A Newsflare member since 2018, Oliya is an independent journalist based in New York. She is originally from Ukraine and flew back to Kyiv at the end of January to cover the story, as news began to circulate of Russia’s impending invasion.

Oliya began her coverage in Kyiv where she captured how the Ukrainian public and military were preparing for a conflict as tensions began heightening. The experienced journalist recorded several interviews with soldiers on the frontlines as they took part in training exercises as well as the pets that were keeping these forces company.

On Thursday, February 24, Vladimir Putin ordered an attack on Ukraine. Russian troops began shelling various cities and targets across the country, including Kyiv where Olyia was stationed. Oliya managed to capture the damage caused by one of these missiles that struck southwestern Kyiv.

“It has been tough to cover this story as the war is happening in my home country. Seeing the cities and streets I loved as a child, destroyed, is inexplicable,” Oliya told Newsflare after witnessing the destruction caused and civilians fleeing for their lives.

The Ukranian-born journalist then shifted her focus to the terrified people caught in the middle of the conflict. Groups of fleeing civilians told her their horrifying ordeals as they attempted to move west through the war-torn country.

Oliya spoke to us about the difficulties she faced while covering a war in her home country.
“There are multiple challenges due to the security issues, a lot of interesting things aren't allowed to be filmed as to not provide any information to Ukraine’s enemies".

“It can also be challenging to cover this as a woman. Sexual assaults often become a big tragic part of the war and it’s definitely a fear of mine as I work mostly alone. Thankfully I've been able to pair up with amazing colleagues here.”

As the fighting intensified and Russia widened its offensive to more cities in Ukraine, Oliya fled Kyiv and made her way to the Hungarian border on March 10. There she was able to share the stories of reunion and despair told to her by Ukrainian refugees that had fled their homes.

Newsflare is extremely grateful for and inspired by Oliya’s coverage of a conflict so close to her heart.

“While I run a small news agency, Newsflare has been a great help in getting my videos out to the markets that I do not yet cover. My company's work with Newsflare has been a great asset and I’ve always appreciated the honesty and transparency when working with them.”