Ukraine War Journalists: Heroes on the Side of Truth

Our program today is dedicated to the journalists who have, and continue to, risk their lives in the line of duty reporting the truth during the current Russian invasion of Ukraine. The journalists who fearlessly and honestly inform the public about the events they cover are truly heroes. Sadly, not all are spared from the consequences of performing this vital work. They face many dangers, from being physically exposed while filming and documenting what’s occurring at the battlefront to being persecuted or killed for informing the world's citizens about Russian propaganda.

In spite of adversities, brave journalists from Ukraine, the US, England, France, and other countries continue to defy these threats and fulfill their duties. Thanks to their timely reporting, the world has a chance to closely follow the war’s progress, and to be aware of the horrors inflicted on Ukrainian civilians in heavily attacked cities such as Donbas, Bucha, Borodyanka, Irpin, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol, Odessa, and Poltava.

Time and again, journalists have brought international attention to crimes committed by the Russian government that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. Meanwhile, some journalists have also shared their appreciation for the courage, nobility, and resilience of the Ukrainians they encounter. Unfortunately, many courageous journalists have paid with their lives in order for the world to follow the war on the frontlines. According to the Ukrainian government, by June 6, 2022, 32 journalists had died in Ukraine.

On March 14, 2022, Russian state television journalist Marina Ovsyannikova disrupted a primetime live news broadcast by holding up an antiwar sign on Russia’s Channel 1 that read, “Stop the war. Don't believe propaganda. You are being lied to.” During a conference with Supreme Master Television team members, our beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai praised this extraordinary act by Marina Ovsyannikova.

On June 21, Nobel Peace Prize recipient Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov auctioned his Nobel medal for a record US $103.5 million to help Ukrainian child refugees.