International Free Media Awards announces laureates: Ukrainska Pravda journalist among them

The annual international Free Media Awards has announced its list of laureates. Among them is Ukrainian journalist and head of the investigative department at Ukrainska Pravda, Mykhailo Tkach. He was awarded for "his dauntless and consistent investigative wartime journalism".

Source: Fritt Ord Foundation

Details: The award is given to media professionals who cover important topics under challenging conditions.

"Again and again, Ukrainian society has seen that courage means speaking when others choose silence," Mykhailo Tkach said.

Two years ago, Tkach's colleagues at Ukrainska Pravda received emails telling them to pass along a message to him: sometimes knowing when to keep quiet can save your life.

Tkach said: "To this day, the case has not been investigated. And the pressure continues – not only on Ukrainska Pravda, but on the few other independent media outlets that remain in Ukraine. But our experience has taught us exactly the opposite. That asking uncomfortable questions, exposing the truth, and holding those in power accountable can save lives.

Silence does not protect democracy. Journalism does. And in a country fighting for its freedom, a free press is not a luxury. It is part of what we are fighting for – and part of what keeps our democracy alive."

Mykhailo Tkach receives the Free Media Awards "for his dauntless and consistent investigative wartime journalism," the Fritt Ord Foundation stated.

The Fritt Ord Foundation stated: "As head of investigative journalism at Ukrainska Pravda, he has helped shape the public debate in Ukraine and internationally by exposing cases of corruption and abuses of power. His exposés of corruption in connection with the awarding of government contracts and defence suppliers, in addition to the preferential treatment afforded to wealthy individuals and the lavish lifestyles of certain members of the Ukrainian elite abroad in the wake of the Russian invasion, play a vital role in society.

His recent reporting on developments related to Operation Midas is one example of journalism that ensures matters of significant public interest remain subject to scrutiny."

Tkach has also investigated and exposed hidden Russian influence in Western countries and has repeatedly faced threats, the foundation reported.

"Tkach's reporting is a brilliant example of how investigative journalism is not only possible, but absolutely crucial for a country at war. In 2026 Tkach received the Georgiy Gongadze Prize, one of Ukraine's most respected awards for independent journalism," the Fritt Ord Foundation stated.

The award ceremony will take place on 29 September 2026 at the Munch Museum in Oslo.

In September 2023, the Free Media Awards were received by Ukrainska Pravda Editor-in-Chief Sevgil Musaieva and co-founder of the public procurement investigative project Nashi Hroshi, Yurii Nikolov.

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