Working in frontline areas, living under constant shelling, and communicating daily with people affected by war – all this leads to professional burnout among Ukrainian journalists. According to research conducted by 2402 Foundation between November 2024 and March 2025, 85% of journalists reported experiencing professional burnout.
“Most Ukrainian journalists are overloaded with work and do not allow themselves a break”
Sabra Ayres, Country Representative for Fondation Hirondelle office in Ukraine, emphasizes: “All Ukrainians live under stress today, as cities and towns are attacked by Russia every day. But due to their professional activity, Ukrainian journalists – especially those who live and work near the frontline – experience a higher level of stress. They talk almost daily with people affected by the war while being affected themselves. On top of that, most Ukrainian journalists are overloaded with work and do not allow themselves a break.”
To help media professionals take care of their mental well-being, Fondation Hirondelle and IRMI — the Institute of Regional Press and Information, together with 2402 Foundation, thanks to funding from Swiss Solidarity, organized safety trainings for including modules focusing on supporting journalists’ mental health.
In the past months, 40 journalists participated to a safety and mental health training in Kyiv. During three days, simulations were organized to help participants prepare themselves to work on the front lines and to provide first aid. The training also included sessions on digital security and methods for managing stress, pressure, and mental fatigue in a war-zone environment.
Moreover, from 13 to 16 November, together with 2402 Foundation, Fondation Hirondelle organized a mental health retreat for 20 grantees. For three days journalists from frontline regions learned about trauma-informed leadership, burnout prevention, and ethical interviewing of people who have experienced trauma. Psychologists and trainers helped participants not only acquire new practical skills but also restore their inner strength and balance.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to truly rest, gain new knowledge, and learn new skills. I think this was the first time in a long while that I really rested – when I returned home not tired, but with a feeling of relaxation and lightness in my soul!” testifies Anastasiia Kovalchuk, Journalist of Visti Prydniprovia (Dnipro city).
The retreat became not only a space for rest and reflection but also a demonstration of care for the media community, which continues its work under the constant pressure of war. Liudmyla Kovalchuk, Editor-in-Chief of Novi Horyzonty (Korop, Chernihiv region) « It was warm, easy-going, and sincere. I’m happy to have met so many wonderful people andglad I finally got to the sea because our newsroom hasn’t had a vacation for four years.»
Participants returned home with a sense of support, renewed energy, and motivation to continue telling people’s stories.
To learn more about the work of journalists on the front line in Ukraine: