The team of the Academy of Ukrainian Press, together with the head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine Serhiy Tomilenko, visited the Sumy region to support journalists who continue their work in extremely difficult conditions. One of these stalwart examples is Oleksiy Pasyuga, editor-in-chief of the Vorskla newspaper published in Velyka Pysarivka.
At a time when Russian troops were constantly shelling the village, Oleksiy managed to keep the newspaper going. Today, Vorskla continues to publish weekly despite all the difficulties, thanks to the support of international organizations and partners.
The village of Velyka Pysarivka is almost empty. Most residents were forced to leave their homes due to constant shelling. Despite the danger, Oleksiy and his wife Natalia continue to deliver fresh copies of the newspaper to the few hundred fellow countrymen who remain.
During the trip, AUP President Valeriy Ivanov and UUP Executive Director Andriy Kovalenko had the opportunity to see firsthand how the newspaper is distributed to the audience and to talk personally with residents for whom Vorskla has become not only a source of information but also hope. During the conversations, the locals talked about how important the newspaper is to them in times of uncertainty.
The newspaper's editorial office was heavily damaged by shelling. However, Oleksiy remains optimistic and continues his mission.
This trip was an opportunity not only to experience the real challenges faced by editorial offices in frontline areas, but also to thank international partners for their help in preserving important regional media.
The work of journalists in such conditions is not just fulfilling their professional duty, it is a real heroism that brings Ukraine's victory closer.
