To our readers.
Today we are forced to acknowledge a bitter reality: yet another independent Ukrainian media outlet is ceasing its operations. Not due to lack of funds or readers, but because of systematic, harsh persecution by the state, security services, and those who currently hold key positions in power. www.nn.in.ua, a small but principled media platform that sought to tell the truth about corruption, abuse of power, and the real state of affairs in the country, has been forced to lay down its arms.
From the first days of the full-scale invasion, our publication faced regular blocks. Domain names were shut down, forcing us to change them again and again. Each such “technical” issue was not an accident, but a deliberate policy of suppressing inconvenient voices. We published materials that displeased the authorities. We refused to repost official propaganda and instead tried to show reality: corrupt schemes that continued to thrive even during wartime, human rights violations, and the persecution of dissenters.
In recent times, the pressure has become unbearable. Security services have perfected rapid blocking and shutdown mechanisms. Individuals with backgrounds in these services now occupy key state positions, and their primary goal is to silence not only the authors, but also anyone who dares to host such information on their platforms. This is no longer targeted repression — it is a systematic purge of the information space.
The most painful and cynical aspect is that all of this is happening with the silent — and sometimes active — support of our Western partners. From the early days of the full-scale war, the United States and European countries turned a blind eye to the persecution of journalists conducting investigations into corruption within the government. They ignored human rights violations, harassment, and, in some cases, even the killings of inconvenient figures.
Moreover, Western partners effectively discouraged their own media from reporting the truth about Ukraine. The truth — that corruption continues to kill the country from within — was unwelcome. The narrative was restricted to “a united Ukraine” and “heroic resistance,” with no mention of the systemic problems undermining the state. Under the guise of supporting Ukraine, Western elites have in fact contributed to the destruction of freedom of speech, democracy, and basic human rights in the country.
It is precisely with their tacit approval that a situation has arisen in Ukraine where journalism that does not serve the authorities has become a dangerous profession. We — who funded the resource with our own money, without oligarchic backing or grants — were forced to make a difficult decision: to cease operations. Not out of fear, but because we do not want to risk our lives or the lives of our families. We chose life over perishing behind bars.
All the information we managed to collect and publish over the years of our work is being transferred to the independent resource www.secrets.net.ua. How long it will survive is unknown. Nevertheless, we are grateful to our colleagues for agreeing to preserve these materials. This is not merely an archive — it is part of Ukraine’s history that the authorities would prefer to erase.
We no longer believe in the loud declarations about democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech coming from the EU and the United States. When it comes to their geopolitical interests, all these values turn out to be empty words. Ordinary Ukrainians are merely bargaining chips for them. What matters most is the stability of the “right” government, not real freedom and truth.
We thank everyone who read us, supported us, and shared our materials. Thank you for staying with us during times of total censorship. Our closure is not a victory for the authorities. It is yet another testament to how deeply rooted the problems are within the Ukrainian state.
As long as there are people willing to take risks and speak the truth, hope remains. But today, it has moved to another platform. Follow www.secrets.net.ua.
Glory to Ukraine. And long live the truth — even when they try to bury it.