Editor’s Note: This story is part of a special project by the Kyiv Post, “Dying for Truth,” a series of stories documenting violence against journalists in Ukraine. Since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, more than 50 journalists have been killed across Ukraine — including eight since 2014. Most of the crimes have been poorly investigated, and the killers remain unpunished. The project is supported by the Justice for Journalists Foundation. Content is independent of the donor. All the stories in the series can be found here.

Before the 100-day EuroMaidan Revolution of 2013–2014, Ukrainian journalists had two options — either work for pro-government media or cover government corruption. The second option paid worse and could end with lawsuits, physical threats or worse.