June 6 – Ukrainian Journalist Day: a profession that documents history and fights for the truth

Every year on June 6, Ukraine celebrates Journalist Day—a professional holiday for those who keep the public informed about important events on a daily basis. During a full-scale war, the work of journalists has become particularly dangerous, as many of them work directly on the front lines, risking their own lives for the sake of the truth. We explain how this holiday came to be, why it is celebrated on June 6, and remember the journalists who died while performing their professional duties.

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Ukrainian journalism is going through one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history since independence. The full-scale war has radically changed the work of newsrooms, correspondents, cameramen, and photojournalists. Today, they work not only in offices or studios, but also in frontline cities, at sites of missile strikes, in liberated towns, and directly near the front lines.

It is thanks to the work of journalists that millions of people in Ukraine and beyond can receive reliable information about the events of the war, the humanitarian situation, crimes against the civilian population, and the Ukrainian people’s struggle for their freedom. Reports, photos, and videos often become not only news but also important historical documents that record events for future generations.

Ukrainian Journalist Day is an opportunity to thank all members of the profession for their dedication, courage, and integrity. It is also a time to remember those who paid the ultimate price for society’s right to know the truth. Their work and sacrifice will forever remain a part of Ukraine’s modern history.

In our previous article, we described how Ukraine is turning its resources into an instrument of revival and international recognition.

Ukrainian Journalists’ Day: The History of the Holiday and Why It Is Celebrated on June 6

Ukrainian Journalists’ Day is celebrated annually on June 6. The holiday was officially established by a Decree of the President of Ukraine in 1994 following a significant event for the Ukrainian media community—on June 6, 1992, the Union of Journalists of Ukraine was admitted to the International Federation of Journalists. This was a landmark step for the young independent state, as Ukrainian journalists gained international recognition and became part of the world’s largest professional media organization.

The establishment of this holiday symbolized Ukraine’s commitment to freedom of speech, openness, and the development of independent media. Over the years of independence, journalism in the country has undergone a complex journey: from the emergence of independent newsrooms to working amid revolutions, economic crises, and full-scale war.

Today, Journalist Day is not just a professional holiday for employees of newspapers, TV channels, or online publications. It is a day to honor everyone who helps society receive reliable information: correspondents, editors, photojournalists, cameramen, war correspondents, and documentary filmmakers.

This date has taken on special significance since the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war. For many journalists, their work has ceased to be merely a profession—it has become a mission. It is thanks to their reporting that the world learns about events in Ukraine, war crimes, the lives of civilians, and the Ukrainian people’s struggle for their freedom.

Learn more about the meaning of the trident, embroidery, viburnum, blue and yellow colors, and other Ukrainian symbols by following the link.

Why does the profession of journalism hold special significance during wartime?

In times of peace, journalists inform the public about political, economic, and social events. During war, their role becomes significantly broader. They document history in real time, help the world understand the scale of the tragedy, and counter information manipulation, which is an integral part of modern armed conflicts.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has found itself not only on the battlefield but also at the center of a global information war. Russia systematically uses propaganda and disinformation as a tool to influence the international community. That is why independent journalism has become one of the key factors in the fight for the truth.

Today’s Ukrainian journalists carry out several important missions at once:

- Informing citizens about events in the country and security issues

- Documenting war crimes and the consequences of attacks on the civilian population

- Collecting eyewitness accounts for future international investigations

- Helping foreign audiences receive objective information about the war

- Countering the spread of misinformation and propaganda narratives

Working in a combat zone involves enormous risks. Journalists often find themselves in the same conditions as soldiers or rescue workers: working under fire, visiting de-occupied territories, and covering the aftermath of missile strikes and humanitarian disasters. Unfortunately, performing their professional duties often costs them their lives.

That is why Journalist Day today is not just a professional holiday. It is also a day to honor those who risk their safety every day for the sake of the public’s right to know the truth about events in Ukraine and around the world.

In our previous article, we discussed how Vyshyvanka Day will be celebrated in 2026, where the main events will take place, and how to join in the celebration.

Remembering the Heroes: Ukrainian Journalists Who Died During the Russian-Ukrainian War

The full-scale war has claimed the lives of many representatives of the Ukrainian and international media. They worked where it was most dangerous to show the world the truth about events in Ukraine. Journalist Day is also a day to remember those who fulfilled their professional duty until the very end.

Viktoria Roshchina

Viktoria Roshchina was a well-known Ukrainian journalist who specialized in covering events in the temporarily occupied territories. She collaborated with a number of Ukrainian media outlets and frequently worked in high-risk conditions.

In 2023, the journalist went missing during a trip to the occupied territories. It later became known that she was being held captive by Russia. In October 2024, Ukrainian authorities confirmed her death. Viktoria’s story became one of the most tragic symbols of the persecution of journalists during the war.

Max Levin

Photojournalist and documentary filmmaker Max Levin covered key events in Ukraine for over ten years. His photographs and reports were published by leading Ukrainian and international outlets.

In March 2022, Levin was killed while working in the Kyiv region. After the territory was liberated, his body was found near the village of Huta-Mezhyhirska. His work has become an important record of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Oleksandra Kuvshynova

Oleksandra Kuvshynova worked as a fixer and producer for international journalists, helping foreign media cover the war in Ukraine.

In March 2022, she was killed along with journalists from the American television network Fox News during shelling near Kyiv. She was only 24 years old.

Arman Soldin

Arman Soldin, a French journalist with AFP, worked regularly in Ukraine from the first months of the war, covering events in the east of the country.

In May 2023, he was killed near Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast during a Russian rocket attack. Soldin became the first AFP journalist to die in a combat zone in decades.

Bogdan Bitik

Bogdan Bitik worked as a producer and translator for the Italian newspaper La Repubblica. He helped international journalists gather information and prepare reports on the war in Ukraine.

In April 2023, Bitik was killed while on an assignment in the Kherson region. His death drew widespread international attention and once again highlighted the dangers journalists face in conflict zones.

Pierre Zakrzewski

Irish Fox News cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski worked for many years in the world’s hottest conflict zones. After the full-scale invasion began, he arrived in Ukraine to cover the war.

In March 2022, he was killed alongside Oleksandra Kuvshynova when the journalists’ vehicle came under fire near Kyiv.

Each of these names serves as a reminder of the high price of truth. Their work helped millions of people learn about the realities of the war, and their courage will forever remain a part of the history of Ukrainian and global journalism.

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The Most Dangerous Profession in Modern Ukraine: Casualties Among Media Workers

The war has made journalism in Ukraine one of the most dangerous professions. Media representatives work in combat zones, report on the consequences of shelling, and document destruction and war crimes. Because of this, they often become victims of attacks alongside soldiers, rescue workers, and civilians.

According to Ukrainian and international journalism organizations, dozens of Ukrainian and foreign media workers have been killed since the start of the full-scale invasion. Some of them were carrying out editorial assignments, while others fell victim to Russian attacks while working at the scene. In addition to those killed, many journalists have been injured, taken captive, or forced to leave the occupied territories due to the threat of persecution.

Working in temporarily occupied territories remains particularly dangerous. Journalists attempting to gather information in such regions risk being unlawfully detained, subjected to pressure, or becoming victims of violence. This is precisely why international organizations regularly emphasize the need to protect media representatives during armed conflicts.

At the same time, the war has demonstrated the extraordinary resilience of the Ukrainian journalism community. Despite constant risks, newsrooms continue to operate, correspondents travel to the most dangerous regions, and photographers and cameramen document events that have already become part of contemporary history.

Today, journalists do more than just inform the public. They create documentary evidence for future generations, assist international organizations in investigating crimes, and do everything possible to ensure the truth about the war remains accessible to the entire world. That is why protecting freedom of speech and the safety of journalists remains one of the most important tasks of a democratic society.

In our previous article, we talked about the history of the approval of the National Flag of Ukraine.

Journalist Day is a day of gratitude for the truth!

Every year on June 6, Ukraine honors the people without whom a modern democratic society would be unimaginable. Journalists work every day to ensure that citizens have access to reliable information, can make informed decisions, and understand the events that affect their lives.

Today, the profession of journalism holds special significance. In the midst of war, media representatives not only inform society but also document Ukraine’s history for future generations. It is thanks to their work that the world sees the consequences of Russian aggression, learns of the Ukrainian people’s courage, and receives truthful information about events on the front lines and at home.

On Journalist Day, it is important not only to congratulate media workers but also to remember those who will no longer be able to hear words of gratitude. Ukrainian and foreign journalists who died while covering the war will forever remain a symbol of professional dedication, courage, and the fight for truth.

May this holiday serve as a reminder of the value of freedom of speech, responsible journalism, and every person’s right to know the truth. After all, truth is one of the most important foundations of a free society.

On Journalist Day, we honor those who fight for truth and freedom of speech every day. You can express your support for Ukraine and its defenders not only with words but also through symbols that unite Ukrainians around the world. The Visit Ukraine patriotic merchandise collection features clothing, accessories, and souvenirs with Ukrainian symbols that help preserve national identity and promote Ukrainian culture. Such merchandise makes a special gift for yourself or your loved ones and will serve as a daily reminder of Ukraine’s strength, resilience, and unbreakable spirit!

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