(opinion article)

In the age of TikTok, drones, and deepfakes, journalism in Ukraine has become both more powerful and more dangerous than ever before. Being a journalist used to mean chasing stories, fact-checking politicians, and occasionally drinking too much coffee in newsrooms with flickering fluorescent lights. Today, in Ukraine, it often means wearing a helmet, dodging cyberattacks, and writing headlines between blackouts.

The war with Russia has turned journalism from a profession into a mission. Reporters are no longer just telling stories—they are shaping international understanding, preserving historical truth, and often risking their lives to do so. But even outside the war zone, Ukrainian journalists face a mountain of modern multimedia challenges: financial instability, digital burnout, information overload, and, let’s not forget, the daily battle with algorithms.

Let’s talk about the positives first.

Modern technology has empowered Ukrainian journalists like never before. Smartphones, social media, and online platforms mean that anyone with a signal and a story can reach thousands—if not millions—of people. Investigative journalism has become more transparent, with open data, crowdsourcing, and real-time fact-checking tools allowing reporters to expose corruption and injustice faster than ever.

And let’s not forget the international recognition. Ukrainian reporters from platforms like Ukrainska Pravda, Suspilne, The Kyiv Independent, and others are now regularly quoted in The New York Times, BBC, and Reuters. In a time when global media is flooded with noise, Ukrainian voices are being heard.

But the minuses are just as real.

Media outlets often operate on shoestring budgets. Independent journalists rely on grants or reader donations, constantly juggling integrity and survival. The burnout is real. Reporting 24/7 on trauma, death, and destruction—while also surviving blackouts and missile warnings—takes a deep psychological toll.

Moreover, the digital world is a double-edged sword. Misinformation spreads faster than facts. Deepfake videos and AI-generated content pose threats not only to truth but to the reputation and safety of real journalists. In a media war where truth is constantly under attack, Ukrainian journalists must act as warriors of verification.

So, is journalism still worth it in Ukraine?

Yes—more than ever. Journalism here is not just a job; it’s a defense of democracy. Despite all the risks and struggles, Ukrainian reporters continue to tell the stories that matter. They deserve support—not just from readers, but from institutions, governments, and tech platforms that claim to care about truth.

In a country where every headline could be history, the role of modern Ukrainian journalists is more vital—and more heroic—than ever.