Independent Ukrainian media receive top award from international press organization

The Ukrainian independent press was honored with the 2025 Golden Pen of Freedom award by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). The award was presented during the opening ceremony of the 2025 World News Media Congress held this year in Krakow, Poland from May 4 to 6.

The organizers of the congress noted that the award “recognizes the immense sacrifices made by colleagues in the Ukrainian press since the 2022 Russian invasion, and pays tribute to their commitment, professionalism, and dedication to upholding the highest standards – in wartime, as in peace.”

The award was accepted by Oksana Brovko, CEO of the Association of Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine, and Oleksiy Pogorelov, President of the Ukrainian Media Business Association, on behalf of all Ukrainian media professionals.

“We don’t write because we are brave. We write because silence is not an option,” Brovko said. “Independent journalism is not a luxury – it is the infrastructure of freedom. In Ukraine, we are keeping it alive under fire. This award is not a celebration; it is a responsibility – to keep speaking, especially when silence is safer.”

“Let me convey the gratitude felt by those who work in these extremely difficult times for their audiences, covering both pain and grief,” said Pogorelov. “Those who support the belief that Ukraine will pass the test and be a worthy member of the European and global community of independent countries that are able to defend democratic values. Those who are having a hard time both morally and physically, but whose professional duty requires them to hold on and not show it.”

The winner was announced by Marta Ramos, Editorial Director of the Organization of Editors of Mexico and President of the World Editors Forum. In her speech, Ramos expressed her respect for Ukrainian journalists who remain committed to facts and the values that define democracy around the globe.

“This is a time to stand on the right side of history, to back truth, justice, and the rule of law – in other words, to keep doing our job as journalists, despite it all,” she added.

The Golden Pen of Freedom is WAN-IFRA’s annual award recognizing individuals or organizations that have made an outstanding contribution to the defense and promotion of press freedom. One of the objectives of the Golden Pen is to turn the spotlight of public attention on repressive governments and the journalists who fight them.

The laureate is nominated from a shortlist of candidates by the board of the World Editors Forum. The first Golden Pen of Freedom was awarded in 1961 to Ahmet Emin Yalman of Turkey. Last year’s award was given to Nicaraguan editor Carlos Chamorro.

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Copy editing: Joy Tataryn