The only
Material
It is difficult to accept,
but it seems that
we are
gradually
adapting to the
realities
of war journalism.
It is becoming part
of our
daily routine.
Ukrainian journalism is currently facing immense challenges: lack of funding for independent media, a shortage of specialists who have joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, military censorship, burnout and depressive states among colleagues, shortterm planning, power outages during shelling, and the increased pressure of responsibility for every word. This list goes on — but the most important thing is that we are adapting.
We, as journalists, have had to acquire new skills: providing first aid, working in highrisk environments, working in shelters, broadcasting news from basements, metro stations, and corridors, implementing safety and inclusivity policies, engaging with military personnel, and learning how to communicate with victims.
Gender equality has long been a topic of deep concern to me. However, addressing it in the context of war is profoundly challenging, as the conflict has significantly reversed the progress in this area. As a result, I have focused my work on documenting the war itself, believing that only after its resolution can we truly advance toward achieving equality.
Today, I report on shelling, casualties, deaths, military analysis, the lives of displaced persons, and the delivery of weapons and other military aid to Ukraine. In this context, growing distrust toward informa-tion sources demands much more time to verify statements, photos, audio, video, and other facts. The overwhelming presence of fake news, manipulation, and disinformation has made the pursuit of truth the central mission of journalism today.
The hardest part remains writing about, speaking of, or witnessing the deaths of children during shelling. And yet, I cannot remain silent because I have seen firsthand how information warfare becomes an integral part of military aggression and occupation, and how devastating the propaganda can be. The first thing Russian forces do when attempting to seize territory is to disable television and radio towers by striking it with missiles. Without objective journalism, the enemy will achieve its goals far easier in this war of aggression.
Kyiv, residential building
Photo credit:
Andriy Dubchak /
Frontliner
Photo credit:
Andriy Dubchak /
Frontliner
Before the full-scale war, I dedicated
my work to human rights journalism,
with a particular focus on women's
rights and gender equality. However,
reflecting on this now is painful,
as the war has significantly reversed
the progress we had achieved. Without
peace, we cannot implement true equality,
which is why, for now, I concentrate
primarily on covering the war and
its consequences.
Originally from Kerch, Crimea (currently under occupation). Lives and works in Kyiv. Editor-in-chief of Hromadske Radio, a non-governmental media organisation.
Born and raised in Crimea, Yermolaieva continued her journalistic work there even after Russian occupation in 2014. Facing constant threats, she was eventually compelled to flee her hometown. In 2024, she led the editorial team at Hromadske Radio, a Ukrainian media outlet recognised for its transparency and adherence to professional standards. It was included in the List of Transparent and Responsible Media and obtained certification from the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI), an international standard developed by Reporters Without Borders.
Victoriia
Yermolaieva