Remembering those who brought the truth to the world: honoring the fallen journalists of Ukraine

September 16 is the Day of Remembrance of Journalists, established in 2007 at the initiative of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU). This year marks 25 years since the death of Georgy Gongadze, a journalist whose name has forever become a symbol of the struggle for freedom of speech in Ukraine.

Journalism in Ukraine has always been a dangerous profession. But the full-scale war unleashed by russia has made it deadly dangerous. According to verified data from the NUJU and the International Federation of Journalists, as of September 5, 2025, russian occupiers have killed at least 130 media workers.

“These figures are not just statistics – behind each one there is a human life, a broken story, an unfinished article, an unfilmed report. Eighteen journalists were killed while performing their professional duties, 10 became civilian victims, 102 media workers gave their lives defending Ukraine in the ranks of the Defense Forces,” notes NUJU President Sergiy Tomilenko. “On this day, the connection between the death of Georgy Gongadze and all fallen media workers is especially felt. A quarter of a century ago, his death became a symbol of the struggle for press independence. Today, his work is continued by Ukrainian journalists who risk their lives to bring the truth about russian aggression to the world.”

Commemoration events are taking place across Ukraine today. These events are not just a ritual. This is our duty to those who gave their lives for the right of Ukrainians to know the truth. This is a reminder of the price we pay for the freedom of speech every day.

Ukrainian journalists are currently fulfilling a dual mission. They not only inform society but also defend its right to truthful information from russian propaganda. Some hold a pen and a camera, and others have taken up arms – but all serve one cause: the independence of Ukraine.

Every deceased journalist is a lost voice of truth, an unfinished chapter in our history. However, their sacrifice will not be in vain if we remember them, continue their work, and ensure their names are not forgotten.

Eternal memory to Ukrainian journalists who gave their lives for the truth!