The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky handed out state awards to deceased journalists on the occasion of the Day of Radio, Television and Communication Workers. The corresponding decree was published, in particular, for French journalist Antony Lallican, photographer Konstantin Guzenko, as well as for employees of the Freedom TV channel - Olena Hubanova and Yevhen Karmazin.
For their substantial personal contribution to the development of Ukrainian media, high professionalism and dedication in covering the events of the war with Russia, the mentioned journalists were awarded. Also, state awards were given to wounded journalists Oleksandr Kolychev and Hryhoriy Ivanchchenko.
On October 3, as a result of an attack by a Russian FPV drone, French journalist and photographer Antony Lallican was killed. Along with him, Ukrainian journalists were severely wounded.
In Kramatorsk on October 23, as a result of a Russian drone hitting a civilian vehicle, journalist of the Freedom TV channel Olena Hubanova and operator Yevhen Karmazin were killed.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, 135 journalists have died, including both Ukrainian and Western correspondents. President Zelensky called these actions by the Russians a targeted campaign of intimidation and murder of those who reveal the truth about the war.
Awarding the deceased journalists for their contribution to the development of Ukrainian media and high professionalism is an important step in honoring their memory and recognizing their sacrifice during the war with Russia.