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March 14, 2026 – Ukraine –
The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) and its network of Journalist Solidarity Centers have received the Media Freedom Award, the top prize at the Voices European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom held in Florence, Italy. The recognition highlights efforts to support journalists and sustain independent media during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The award was presented to NUJU President Sergiy Tomilenko during a ceremony at the festival, which brings together journalists, media organizations, and policymakers from across Europe to discuss press freedom, disinformation, and the future of journalism. Organizers said the Ukrainian initiative was recognized for its practical support to journalists working in dangerous wartime conditions.
Central to the recognition was the creation of the Journalist Solidarity Centers (JSCs), a network established in April 2022 shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The centers were designed to assist journalists and media outlets struggling to continue reporting amid widespread destruction and instability caused by the war.
Since their creation, the centers have operated in several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk. They provide reporters with a range of essential services such as protective equipment, communication tools, stable internet access, and logistical support needed to produce and transmit news reports from conflict-affected areas.
According to organizers and press freedom advocates, the centers have played a critical role in enabling both local and international journalists to continue covering the war and its impact on communities across Ukraine. During periods of power outages and infrastructure damage, the centers often served as reliable hubs where journalists could maintain communication and send reports to news organizations.
The initiative has also drawn international support. The network was launched with assistance from organizations including UNESCO and the International Federation of Journalists, and it has received backing from media groups and journalist associations across Europe.
Representatives of the NUJU said the award recognizes the collective efforts of the Ukrainian journalism community to maintain reporting under extremely challenging circumstances. They emphasized that the network reflects a broader spirit of solidarity among journalists working to preserve access to independent information during wartime.
Media advocates say the recognition underscores the importance of supporting journalists operating in conflict zones and highlights how collaborative initiatives can help sustain press freedom even in the midst of war.
Reference –
https://nuju.org.ua/nuju-s-jscs-win-media-freedom-award-at-voices-european-journalism-festival/
