Since the start of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the russian war has claimed the lives of 350 artists and 137 Ukrainian and foreign journalists. These numbers reflect not only the scale of the losses but also remind us of the tragic pages in our history. Just as the Stalinist regime in the 1920s and early 1930s destroyed a generation of Ukrainian artists, today russia deliberately annihilates Ukraine’s cultural elite. The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine said in a statement.
The literary and artistic generation known as the “Executed Renaissance” gifted the world with masterpieces of literature, painting, music, and theater. These artists were the pride of our nation. Today, we are again losing not just talented Ukrainians but a part of our soul, as every artist is a unique individual who enriched Ukrainian culture.Journalists working in Ukraine today create vital news, investigations, and reports under heightened risk. They document the events of the war to provide Ukraine and the world with accurate information about what is happening. Media professionals work around the clock to gather irrefutable evidence of the occupiers’ crimes and highlight the strength, heroism, and courage of our defenders.
Systematic crimes against journalists and media committed by russia pose a serious threat to freedom of speech and information security, undermining democratic values and human rights.
We must remember the Ukrainian artists and journalists killed by russia, because:
- Preserving the memory of the fallen is a continuation of their work;
- We must pass on their memory to future generations so they understand the value and power of freedom, democracy, and culture;
- The struggle for freedom and democratic values unites Ukrainians across generations;
- Their artistic works and journalistic materials are treasures that inspire new generations of artists and media professionals;
- By remembering the fallen, we strengthen our resistance and bring victory closer.
