In Memoriam: Ukrainian War Correspondent Anastasia Volkova
Women Press Freedom mourns the loss of Anastasia Volkova, a dedicated war correspondent, who tragically died in a car accident
Location: Ukraine, SlovianskDate: June 4, 2024
Women Press Freedom mourns the loss of Anastasia Volkova, a dedicated war correspondent, who tragically died in a car accident on May 30 in Sloviansk, Donetsk Region. Anastasia, known to friends as Nastya, worked relentlessly as a war correspondent in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, bringing attention to the realities of the war. Her commitment to truthful reporting earned her the respect of colleagues and those she documented.
At her funeral, held in the Church of the Holy Spirit in Sloviansk, Hromadske Radio CEO Kyrylo Lukerenko remarked, “Nastya was planning to get married in the fall, and the wedding was to be held in this church. It was a very difficult farewell. Her family members recall that Nastya was brave, courageous, had a great sense of humor, and she will be greatly missed.”
Maryna Tereshchenko, a close friend of Anastasia, shared, “Nastya was very brave. She also had a laugh unlike any other. If she laughed, everyone around her laughed. I miss her laugh so much. (...) She was an incredible journalist, overcame many of her fears, coped with everything, and worked very hard.”
Anastasia’s career was marked by her unwavering commitment to covering the harsh realities of war. Working for the Ukrainian TV channel FREEDOM, she reported from the frontlines to highlight the devastation of the Russian invasion for an international audience. Her work was deeply personal; born and raised in Luhansk, she had lost her home to the conflict and dedicated her life to shedding light on the struggles of her fellow Ukrainians.
“Nastya was brave, courageous, had a great sense of humor, and she will be greatly missed”
Reflecting on her mission, Anastasia once said, “I was born and raised in Luhansk and lost my home. So, professional activity is everything for me. It is the meaning of my life now. And when I can visit my homeland for work, my heart is filled with a sense of pain and a desire to do more to highlight the disaster that Russia has brought to Ukraine, to highlight the crimes of Russian troops. I really want to see my home, which I haven't seen since 2014, but I also want everyone to understand the price that Ukrainians are paying every day in this liberation struggle.”
Anastasia began her career as a war correspondent in 2018. Her dedication and bravery were recognized in June 2022 when she was awarded the Order of Merit, III class.
Anastasia Volkova’s loss is deeply felt by her colleagues, friends, and all who followed her reporting. Her fearless pursuit of truth and dedication to justice made a significant impact. As we remember her, we honor her commitment and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.
Anastasia, your courage and dedication to journalism will be remembered. Rest in peace.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.