Vlasta Lazur

Vlasta Lazur is one of the most famous figures in contemporary Ukrainian political journalism. Her tough, principled approach to interviews, uncompromising attitude to censorship, and loyalty to journalistic ethics have made her a symbol of media responsibility in the face of war, information attacks, and a general decline in trust in the media. She is a leading journalist at Radio Liberty, a political presenter at Radio NV, and since March 2024, she has been co-hosting the talk show “New Countdown” on Suspilne. Her experience spans almost two decades in journalism, from producing to creating original political programs.

Education and formation

Vlasta Lazur chose media as her professional path since high school, focusing on the humanities: literature, history, and language. After high school, she entered the Institute of Journalism, Film and Television of the Kyiv International University, where she received her basic professional education.

An important part of her formation was an internship at the Inter School at the Inter TV channel, which provided a practical basis for her future television career. She gained her first experience at the Kyiv TV channel and at productions that created documentaries, which shaped her interest in in-depth journalistic research.

Career start: from editor to political anchor

Until 2017, Vlasta worked for various Ukrainian TV channels as a journalist, editor and producer. For the longest time – about five years – she was part of the team of the popular show Morning with Inter, where she acted as a journalist and production editor. Her work in live broadcasts, ability to quickly grasp new topics, and effective communication have become the basis of her style.

In 2017, she made a decisive turn to political journalism, becoming the editor-in-chief of the political project “Summarizing with Yevhen Kiselyov” on Pryamyy TV channel. However, a year later, she left the channel because of the “unhealthy atmosphere and censorship,” clearly declaring her principled position against pressure on journalism.

Radio Liberty: main stage

In 2018, Lazur joined Radio Liberty, where she first worked on international projects (including Stories from Europe) and later became the face of political journalism.

In 2020, she became one of the authors and hosts of the news program Svoboda Live, which has become one of the most authoritative political platforms in the media space. After Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the program became a daily program and is also broadcast on Espresso TV channel.

“Svoboda Live” is not only live coverage of hot events, but also an analytical studio with guests, politicians, and experts who answer the most pressing questions. It is here that she conducts interviews that lead to real decisions, such as the scandalous statement by the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk on the law banning churches associated with Moscow.

Cooperation with other media

• “Radio NV: participates in live interviews with top officials, politicians, and analysts.

• “Suspilne TV Channel – “New Countdown” (since March 2024): Together with Andriy Dikhtyarenko, he hosts a political talk show with a balance of opinions, strict moderation, and in-depth discussions.

Her appearance on Suspilne was made possible only after approval by the management of Radio Liberty, which demonstrates her commitment to professional ethics.

Journalism style

• Tough interviewing: known for not being afraid to ask uncomfortable questions and persistently seeking answers.

• Respect for interlocutors: even those with dubious reputations maintain ethical standards.

• Decision journalism: its interviews influence the agenda, initiate discussions, and shape the narrative.

Public position

• Revolution of Dignity: active participant in the protests in Kharkiv, member of the local self-defense.

• Volunteering since 2014: helping the army, working with the Aidar battalion.

• Since 2022, he has been a media figure who publicly covers complex topics of mobilization, social pressure, and digitalization of defense processes.

Mentoring and development of local media

• Mentor from the Media Development Foundation.

• She works with editorial offices from Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions to help them develop a content strategy for working in the occupied territories or under threat.

• Supports the development of specialized journalism in the regions.

Views on the profession

• Against universalism in the media: calls for journalistic specialization (economics, medicine, war, technology).

• Against superficial content: insists on in-depth analysis and responsibility, especially in streaming formats.

• Respect for standards: even in fast-paced formats, it adheres to ethics, balance, and authenticity.

Vlasta Lazur is not just a media person, but a symbol of responsible journalism in Ukraine. Her path is an example of consistency, professional resilience and civic engagement. She is a voice that is trusted, feared and listened to. Her work shapes not only the news, but also political realities, which is a rare phenomenon even in the global media environment.