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
The Army That Ukrainians Built
The Ukrainian army has evolved from the wreckage of the Soviet military in the 1990s. But its reforms have often been driven by self-help activists rather than the high command.
Recognizing the Remarkable: Women’s Resilience in the Face of Aggression
In recognition of International Women’s Day, CEPA staff and experts recognize remarkable women.
Frontline Ukraine: The Dying Colonel
Part three of a three-part series. Ukraine’s army is creating its own legends. Sometimes these involve a willful refusal to obey orders.
Featured Content
Ammunition Hunger Games in Bakhmut
Ukrainian journalist and former infantrywoman Lera Burlakova says the besieged eastern town of Bakhmut is now held by largely unsupported infantry. But Ukrainian soldiers want to fight on.
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