WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of Ukraine's Independence Day and six months since the start of Russia's illegal invasion, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) President and CEO Jamie Fly issued the following statement:
"As Ukrainians commemorate their independence, today marks another somber milestone: six months of courageous fighting for a free and democratic Ukraine against an unprovoked Russian onslaught. I am proud of the extraordinary contributions, and great personal sacrifices, our Ukrainian and Russian journalists have made over the last six months to show our audiences the absolute brutality and inhumanity of the Kremlin’s war. They continue to overcome censorship, threats of violence, and great personal sacrifice on a daily basis to break story after story.
"Millions of Ukrainians and Russians have tuned in to our coverage these last months, and we are grateful to have their support and trust. In the months ahead, we will continue to report from the frontlines, inside occupied parts of Ukraine, and from inside Russia. Our audience’s steadfast commitment to independent media in the face of rampant Russian disinformation is a sign that the values they are fighting for will prevail. RFE/RL’s own experience over more than 70 years has shown time and again that history favors freedom. The Ukrainian people are once again reminding us of that fundamental fact."
About RFE/RL
RFE/RL relies on its networks of local reporters to provide accurate news and information to more than 37 million people every week in 27 languages and 23 countries where media freedom is restricted, or where a professional press has not fully developed. Its videos were viewed 7 billion times on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram/IGTV in FY2021. RFE/RL is an editorially independent media company funded by a grant from the U.S. Congress through the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Mike Stankiewicz in Washington, D.C. (stankiewiczm@rferl.org, +1.202.993.0876)
Karin Maree in Prague (mareek@rferl.org, +420.221.122.074)