Valeriia “Lera” Burlakova is a journalist and former soldier from Ukraine. She served in combat from 2014-2017 after joining the Ukrainian army following the Russia invasion of Crimea. Her war diary "Life P.S." received the UN Women in Arts award in 2021. She has worked as a journalist in Ukraine since 2008, beginning during her time at Taras Schevchenko University in Kyiv, Ukraine, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Journalism. She has worked for Ukrayinskiy Tyzhden (The Ukrainian Week magazine) and Censor.net.ua.
Lera's Content
Death Doth Not a Journalist Make
It’s easy to be detached about Russian terrorism and its media apologists when they target someone else’s country.
A Laser Focus on Victory
There is an anguished debate underway in Ukraine over spending on non-war-related projects. Do streets need cobbles when there aren’t enough drones at the front?
‘I Comforted Myself — Just a Little More and You’ll Be Dead Too’
The story of a female medic on the frontline in Ukraine.
Featured Content
Be Very Afraid of a Defeated Ukraine
Summer goes by so fast, they say. But this summer will never end for many Ukrainians. They will remain in it forever, captured by death.
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Posts By Lera
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Be Very Afraid of a Defeated Ukraine
July 31, 2023
Death Doth Not a Journalist Make
July 27, 2023
A Laser Focus on Victory
July 21, 2023
‘I Comforted Myself — Just a Little More and You’ll Be Dead Too’
July 5, 2023
Eating Children and Other Russian Fantasies
June 23, 2023
Ghosts in Ukraine’s Military Machine
June 7, 2023