Results of the All-Ukrainian Journalism Contest "Pet-Friendly Country"

With the onset of full-scale war, photos and videos depicting Ukrainians rescuing their pets from shelling, evacuating them, adopting, feeding, and sheltering them in bunkers have been striking and heartwarming every day. Kormotech, in collaboration with the international fund U-Hearts and the Save Pets of Ukraine initiative, tirelessly works to ensure the voice of Ukrainian animals is heard globally. Frequently, we are asked: Is rescuing animals during a war, when humans are suffering, relevant? For us, there is no doubt. We always have arguments to prove that now, more than ever, it is essential, as society's attitude towards the most vulnerable defines maturity and compassion.

As a result of the "Animal-Friendly Country" contest, we received over 150 applications from journalists representing nationwide and regional media outlets, radio and television stations, online platforms, and print publications.

Journalists shared that this contest inspires belief in what you love and do, encouraging engagement with socially significant issues, even when it's hard to believe in change at a specific moment.

We express our gratitude to all participants for adhering to the ideals of humanity, enlightening society, and patiently and professionally advocating for the fundamental principles of a compassionate society where the most vulnerable have an equal voice and rights. Together with like-minded individuals, we can create a culture of prosperity for humans and their four-legged companions.

The expert jury has determined the winners and nominees of the contest:

Animal-Friendly Regions (Best Work Published in Regional Media):
Kapustina Maria – Hlukhiv.City
Zadara Irina – Content*
Yurovchik Petro – Branch of PJSC "NSTU" "Volyn Regional Directorate"
Homan Natalia – Suspilne Chernihiv
Minina Ksenia – Zhovti Vody.City

Voice for Ukrainian Animals (Journalist-activist's material on animal welfare work):

Bodniak Oleksandra – Zaxid.net
Ivantsov Maria – Nova Zoria

Discover (Work of a budding journalist with notable professional potential):

Havrylenko Valentyna – Chernihiv Media Group
Korduban Viktoriya – TRK "Pershy Zahidny"

Lohvynenko Andriy – PTRC - Pavlograd TeleRadioCompany

Frolov Pavlo, Oleksandra Antibura, Anastasiia Choblyna, Yelizaveta Chychyka – 061 Website of Zaporizhzhia City

Best Story (Nomination by Jury Members):

Kasianova Daria – Bird in Flight

Hatsenko Kateryna – Freelance Journalist at Radio Svoboda and Voice of America's Current Time Project

Unquestionable Journalistic Mastery (Work of a journalist recognized multiple times in several categories)

Biryukova Natalia – TK Orbita

Baburov Oleksandr – Dobre Radio!

Martishko Nadiia – Suspilne Chernihiv

Grand Prix

Pyetsookh Maryana – Hromadske

1st Place

Poberezhnyi Vitaliy – Ukraїner
Masenko Veronika – The Village Ukraine

2nd Place

Naida Yulia – Branch of PJSC "National Public Television and Radio Company of Ukraine" "Chernihiv Regional Directorate"

Denysenko Tetiana – "Ukrainska Pravda. Zhittya"

Maznitsya Yevheniia – "Poltavska Khvylia"

3rd Place

Kartashova Antonina – Novini.Live
Smahlova Olena https – Pavlograd TeleRadioCompany (PTRC)

Stukalo Olha https – IA "Rubryka"

For more details on the themes of the works and materials submitted by the participants, please visit: https://bit.ly/3PIGdE9