Participant of the Regional Competition "Young Person of the Year – 2025" in the Nomination "Heart Given to Donetsk Region" Anastasiia Hryshkova
Anastasiia Hryshkova is a journalist, editor, and author whose powerful voice resonates throughout Ukraine, always filled with pain and boundless love for her native Donetsk region. Her story is a reflection of the fate of thousands of Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes due to the war but never lost connection with their roots.
Anastasiia was born and raised in Vuhledar, where she took her first steps in journalism, working for the school newspaper. After enrolling in the journalism faculty at Donetsk University, her professional dreams were interrupted in 2014 by the occupation of Donetsk, which forced her to return home and later move to Mariupol. Unfortunately, the full-scale invasion forced her family to evacuate from Donetsk region. Despite all hopes, returning to her native Vuhledar, which is completely destroyed and under occupation, is currently impossible.
Today, Anastasiia continues to work in the media, tirelessly telling the world about the war and its devastating consequences. Her texts are not just dry facts, but a deep analysis of processes that foster critical thinking and media literacy in society. As Anastasiia herself states: "Journalism is not just about recording facts; it is an instrument of resistance." She transforms words into a weapon that fights for truth and justice.
Anastasiia's materials have been included in the National Historical Library and the Yaroslav the Wise Library, and are also cited on Wikipedia. She is the author of scientific works and the initiator of influential media flashmobs in support of prisoners of war. Her texts are not just words; they are living testimonies of war, the pain of loss, and an unyielding thirst for truth.
Journalist colleagues often turn to Anastasiia for clarification or comments, as her opinion is authoritative. This is a result of her many years of experience, consistent, and dedicated work.
"For me, journalism is not just a profession. It is a way to be useful to society, to give a voice to those who are not heard. It is about being the voice of the community, fostering critical thinking and media literacy among Ukrainians. When colleagues turn to me for a comment or clarification, I understand: it means I am doing something important and necessary. I have the opportunity to convey why cities that are temporarily occupied must not disappear from the media space, because we are losing not just territories – we are losing people," says Anastasiia.
Anastasiia Hryshkova is professional and unyielding in spirit. She uses her talent to defend the truth, preserve memory, and rebuild the Ukrainian Donetsk region.