But no matter how tired we are, the war still goes on. And that means the Russians continue to destroy Ukrainian cities and torture Ukrainians in the occupied territories. As a journalist, I must document these crimes and also record history. We must try to capture as much as we can before it’s too late.
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I need to think not only about my safety but also about the safety of my team — the driver and the cameraman, which makes logistics highly responsible.
That’s why we have to adapt: think a lot about our safety, learn to provide first aid, and plan logistics carefully. Every publication puts us under extreme risk.
Previously, I worked in political journalism — a field that demands resilience, determination, and strength. Now, I work with people at war — often traumatized, sensitive, and I try to find a personal approach to them. That's why I need to be empathetic and attentive to the heroes of my stories.
The most challenging topics are those related to war crimes. I constantly think about the 73-year-old woman who was nearly raped by Russian soldiers in Izium, and the man from Kherson who was tortured by the FSB. One of the most dangerous reports I worked on was about the defense of Chasiv Yar, as many shellings and drones were trying to attack.
Overall, due to Ukrainian sky fill with Russian drones, working on the frontlines is becoming more and more difficult. It's almost impossible to reach the infantry trenches, where the greatest burden of the war is being carried. I worry that, because of this, we won’t be able to show the reality of the war.
Cooperate with Diana
I entered this profession because I wanted the world to be a little more just — with fewer crimes against humanity and fewer wars. I dreamed of fighting the "bad guys" — corrupt officials, inconsistent politicians, criminals. The genocide in Rwanda and the actions of Russian troops in Chechnya made a huge impact on my worldview, and I wanted to document such things, but I never imagined I would talk about my own country.
One day, the war will be over. Then I’ll take off my helmet and body armor, and instead, I’ll slip into a beautifully designed red dress, do my makeup, and sit down in a well-lit, thoughtfully crafted studio for interviews. I’ll launch a podcast and talk with my guests about fashion trends, relationships, mental health, and the meaning of life. Who knows—maybe we’ll even sip red wine and discuss the latest gossip.
But that time will come later.
For now, the war continues. I put on my body armor and helmet once again and head east—to the front lines of Ukraine, where the silence of peace has yet to come.
War reporter and Hromadske journalist.
With seven years of experience in journalism, Butsko has devoted nearly half of them to reporting from the frontline — focusing on war developments, the humanitarian situation, and Russia’s atrocities in Ukraine.
Diana
Butsko