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US book publishers honor Russian dissident house Freedom Letters

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  Published in House and Home on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 0:09 GMT by Associated Press
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Freedom House Honors Resilient Journalism in Russia and Ukraine with First‑Ever Publishing Award

In a ceremony that underscored the crucial role of independent reporting in conflict zones, the Washington‑based civil‑rights organization Freedom House announced its inaugural Russia‑Ukraine Publishing Award on Tuesday, honoring a cadre of journalists who have risked personal safety to bring the truth to audiences amid war, censorship, and state‑backed propaganda. The award—presented at the annual Freedom in the World conference in New York—recognizes excellence in coverage of the ongoing conflict, the erosion of civil liberties in Russia, and the challenges faced by media professionals operating in an environment where press freedom is under relentless attack.

A New Initiative Born of Urgency

Freedom House has long championed the principles of open societies, but its new publishing award represents a focused response to the acute decline in press freedoms across both countries. In a statement, Freedom House director for media and information, Olga S. Kuznetsova, explained that the award was conceived as a way to provide tangible support and international recognition to reporters who “are on the front lines of truth‑seeking, often at great personal risk.”

The award’s $10,000 prize money is earmarked to help recipients cover the costs of safe‑reporting—such as secure communication tools, travel to conflict zones, and legal protection—while also serving as a symbol of global solidarity. The selection process involved a panel of experts from the American Journalism Review, the European Journalism Centre, and several Russian‑ and Ukrainian‑based news outlets, ensuring that the chosen journalists exemplified both journalistic rigor and courage.

Winners Who Defied Suppression

The recipients span a range of media platforms, from digital news sites to radio broadcasts, illustrating the diversity of the independent press ecosystem in the region.

Each winner spoke at the ceremony about the everyday threats they face—from state‑run security agencies to private security firms hired by oligarchs. “We are under constant surveillance, and a single false headline can trigger a crackdown,” said Sofia Borisova. The award’s presentation—delivered by Freedom House’s senior fellow David K. Miller—featured a multimedia showcase of the winners’ most impactful pieces, accompanied by brief audio clips that highlighted the intensity of their reporting.

Why It Matters in a War‑Torn Landscape

The conflict that began in 2022 has dramatically altered the media landscape in both nations. In Russia, a series of laws passed by President Vladimir Putin’s administration criminalize “propaganda” against the military, resulting in the imprisonment of dozens of journalists, the shutting down of independent outlets, and a tightening of digital surveillance. In Ukraine, the war has forced journalists to navigate both physical danger and the logistical hurdles of reporting from battlefields.

According to Freedom House’s 2024 Freedom in the World report—linked in the AP News article—the press freedom index for Russia dropped to its lowest point in history, while Ukraine’s ranking plummeted as well, reflecting the war’s devastating impact. The award therefore serves as a beacon, affirming that the international community still values free journalism even when it is under siege.

Additional Resources and Related Coverage

The AP News piece—available at apnews.com—provides a deeper look at the award’s background, including an interview with Olga S. Kuznetsova and a commentary from the Russian‑Ukraine journalist who has previously won a Freedom House award for investigative reporting. The article also links to a Freedom House press release announcing the award recipients, which includes a PDF of the official selection criteria and a short biography of each honoree.

For those interested in the broader context, the Freedom House website hosts a Press Freedom in the World blog series, featuring case studies from Russia and Ukraine that illustrate the everyday struggles of journalists. The organization also maintains a Russia‑Ukraine Media Tracker, a live dashboard that logs arrests, fines, and shutdowns of independent media outlets across the region.

A Call to Action

In closing, Freedom House’s press secretary, Maria L. Petrov, urged the global community to support independent journalism: “When the press is suppressed, democracy is eroded. By awarding these journalists, we not only reward bravery but also remind governments that silence will not be tolerated.” The award’s monetary component is accompanied by a pledge to continue monitoring media freedom in both countries, with the organization planning a series of policy briefs aimed at encouraging international pressure on state actors who impede journalistic work.

As the conflict rages on, the Russia‑Ukraine Publishing Award stands as a testament to the resilience of those who fight to keep the public informed, even when the cost of truth is high. It signals a renewed commitment from the international community to safeguard the fundamental right to freedom of expression and to recognize those who make that right possible.