Mykhailo Tkach receives Free Media Award in Oslo: "We are preparing new material"

Mykhailo Tkach, head of the investigative journalism department at Ukrainska Pravda, received the international Free Media Awards 2026 in Oslo on 29 September "for his dauntless and consistent investigative wartime journalism".

Source: Ukrainska Pravda; Free Media Awards 2026

Details: The award ceremony took place at the Munch Museum in Oslo. The prize is awarded annually by the Norwegian Fritt Ord Foundation and the German Zeit Stiftung Bucerius to journalists and media outlets working to protect freedom of speech and independent journalism in Eastern and Central Europe.

Quote from Tkach: "I am proud to be Ukrainian and honoured to live and work at this defining time for our country.

By the grace of God and the Ukrainian defence forces, I have the great honour of speaking here today, as Russia continues to kill Ukrainians, women and children, and to have the privilege of representing Ukrainian journalists in this room."

Details: In his speech, Tkach mentioned Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity, and journalists who have been killed, injured or taken prisoner during the Russian aggression and those who joined the Ukrainian defence forces after the full-scale invasion began.

"It is no secret to anyone here that democracy and democratic values can never be taken for granted. Today more than ever, freedom must be fought for," Tkach stressed.

He also highlighted the role of independent journalism within Ukraine during wartime.

Quote from Tkach: "Ukrainian journalists, working every day under fire even far from the front line, report not only on Russian crimes, sanctions violations and Kremlin criminals who sometimes still feel at home in the civilised world. Ukrainian journalists do not slide into propaganda; they shine a bright ray of light on the corridors and offices of the Ukrainian government. We point out mistakes, expose conspiracies in the interests of private individuals, and talk about abuses of power – so that mistakes can be corrected, the government serves exclusively in the interests of the people, and our country becomes stronger in the fight for freedom."

Details: Tkach noted that over the past four years, UP's investigative department has tracked down more than 10 former top officials, MPs and government-linked individuals in various countries who fled Ukraine and were hiding from justice. At least as many officials, he added, have resigned following UP investigations.

He also revealed that he currently has victim status in 13 criminal proceedings concerning obstruction of journalists' lawful professional activities.

"The last time I was threatened with murder because of my professional activities was a year ago. The latest attack on our film crew took place two months ago. And you know what I have to tell you today? We are preparing new material!" Tkach said.

He concluded his speech by saying that Ukraine's struggle is taking place on two levels simultaneously.

Quote from Tkach: "Ukraine is not only fighting the Russian aggressor externally – Ukraine is fighting corruption internally, preserving democracy as a reliable weapon against dictatorships."

Background:

• The Free Media Awards were established by the Norwegian Fritt Ord Foundation and the German Zeit Stiftung Bucerius to support independent journalism in Eastern and Central Europe.
• The award organisers commended Tkach for his investigations into corruption and abuse of power, his reports on government contracts and defence procurement, the privileged status of wealthy individuals, and the lifestyles of the Ukrainian elite abroad since the start of the Russian invasion. The jury also praised his investigations into covert Russian influence in Western countries.
• The Fritt Ord Foundation emphasised that Tkach's work demonstrates that investigative journalism in wartime is "not only possible, but absolutely crucial".

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