Dear Friends and Colleagues,
In light of the unfolding invasion of Ukraine, the STORM LAKE team wants to take time this week to highlight a beacon of Ukrainian journalism, The Kyiv Independent. Amidst an onslaught of unpredictable, devastating attacks, their journalists remain committed to report the news from the ground.
The Kyiv Independent was envisioned and launched by former staffers of the Kyiv Post, a well-respected Ukrainian newspaper whose owner shuttered its doors and fired the entire team only three months ago, in a move that former employees consider to be “retaliation for defending editorial independence.” Now, relying almost solely on support from readership and donors, The Kyiv Independent faces continued financial challenges as its journalists work to provide the world with credible news from Ukraine and counter Russian propaganda and disinformation. In view of the past week’s events, the challenges of the paper have grown tenfold and its survival is more critical than ever.
We are inspired by the bravery and unwavering commitment of The Kyiv Independent’s journalists and encourage you to support them and their reportage. To learn more about the paper, visit kyivindependent.com. Here are a few of our favorite articles from their recent coverage:
OPINION: A No-Fly Zone Needs to Be Enforced Now Over Ukraine’s Airspace by Eugene Czolij
OPINION: Are You a Foreigner Who Wants to Help Ukraine? Here’s How by Victor Tregubov
Amid Fierce Defense, Ukraine Foils Russian Blitz Victory Plans by Illia Ponomarenko
If you like what you see, we encourage you to subscribe and share the newspaper with family and friends. Finally, please consider making a donation to The Kyiv Independent’s GoFundMe and the global fundraising campaign to support independent Ukrainian media.
In doing so, you support not only a free press in Ukraine, but also the global fight for democracy.
Sincerely,
Beth Levison & Jerry Risius and the STORM LAKE team