THE NATIONAL UNION OF
JOURNALISTS OF UKRAINE
In the war-torn regions of eastern Ukraine, two local newspapers continue their vital work under extraordinary circumstances. The “Zorya” from Zolochiv in the Kharkiv region and “Ridne Misto” from Myrnohrad in the Donetsk region persevere in their mission to deliver reliable news to their readers, despite the constant threat of Russian shelling and the harsh realities of life on the frontlines.
These publications have become symbols of Ukrainian journalists’ resilience, operating just kilometers away from active combat zones. Editors personally distribute copies to the most remote areas of frontline territories, often amid the sounds of explosions and under the watchful eyes of enemy drones. Windows in their offices have been shattered by blast waves, yet the presses continue to run.
The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) has been instrumental in facilitating support for these frontline newspapers. Working in partnership with the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) in the United States, the NUJU has helped secure funding for the next few issues of “Zorya” and “Ridne Misto”. This collaboration, while modest in scale, represents an important step in international solidarity among journalists. It underscores the global journalism community’s recognition of the challenges faced by Ukrainian media professionals and the critical role they play in providing accurate information in conflict zones. Such cooperative efforts, led by the NUJU, help sustain independent journalism in Ukraine’s most vulnerable regions, contributing to the fight against disinformation in these trying times.
The newspaper “Zorya” is published in Zolochiv, Kharkiv region, a border town with Russia, just 12 miles from the front line. For the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine this editorial team symbolizes the resilience of Ukrainian journalists. The newspaper’s editor-in-chief, Vasyl Myroshnyk, became the protagonist of a documentary film produced by the NUJU’s information service, titled “On the Frontier: A Story of a Frontline Editor’s Unbreakable Spirit.”
“Every week, Vasyl Savych single-handedly delivers newspaper copies to villages in close proximity to enemy positions, sometimes as near as 500 meters to 1.2 miles away, using his own old car,” says deputy editor Lesya Babkina. “This often happens amid the sounds of explosions, rocket attacks, and under the watchful eye of enemy drones. Last Friday, he distributed this special issue in the same manner. We are incredibly grateful for this support, which allows us to maintain independent journalism in our frontline region.”
Unfortunately, the “Zorya” newsroom recently suffered another shelling attack. The journalists documented the aftermath. “We couldn’t resist recording a video. We usually don’t do this because these are just our office walls. People are losing so much more. And life, it’s more important,” Lesya Babkina comments. This stark reality underscores the dangers faced by local journalists in Ukraine’s conflict zones, a situation that might be hard to imagine for many American reporters working in safer conditions.
The newspaper “Ridne Misto” is published in Myrnohrad, Donetsk region, just a few kilometers from the contact line. In recent weeks, Russia has dramatically intensified shelling in this area, making the work of local journalists increasingly perilous.
“The unity of efforts between leading journalistic organizations in Ukraine and the United States gives us the opportunity to continue our crucial mission – to counter Russian disinformation and provide our community with reliable information,” emphasizes editor-in-chief Maksym Zabelia.
According to him, the situation in Myrnohrad is currently “quite loud.” “Sometimes it’s quieter, sometimes it’s really bad. But my deputy, journalist Nonna Kyrychenko, and I are still working in the city, in our editorial office. It’s still standing, even though a blast wave blew out the window. Of course, if it gets worse, we’ll have to leave at night and work remotely,” the editor adds.
Zabelia underscores the importance of the printed edition: “With frequent power outages and disruptions to mobile communications and internet, ‘Ridne Misto’ remains a reliable provider of critical information for residents of frontline communities in the western part of Donetsk region.”
“The support from our American colleagues at SPJ demonstrates the importance of international solidarity in combating disinformation and preserving independent journalism in wartime conditions,” emphasizes Sergiy Tomilenko, the president of NUJU. “This assistance not only ensures the continued publication of newspapers but also boosts the morale of Ukrainian journalists who risk their lives daily in the pursuit of truth over falsehood.”
Tomilenko continues, “Despite the constant danger and challenging working conditions, the editorial teams of ‘Zorya’ and ‘Ridne Misto’ persist in their mission, remaining reliable sources of information for local residents and countering Russian propaganda. Their work is a vivid example of the indomitable Ukrainian spirit and underscores the crucial role of a free press in times of adversity.”
Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) has been actively supporting their Ukrainian colleagues. The organization established a dedicated Ukraine Journalists Fund to raise money for media professionals in the conflict zone. In June 2023, SPJ representatives visited Kyiv, delivering equipment to local journalists. The Society is also documenting violations of journalists’ rights for the International Criminal Court in The Hague and developing innovative tools to support media workers in wartime conditions. SPJ works closely with the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, coordinating their efforts to provide the most effective assistance to Ukrainian media professionals.
Information service of NUJU
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