s critical infrastructure. By protecting journalism, we preserve the right of society to remain informed and free. And I sincerely thank everyone in Ukraine and the world who supported the journalistic community during this year.
We have lived through another difficult year.
A year of losses.
A year of struggle.
But also a year of great mutual support.
On the eve of the New Year 2026, I would like to thank everyone of you from the bottom of my heart:
- journalists of national and international media, who provide high-quality and responsible information to the public every day, work in a mode of constant stress and high responsibility, form guidelines for professional standards, and contribute to maintaining sustained international attention to events in Ukraine;
- investigative journalists, who consistently and fundamentally expose corruption and abuse, protecting the public interest even in the most difficult circumstances;
- journalists working in front-line communities – writing, filming, editing, and delivering information to where it is needed most;
- those who maintain editorial offices in rear cities, providing communities with news prepared according to professional standards;
- colleagues who support journalists in the Journalists’ Solidarity Centers (JSC), help restore the work of editorial offices, provide legal, psychological, and practical support;
- veterans of journalism and media education teachers who preserve the traditions of the profession, pass on their experience, train and support new generations of journalists in the difficult conditions of war;
- media workers who are serving in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine today;
- our colleagues who are in captivity or have gone missing – we remember you and are fighting for your return;
- those who have suffered losses – homes, colleagues, loved ones. We are with you;
- international partners, donors, and professional organizations who have supported Ukrainian journalists and media throughout the year, helped to maintain professional independence, security, and the voice of Ukrainian journalism in the world.
We remain a community.
We are together.
May our work benefit people.
May the truth continue to be heard – despite everything.
Journalists are important. Especially now.
I wish all of us a just peace and Victory in 2026. And may this year be the year of our return home — to peace, freedom, and a dignified life in Ukraine. Good health, endurance, and strength. Warmth and light — in homes and hearts.
Eternal memory to the fallen heroes and all those whose lives were taken by russian aggression.
Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine!
Sincerely yours,
Sergiy Tomilenko,
President of the NUJU,
Member of the Executive Committee of the European Federation of Journalists
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