On the Frontier shows importance of independent media on Ukraine front-line
Vasyl Myroshnyk gently holds the crying woman by the shoulders, offering her a few comforting words. She expresses her gratitude for the newspapers he has brought. She is one of the few remaining residents of the village on the front line between Ukraine and Russia. For her, that newspaper is a lifeline.
Every week, Vasyl drives around 400 kilometres along the dangerous eastern frontline in a van filled with newspapers. He is the editor-in-chief of Zorya, one of the newspapers that can still be printed thanks to the support of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU). In many of these areas, the newspaper is the sole source of news, as there is no electricity or internet access. These local newspapers provide essential information for those who remain: where to find help, where shelters are located, and tributes to the heroes of the region.
Reliable news
In the documentary On the Frontier: The Heroic Story of the Journalist from the Front-Line Newspaper, NUJU President Sergiy Tomilenko captures Vasyl’s fight for independent and reliable news. It is not just the story of a journalist doing his job and personally delivering newspapers; it is above all a story of resilience and determination. No matter how often newsrooms are bombed, the occupier will not succeed in silencing the media.
Together with other press freedom organisations and funds, Free Press Unlimited has supported the survival of independent media in Ukraine. Shortly after Russia’s invasion, Free Press Unlimited launched the Media Lifeline Ukraine initiative, providing safety equipment and supplies, and relocation of journalists. For a year, it also offered refuge in Warsaw to Ukrainian journalists who were able to continue their work from this hub. Thanks to support from Free Press Unlimited, local newspapers could still be printed. Through international collaboration, the NUJU has now managed to support 32 different newspapers in the frontline regions.
Your solidarity helps to keep independent journalism alive in the darkest times of war - Sergiy Tomilenko
In recent weeks, Tomilenko has traveled to England, Germany, and the Netherlands to raise awareness for the documentary among international organisations. As part of this effort, he also visited Free Press Unlimited. In recognition of Free Press Unlimited’s involvement, Tomilenko presented the organisation with a Special Award. "Your solidarity helps to keep independent journalism alive in the darkest times of war," Tomilenko said as he presented the award to Leon Willems of Free Press Unlimited. Willems was one of the initiators of the Media Lifeline Ukraine. The award ceremony was also attended by several donors who helped make the Media Lifeline Ukraine initiative possible.
The documentary is not publicly available. To foster discussions and explore the role of frontline journalism, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine screens it at conferences and special events for audiences including journalists, military personnel, teachers, and students of educational institutions.
