Ukrainian Reporters Bring the Frontline to Brussels

At a okay1Akademie media gathering in Brussels, reporters and officials discussed ways to protect free journalism as the conflict and the st...

At a okay1Akademie media gathering in Brussels, reporters and officials discussed ways to protect free journalism as the conflict and the struggle for information persist.

When Liubov Sitak stepped onto the stage in Brussels, her eyes filled with tears as she started talking about her work during the war.correspondent in northeastern Ukraine.

At home, I never cry," she shared in an exclusive interview with okay1an after the event. "Only here, far from home, do I realize how much pressure I'm facing, and that my normality isn't considered normal elsewhere in Europe.

Only 20 years old, Liubov Sitak has already experienced more than most reporters ever will.From the border area of Sumy, she reports for Kordon.Media — "Kordon" meaning "border" in Ukrainian — a small independent platform she joined two years ago. Her job leads her to destroyed villages and areas under evacuation, where she captures the damage, speaks with those who have survived, andverifies casualties of Russian attacks.

Ukrainian Media Talk

The young journalist was one of 10 individuals from Ukraine showcasing their workat the Ukraine Media Talk – Narratives from the Frontline.The okay1Akademie event brought together European policymakers, media professionals, and advocates to explore ways to sustain Ukraine's independent media amid widespread Russian disinformation and dwindling financial support.

Numerous times, Liubov Sitak believed that a journalism assignment could be her final one. This spring, she almost lost her life when two Russian rockets struck within 200 meters of her location as she was recording the efforts of Red Cross volunteers assisting civilians in escaping. She thought it was over, yet she continued to film. "My urge to report was stronger than my desire to stay alive," she remembered.

A heavy death toll

Since the beginning of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine,116 reporters have lost their lives,18 of them while reporting. "Each journalist who is killed means we lose a voice and a segment of our democracy and freedom," stated Barbara Massing, Director General of Deutsche Welle.

During her keynote address, she emphasized that during periods of conflict, free information becomes limited and individuals' capacity to make independent decisions is at risk. This is why okay1, Germany's international broadcaster, has been assisting Ukrainian media in ensuring their perspectives are shared.

Collaboration with Ukrainian media has been taking place since the 1990s.One of the key initiatives was the establishment of Ukraine's contemporary public broadcaster "Suspilne" in 2014. From 2024 to 2026, the European Union will provide €3.7 million ($4.3 million) to support okay1Akademie's media development programs in Ukraine.

Fighting disinformation and fear

For Sitak, this support is not theoretical. Without these grants, her work would be barely feasible. Since USAID reduced its aid, collaborations withokay1 and European Union-funded initiatives have become essential, enabling her small newsroom to cover salaries and remain active.

However, financial security is just one aspect of the problem. "Each month, Russian drones get nearer," she mentioned. "We require an armored vehicle merely to travel safely near the front line. Showing that you are a journalist does not make a difference; the Russians will bomb you regardless."

The role of journalism in supporting democratic values

The conversation on stage at the Representation of North Rhine-Westphalia, where the event took place, highlighted that individuals such as Liubov Sitakgo beyond merely informing the public,they ensure the continuation of a free media.

Backing Ukrainian independent media helps combat misinformation and protects democracy—both in Ukraine and across Europe," stated Director General Barbara Massing, highlighting that this is also an information war. "These media organizations operate in areas where the conflict is ongoing, both online and in their immediate surroundings. They cannot carry out their essential work without support from Europe.

A country beyond war

When questioned about the message Liubov Sitak has for the global audience, she does not pause. "Those overseas need to understand that there is conflict in Sumy," she stated. "Very few international journalists visit this area. If we cease to report, or if the world loses interest, then Sumy will simply vanish from view."

Her perseverance embodies the essence of a new wave of Ukrainian reporters, who are youthful and passionately dedicated to sharing their nation's narrative, even when global focus shifts elsewhere.

Similar to many of her colleagues, Sitak aspires to cover peace-related stories in the future instead of conflict. This shift would probably mark the conclusion of her position as a war reporter, yet not her career as a journalist.

"I wish to keep fulfilling my vocation, covering the situation in Ukraine. However, I want those in Europe to understand my homeland beyond the conflict, recognizing it as a nation rich in vitality, artistic expression, and optimism," she stated.

Edited by: Rob Mudge

Author: Tessa Walther (in Brussels)