ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Ukrainian Ambassador to Iraq Ivan Dovhanych extended his deep gratitude to Rudaw on Sunday for its powerful documentary Ukraine: Three Years of Devastating War, produced by Rudaw’s roving correspondent Dilnya Rahman, who has been covering the deadly conflict since its outbreak in February 2022. In an official letter addressed to Rudaw CEO Ako Mohammed, Ambassador Dovhanych conveyed Kyiv’s “sincere thanks and appreciation” for producing and broadcasting the documentary, which sheds light on the devastating toll the war has taken on the Ukrainian people. Since the conflict began, it has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced approximately 3.7 million Ukrainians. Dovhanych praised the film as “a living example of the high professionalism” of Rudaw journalists and “a true testament to their courage and dedication to the truth.” He added, “While the war in Ukraine continues to take lives and destroy destinies, your film crew was able to convey the reality of this tragedy to the world with rare honesty and depth.” The documentary follows the Rudaw team as they travel to Ukraine’s front lines, documenting three years of suffering, resilience, and survival. Alongside Rahman, who served as both presenter and producer, the film crew included cameraman Ahmed Omar and editor Brwa Omar. The Ukrainian Ambassador commended the team for their “dedicated work, genuine compassion, and outstanding professional skills,” noting that their reporting has “become the living voice of the Ukrainian people in a difficult time and deserves the highest respect.” “Ukraine: Three Years of Devastating War” focuses on the human cost of the conflict, moving beyond political narratives to reveal the personal tragedies experienced by ordinary citizens. One particularly poignant story is that of Nela and Sergiy, an elderly couple who lost their home and all of their possessions. Rudaw’s coverage further touched on the continued suffering caused by diplomatic deadlock and the slow pace of international response. Despite their strength and resilience, many Ukrainians remain homeless with their greatest desire simply being for the war to end. Ambassador Dovhanych emphasized that the documentary “contributes to a deeper understanding of what Ukraine is going through and is an important contribution to the cause of truth and international solidarity. It not only provides information but also generates sympathy and support for the Ukrainian people.” He concluded by thanking Rudaw for its “commitment to the highest standards of journalism” and for its fundamental stance as “the voice of those who are fighting for freedom and dignity today.”
