More than 60 correspondents, editors, videographers and photojournalists from the region joined the event. For their significant personal contribution to the development of journalism and the information sphere under martial law, high professionalism and dedication to the cause, as well as on the occasion of a professional holiday, the participants of the meeting were awarded with honorary certificates and thanks from the head of the Kharkiv OVA.
«"For the fifth year of a full-scale war, you have been maintaining an extremely important information front. Starting from February 2022, you have been recording the history of the Kharkiv region. This war took the best from the media community of Ukraine. Today, the mourning list includes 150 deceased media workers. They gave their lives while performing their professional duties, documenting the crimes of the enemy on the line of fire, became civilian victims of Russian shelling, or exchanged cameras and microphones for weapons and joined the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Despite the pain and personal losses, you show the world people who continue to live, work, and believe in Victory. Thanks to you, the Kharkiv region has a powerful voice that is clearly heard all over the world. Thank you to everyone for your endurance, civic courage, and loyalty to professional duty," said Oleg Synegubov. During the meeting, the head of the Kharkiv OVA informed media representatives about the implementation of key projects in the region. In particular, the development of a network of protective structures was discussed. "We pay special attention to the creation of safe spaces in medical institutions. One of the key facilities is the underground medical complex "Ark" on the basis of the regional clinical hospital. The project is being implemented in such a way that the shelter can be used in peacetime. Modern operating rooms, wards, computer and magnetic resonance imaging rooms will be located here. People will be able to receive high-quality medical services under any conditions," emphasized Oleg Synegubov. Special attention during the meeting was paid to the implementation of the "Carpathian Change" project, initiated by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. The first group of 100 children of Ukrainian defenders, law enforcement officers and rescuers from the Kharkiv region is already resting in the Lviv region. Sports activities, team games, meetings with famous football players, psychological support, creative classes and excursions have been prepared for the participants. The next group of 100 children aged 9 to 12 is currently being formed. "Carpathian Change" is an extremely important initiative to support the youth of the Kharkiv region. I am grateful to the Office of the President of Ukraine, the President of the Ukrainian Football Association Andriy Shevchenko and the Lviv Regional Military Administration for their support and assistance in improving the health of our children," said Oleg Synegubov. Another important area of work remains social protection of the population. Special attention is paid to supporting veterans, defenders of Ukraine, as well as their family members. "Together with communities, we are working to increase the number of specialists supporting war veterans and demobilized persons. The focus is on the implementation of all components of the regional comprehensive support program. We plan to create a large-scale veteran space, where all necessary services, including administrative ones, will be concentrated. "We are currently working on possible locations and sources of funding for this initiative," said Oleg Synegubov. During the meeting, the issue of helping the family of Olga Krivogub was also raised. Recall that on February 11, the woman and her family evacuated from Zolochiv. That same night, the Russian occupiers hit a rented house where the family was staying with a strike drone. As a result of the attack, Olga's husband, two-year-old daughter, and one-year-old twin brothers died. The pregnant woman suffered injuries and burns. With the support of the head of the Kharkiv OVA, Oleg Synegubov, and volunteers from the Humanitarian Strategic Hub charity fund, housing was purchased for Olga and her daughter Kateryna.
«"Our duty is to be close to the families whose lives the Russian occupiers destroyed, depriving them of their homes, property, and familiar future. It is especially important that in the most difficult moments people are not left alone with their troubles. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who responded to the call for help, joined the fundraising, and helped Olga and Katrusa begin a new stage of life in their own home," said Oleg Synegubov.
