Women Press Freedom Mourns the Killing of Soldier and Former Journalist Alla Pushkarchuk
From her time as a journalist and photographer embedded within the 5th Separate Battalion of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army to her editorial positions at Ukrainsky Tyzhden and Chytomo, Pushkarchuk made an enduring impact
Location: Ukraine, DonetskDate: April 25, 2024
In the midst of conflict and chaos, there are those who illuminate the darkness with their unwavering courage and commitment. Among them was Alla Pushkarchuk, a multifaceted soul who dedicated her life to both the written word and the defense of her homeland. Tragically, on April 25, 2024, she fell victim to the indiscriminate violence by Russia that has plagued Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
Alla’s journey was marked by a profound sense of duty and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Though her heart initially yearned for the world of culture and theater criticism, fate led her down a different path. Since the eruption of conflict in 2014, she ventured regularly to the front lines, documenting the grim realities of war.
During the Revolution of Dignity, Alla, infused with a spirit of defiance, joined the ranks of the Right Sector, lending her voice to the call for change. As the conflict escalated, she transitioned into the role of a frontline soldier.
Alla’s professional journey was as diverse as her talents. From her tenure as a journalist and photographer in the 5th Separate Battalion of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army to her editorial roles at Ukrainsky Tyzhden and Chytomo, she left an indelible mark on every platform she graced. Her reportage captured the raw essence of war, earning accolades such as being a finalist in the “Eyewitness” report contest and winning awards for her poignant war photography.
Yet, amidst the chaos of conflict, Alla remained tethered to her dreams. She harbored a vision of one day opening a bookstore, a sanctuary of knowledge and imagination born from the crucible of war. Her love for literature, her thirst for learning, and her unwavering optimism shone through even in the darkest of times.
Alla’s passing leaves a void not only in the realm of journalism but in the hearts of all who knew her. Her former colleague and friend, Dmytro Krapyvenko, aptly captured the essence of her spirit — a fragile yet resolute soul who traded the world of art for the crucible of war, guided by an unyielding sense of duty and honor.
As we mourn the loss of Alla Pushkarchuk, let us also remember her legacy — a testament to the power of words, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring quest for truth and justice in the face of adversity. In her memory, may we continue to strive for a world where the pen is mightier than the sword, and where the sacrifices of brave souls like Alla are never forgotten.
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.