INSPIRING STANDPOINTS BY ZHANNA AGALAKOVA
November 2025
Civic Sparks
WHO ARE YOU ZHANNA?
Nationality: Russian
Organisation: Former presenter and correspondent for Channel One Russia
Role: Journalist and documentary filmmaker
Treated areas: Russia
WHAT EVENT SPARKED YOUR JOURNEY AS A DEFENDER OF DEMOCRACY?
The abolition of state censorship in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1990. I was still a student at the time. That was the moment when my future profession truly gained meaning.
Several years later, in February 2022, when the active phase of the war in Ukraine began, but journalists were forbidden to use the word “war”, I resigned from my job.
At the time, I was a foreign correspondent in Paris for a pro-Putin Russian TV channel. I openly spoke out against the war and sent my medals (the Order For Merit to the Fatherland and the Order of Friendship 1) back to the Kremlin with a note: Mister President, you are leading the country into the abyss.
WHAT METHOD DO YOU USE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
The truth is the most powerful weapon. I am painfully aware that very few journalists followed my example. Censorship has returned to Russia in full force. It is suicidal for any country.
WHY, IN YOUR VIEW, SHOULD PEOPLE START FIGHTING FOR POLITICAL FREEDOM?
Political freedom is the foundation of a healthy society, a society that has a future.
WHO DO YOU SEE AS THE DEMOCRATIC ACTIVIST OF TOMORROW?
Today’s young people are sensitive to injustice and inequality. They are not afraid to discuss problems openly and honestly.
They respect different opinions and take responsibility for the environment. Young people like my daughter, for example. I’m very proud of her.
