Iryna Avramenko

(Journalist from Ukraine, JiR in 2025)

“My time in Leipzig, supported by the ECPMF (European Centre for Press and Media Freedom), was not only assistance but a true gift. This was especially meaningful during the war in my home country.

The period was immensely beneficial, intensive, and fruitful on both a personal and professional level. Leipzig provided the basic conditions necessary for decent work and personal safety. I received comfortable accommodation without shelling or power outages. This was a crucial contrast to the situation at home.

For the first time in a long while, I could work in stable and dignified conditions. This allowed me to focus on academic and outreach activities. Leipzig became an important hub for continuing my professional work and implementing key projects.

I successfully continued my university teaching activities, working remotely from Leipzig and maintaining the academic process. The most significant achievement was the delivery of a series of lectures on countering propaganda and disinformation. These events engaged both German and Ukrainian audiences and enabled me to share knowledge internationally.

This was a period of high efficiency and meaningful contribution. I am deeply grateful to ECPMF for their support and the opportunities they offered. Thanks to them, I could continue the fight on the information front.

I will miss Leipzig and the conditions it afforded me.”

Photos: Andreas Lamm