Evgenii Shapovalov

(Journalist from Russia, JiR in 2023)

“I had worked as a producer with various foreign media outlets, including CNN, Washington Post, RAI, PBS, etc. After the start of the Russian invasion into Ukraine I continued work even though “discrediting the army” was criminalized by the Russian government. So, as it was no longer safe to continue work in Moscow, I was lucky to find an opportunity of a safe place abroad. ECPMF helped me relocate at a time of clear and present danger, provided shelter, financial and legal assistance, training and social adaptation. After the programme was over I settled in Germany and remained friends with other members of the programme, as well as with ECPMF employees — and this experience is the reason why I and my wife chose to live in Leipzig and fell in love with the city.”

Photos: Andreas Lamm, ECPMF