Zelensky honours Irish and Ukrainian reporters for war coverage

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded an Order of Merit to Irish reporter Caolan Robertson and other Ukrainian and foreign journalists for their coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The honours were presented in connection with Journalist's Day, according to the Office of the President of Ukraine. Zelensky also used the occasion to thank journalists and media workers for showing the world what Ukrainians endure.

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Robertson, who is from Kilkenny, said in a social media post that he was "completely blown away" by the award and described it as a "profound honour". He said that "powerful people want the truth about Ukraine buried" and that it is a privilege to be able to tell it. The president said the awards recognised reporters who help ensure the world does not forget or remain silent about the war.

Zelensky said foreign media professionals who stand "on the right side of history" help secure assistance at the political level. He also said the contribution of journalists killed in the war should be preserved in memory and honoured. A report published in February by Reporters Without Borders said 16 journalists have been killed covering the conflict since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

The ceremony highlights the continuing role of journalists in documenting the war and shaping international understanding of it. Ukraine has repeatedly sought to keep attention on the human cost of the invasion, including the experiences of civilians and the risks faced by reporters working in the country. The award also underlines the importance Kyiv places on foreign coverage at a time when it continues to seek political and practical support from abroad.

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Robertson previously worked for a Canadian far-right media outlet and made videos for far-right activists, but later said he regretted making extremist content. He has said he is now focused on exposing the far right and disinformation. That background is relevant because it shows the changing profile of some of the journalists and commentators now covering the war, as well as the wider information battle surrounding the conflict.

What remains unclear from the available information is the full list of recipients and the exact number of awards presented. It is also not clear whether the honours were tied to a specific ceremony or announced as part of a wider Journalist's Day recognition. Further official details may clarify how many journalists were included and whether more awards will follow.

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