The Kyiv Independent’s reporter Francis Farrell has been shortlisted for the European Press Prize 2024 in the Distinguished Reporting category for his piece “One Night in Bakhmut: Civilians Wait for the End as Russia Draws Closer.” The story highlights the experiences of civilians and first responders in Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, through Farrell’s personal experience of staying overnight in the city in January 2023. This piece was published just before Russian forces took over Bakhmut after a prolonged siege. The European Press Prize, which recognizes excellence in European journalism, was founded in 2012 and is awarded yearly. The 2024 edition of the Prize selected four other nominees for the Distinguished Reporting category.
The Kyiv Independent’s story “Suicide missions, abuse, physical threats: International Legion fighters speak out against leadership’s misconduct,” written by Anna Myroniuk and Alexander Khrebet, won the European Press Prize 2023 in the Special Award category. In addition, Francis Farrell won the Bayeux Calvados-Normandy Award for war correspondents in the Young Reporter (print) category in October 2023. These recognitions highlight the high quality of journalism produced by The Kyiv Independent and its reporters in covering important and challenging stories, such as the situation in Bakhmut and the experiences of international fighters in conflict zones.
“One Night in Bakhmut: Civilians Wait for the End as Russia Draws Closer” provides a poignant and firsthand account of the realities faced by civilians and first responders in a war-torn city like Bakhmut. By sharing his personal experience of staying overnight in the embattled city, Farrell sheds light on the human impact of conflict and the resilience of those living in such circumstances. The recognition of this piece by the European Press Prize underscores the importance of such reporting in raising awareness and fostering understanding of complex and often overlooked situations.
The European Press Prize aims to celebrate the highest achievements in European journalism and honor those who demonstrate excellence and dedication in their reporting. By shortlisting Farrell’s piece for the Distinguished Reporting category, the Prize recognizes the significance of his storytelling and the impactful nature of his work. This nomination also reflects the commitment of The Kyiv Independent to producing impactful and insightful journalism that brings important stories to the forefront and amplifies the voices of those affected by conflict and crisis.
In a challenging media landscape where independent journalism is crucial for informing the public and holding those in power accountable, supporting outlets like The Kyiv Independent is essential. By becoming a member or offering one-time support, individuals can contribute to the continued work of journalists like Francis Farrell and others at The Kyiv Independent in covering important issues, shedding light on untold stories, and amplifying diverse voices. These contributions enable independent media outlets to continue their vital work in providing accurate, reliable, and essential information to the public, especially in conflict-affected regions like Ukraine. Support for independent journalism plays a crucial role in upholding democracy and ensuring that the public has access to diverse and trustworthy sources of news and information.
