Where war changes people's lives and the sounds of sirens and gunfire have become a daily reality, the Academy of Ukrainian Press (AUP) takes on a vital role. The AUP supports media outlets not only with knowledge and experience, but also creates conditions for their further development and strengthening so that they can fulfill their mission more effectively during the war.
As part of a courageous project supported by the U.S. Embassy's Media Development Fund «Ukrainian Regional (Frontline) Media», the AUP team visited the frontline cities of Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Sumy regions. During the visit, AUP President Valeriy Ivanov and Executive Director Andriy Kovalenko discussed the key problems faced by local editorial offices and proposed effective solutions to overcome them.
Their route took them through cities that had experienced occupation, shelling, and the unbearable pain of war. Izyum and Druzhkivka became not just stops, but a meeting point for two worlds: those who create stories and those who report them to the world.
The video can be viewed HERE>
In wounded but unconquered Izyum, the editorial office of «Obriy Izyumshchyny» is a living proof that journalism not only survives during war, but also strengthens the spirit of the remaining population. The AUP team was warmly greeted by the editor of the newspaper Mykola Kalyuzhny, who continues to support the work of the editorial office. «Druzhkivka in the palms of your hands» is a symbol of resilience in the city, led by Andriy Nazarenko, and is a shining example of how the media can remain a rock of credibility in the most difficult times.
The AUP project is not just about supporting local media, it is part of a larger war for public awareness. After all, words are not just sentences. They are a challenge, a choice, a responsibility. «The mission of a journalist now is not only to cover events, but also to become a support for people who want to understand what is really happening», said Valeriy Ivanov.
The AUP is preparing new trips and ways to support editorial offices, discussions and projects that will help local media to resist the enemy – both on the information and human levels.
Today, Ukraine is defending itself not only on the battlefield, but also in minds and hearts. The Academy of Ukrainian Press is actively involved in this fight, going where the word is needed most. The AUP strives to show that journalism is not just a job, it is courage, endurance and loyalty.
Together we will defend the truth to the very end!
