However, I continue to work because independent journalism is a vital barometer of democracy. I love my country and believe it deserves a rightful place on the geopolitical map of the world. Our children must have a better future than ours, and every time I look at my son, I am reminded that we have no right to give up, no matter the circumstances.
but I always believed that my work was important.
But the most challenging aspect is when people see you as a helper, a savior, someone who can provide a way out of their situation, a solution to the catastrophe or injustice, but all you can offer is a report. One such instance was working in flood-affected Kherson after the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam. Almost every hour,
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I faced the choice: to be a journalist or a volunteer,
In school, I dreamed of becoming an actress or a singer. However, my parents opposed what they considered a "frivolous" profession so we agreed on TV and radio journalism. During my third year at university, the Revolution of Dignity unfolded. I began live-streaming from Maidan, learning firsthand from some of the most respected journalists of that time. It was then that I realised: "This is journalism. This is my path — to be where it’s most intense, most dangerous, and where history is created."

Since the onset of the war, the central theme of my work has been the military and the portraits of those who voluntarily chose to defend their country. These individuals were, in essence, former teachers, artists, farmers, and veterans. I believe it is crucial for Ukrainians to see themselves represented and to take pride in their identity.

This work presents numerous challenges. Ensuring personal safety while filming in combat zones is paramount. The proliferation of drones has further complicated matters; their presence often renders filming significantly more difficult or even impossible. Additionally, meeting audience expectations necessitates continuous development. Even compelling stories or strong personalities can fall flat due to limited resources, funding constraints, or the absence of dynamic visuals. While content remains crucial, the form it takes has become an increasing concern.
Editor-in-Chief of the news department at Hromadske Radio. As a war journalist, Sapman has worked at frontline hotspots, in occupied Luhansk (2015) and Donetsk (2017). Since August 2024, she has been chief editor of the news department at Hromadske Radio. Sapman is labeled as a "terrorist” by the “Donetsk People's Republic” for "collaborating with the SBU." In 2022–2023, she faced a discrediting campaign from Russian propaganda due to her stance against gender discrimination.
Iryna
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But the reality is that the most terrifying events for me are unfolding right here, in my homeland.