A Resilient Voice Amidst Conflict in Ukraine

Vassyl’s journey as a journalist demonstrates the power of local media in the face of adversity. With a deep-rooted connection to his hometown of Zolochiv, he has spent years illuminating issues within the community and now finds himself on the front lines of a war that has drastically changed the landscape of his reporting. This article dives into Vassyl’s experiences as he navigates the challenges of a newspaper under siege while striving to expose the truth amid chaos.

Early Life and Career

Vassyl’s journey into journalism began in his teenage years, where poetry became his first medium of expression. He pursued a degree in literature at university in Kharkiv, and at just 20 years old, he took his first steps into the world of journalism by joining the local Zolochiv newspaper. His career took a brief detour when, at 31, he transitioned to a role with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, focusing on corruption investigations in his region. However, a decade later, the call of journalism brought him back to the weekly publication that shaped his early career.

“I can’t imagine doing anything other than journalism,” Vassyl states passionately.

A Landmark Moment for Local Media

Proudly, Vassyl reflects on a significant achievement when the newspaper became one of the first to be de-nationalized in 2017. He played an instrumental role in drafting the legislation that enabled local newspapers in Ukraine to be privatized, viewing it as a crucial step towards reducing government influence and preserving editorial freedom. With the onset of war, Vassyl has maintained his focus on local political corruption, though he’s now primarily dedicated to countering external misinformation.

“Russia feeds on our internal divisions. Even if holding our own authorities accountable remains part of the job, my current priority is to counter the enemy’s lies,” he explains, emphasizing the challenges journalists face in times of conflict.

The Threat of War

The dangers of his mission became painfully evident on April 5, 2022, when two Russian shells struck the newspaper’s newsroom, causing partial devastation to the historical building that had stood for over 140 years. Fortunately, Vassyl was late to work that day due to a hangover from a gathering the night before.

“I was running late to work… The night before, we celebrated with some awful vodka. It was that hangover that saved me,” he recalls with a somber chuckle. “If I had been there, given the shrapnel marks in the room, I would have been dead.”

Exposing Russian Disinformation

Throughout the conflict, Vassyl’s commitment to factual reporting has put him in the crosshairs of Russian propaganda. He notes, “In 2022, Russian state television aired a report accusing me of illegally entering one of their villages to spread false information. I have never even set foot there.” Instead, Vassyl has dedicated his efforts to documenting missile remnants to reveal the truth behind attacks that may amount to war crimes or violations of international law.

Resilience and Commitment to Truth

After the invasion, the newspaper faced significant challenges, including the bombing of its printing press, forcing a hiatus of nearly six months. Many residents fled to safer areas, but Vassyl made the conscious decision to remain and document the unfolding crisis in his hometown. “I had to stay and bear witness,” he says, explaining how he sent his family to safety in western Ukraine while he captured the destruction surrounding him.

With a smartphone in hand, he filmed the bombings, evacuations, and devastated neighborhoods. “If I didn’t document what I was witnessing, who would? We live in remote areas, and it was crucial to show the world what was happening to us,” he states emphatically.

The Revival of Local News

As the Ukrainian army began to liberate communities near Zolochiv, Vassyl was determined to restore access to accurate news for those who had been cut off. He found a new printing press and got straight to work. “In these rural areas, there often isn’t another reliable information source. People trust us, and we cannot walk away from that,” he asserts proudly.

Kostyantyn Neoneta, the newspaper’s accountant, alongside Vassyl, stayed behind in Zolochiv, choosing to distribute the paper weekly by bicycle. He explained, “I didn’t want to leave. I knew I was far more useful here than in other cities.” With Russian propaganda often infiltrating homes, Vassyl emphasized the importance of their mission: “My goal is to ensure that does not happen.”

Conclusion

Despite the dire circumstances, Vassyl and his team exemplify the unwavering spirit of local journalism. Their dedication to truth-telling serves as a beacon for their community amidst the chaos of war, highlighting the essential role of trustworthy information in times of crisis.

• Vassyl’s journey began with poetry and evolved into a passionate commitment to journalism.
• He played a crucial role in legislative changes that enhanced editorial independence in local media.
• The war has posed significant threats to Vassyl’s safety, including direct attacks on his newsroom.
• Despite immense challenges, Vassyl remains committed to documenting the truth and providing reliable news to his community.