Liz Cookman
@lizcookman.bsky.social
🖋️Correspondent: Ukraine, Turkey, Middle East
📍 Kyiv and Istanbul
🏆Best Print & Best Specialist Journalist, Freelance Journalism Awards 2024
🏆Amnesty Gaby Rado award 2023
📍 Kyiv and Istanbul
🏆Best Print & Best Specialist Journalist, Freelance Journalism Awards 2024
🏆Amnesty Gaby Rado award 2023
I am a finalist for a British Journalism Award! I am so honoured!
For feature journalism from Ukraine, Syria and Somalia for the @theguardian.com and the @telegraphnews.bsky.social.
So many brilliant journalists here 👉 pressgazette.co.uk/press-gazett...
For feature journalism from Ukraine, Syria and Somalia for the @theguardian.com and the @telegraphnews.bsky.social.
So many brilliant journalists here 👉 pressgazette.co.uk/press-gazett...
October 24, 2025 at 7:04 AM
I am a finalist for a British Journalism Award! I am so honoured!
For feature journalism from Ukraine, Syria and Somalia for the @theguardian.com and the @telegraphnews.bsky.social.
So many brilliant journalists here 👉 pressgazette.co.uk/press-gazett...
For feature journalism from Ukraine, Syria and Somalia for the @theguardian.com and the @telegraphnews.bsky.social.
So many brilliant journalists here 👉 pressgazette.co.uk/press-gazett...
There is a fundraiser to help George Ivanchenko, the Ukrainian photographer who was badly injured in a drone strike last week in Donbas - the same one that killed Antoni Lallican.
Please help if you can: send.monobank.ua/jar/6qRivvU8...
Please help if you can: send.monobank.ua/jar/6qRivvU8...
October 8, 2025 at 11:06 AM
There is a fundraiser to help George Ivanchenko, the Ukrainian photographer who was badly injured in a drone strike last week in Donbas - the same one that killed Antoni Lallican.
Please help if you can: send.monobank.ua/jar/6qRivvU8...
Please help if you can: send.monobank.ua/jar/6qRivvU8...
10s of 1,000s of Ukrainian veterans have suffered heavy injury resulting in disability. Many are young men, who have to relearn how to live with new bodies, facing a taboo subject in a religious country - how to reclaim their sex lives. For @theobserveruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
Love in a time of war: the new sex therapy for Ukraine’s ...
As thousands of young veterans return home with life-changing injuries, many are wondering if physical intimacy is something they’ll ever know again
observer.co.uk
October 7, 2025 at 7:36 AM
10s of 1,000s of Ukrainian veterans have suffered heavy injury resulting in disability. Many are young men, who have to relearn how to live with new bodies, facing a taboo subject in a religious country - how to reclaim their sex lives. For @theobserveruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
Reposted by Liz Cookman
“I understood it wasn’t just play.”
@lizcookman.bsky.social for @theguardian.com reveals how 200+ Russian “camps” groom Ukrainian children for war, erasing their identity.
📰 Read & share: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
#SaveUkraine
@lizcookman.bsky.social for @theguardian.com reveals how 200+ Russian “camps” groom Ukrainian children for war, erasing their identity.
📰 Read & share: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
#SaveUkraine
How Russia is grooming Ukraine’s children to fight for it: ‘I understood it wasn’t just play’
Abducted children and those from occupied territories are turning up in Russia’s military-style training camps, with fears that some are already on the frontline
www.theguardian.com
September 29, 2025 at 4:43 PM
“I understood it wasn’t just play.”
@lizcookman.bsky.social for @theguardian.com reveals how 200+ Russian “camps” groom Ukrainian children for war, erasing their identity.
📰 Read & share: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
#SaveUkraine
@lizcookman.bsky.social for @theguardian.com reveals how 200+ Russian “camps” groom Ukrainian children for war, erasing their identity.
📰 Read & share: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
#SaveUkraine
Reposted by Liz Cookman
I’ve been longlisted for Freelance Journalist of the Year at this year’s @rorypecktrust.bsky.social Awards, alongside some incredible journalists with work I really admire. 🎉🎉😎😎
Freelancers are 💪🏽💪🏽
rorypecktrust.org/awards/2025-...
Freelancers are 💪🏽💪🏽
rorypecktrust.org/awards/2025-...
September 18, 2025 at 4:36 PM
I’ve been longlisted for Freelance Journalist of the Year at this year’s @rorypecktrust.bsky.social Awards, alongside some incredible journalists with work I really admire. 🎉🎉😎😎
Freelancers are 💪🏽💪🏽
rorypecktrust.org/awards/2025-...
Freelancers are 💪🏽💪🏽
rorypecktrust.org/awards/2025-...
I’ve been longlisted for Freelance Journalist of the Year at this year’s @rorypecktrust.bsky.social Awards, alongside some incredible journalists with work I really admire. 🎉🎉😎😎
Freelancers are 💪🏽💪🏽
rorypecktrust.org/awards/2025-...
Freelancers are 💪🏽💪🏽
rorypecktrust.org/awards/2025-...
September 18, 2025 at 4:36 PM
I’ve been longlisted for Freelance Journalist of the Year at this year’s @rorypecktrust.bsky.social Awards, alongside some incredible journalists with work I really admire. 🎉🎉😎😎
Freelancers are 💪🏽💪🏽
rorypecktrust.org/awards/2025-...
Freelancers are 💪🏽💪🏽
rorypecktrust.org/awards/2025-...
Reposted by Liz Cookman
Russia is running a network of at least 210 camps to re-educate, Russify and militarise Ukrainian children, a Yale report has found.
It follows my report last week that outlined how stolen children are being “trained to fight for Russia”. For @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
It follows my report last week that outlined how stolen children are being “trained to fight for Russia”. For @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Children from occupied Ukraine are being forcibly taken to miltary camps in Russia, where they train to rig booby traps and load guns.
Many fear they are being prepared for the Russian army. Some may already be on the frontline.
My story @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Many fear they are being prepared for the Russian army. Some may already be on the frontline.
My story @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
How Russia is grooming Ukraine’s children to fight for it: ‘I understood it wasn’t just play’
Abducted children and those from occupied territories are turning up in Russia’s military-style training camps, with fears that some are already on the frontline
www.theguardian.com
September 16, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Russia is running a network of at least 210 camps to re-educate, Russify and militarise Ukrainian children, a Yale report has found.
It follows my report last week that outlined how stolen children are being “trained to fight for Russia”. For @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
It follows my report last week that outlined how stolen children are being “trained to fight for Russia”. For @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Russia is running a network of at least 210 camps to re-educate, Russify and militarise Ukrainian children, a Yale report has found.
It follows my report last week that outlined how stolen children are being “trained to fight for Russia”. For @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
It follows my report last week that outlined how stolen children are being “trained to fight for Russia”. For @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Children from occupied Ukraine are being forcibly taken to miltary camps in Russia, where they train to rig booby traps and load guns.
Many fear they are being prepared for the Russian army. Some may already be on the frontline.
My story @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Many fear they are being prepared for the Russian army. Some may already be on the frontline.
My story @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
How Russia is grooming Ukraine’s children to fight for it: ‘I understood it wasn’t just play’
Abducted children and those from occupied territories are turning up in Russia’s military-style training camps, with fears that some are already on the frontline
www.theguardian.com
September 16, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Russia is running a network of at least 210 camps to re-educate, Russify and militarise Ukrainian children, a Yale report has found.
It follows my report last week that outlined how stolen children are being “trained to fight for Russia”. For @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
It follows my report last week that outlined how stolen children are being “trained to fight for Russia”. For @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Reposted by Liz Cookman
Children from occupied Ukraine are being forcibly taken to miltary camps in Russia, where they train to rig booby traps and load guns.
Many fear they are being prepared for the Russian army. Some may already be on the frontline.
My story @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Many fear they are being prepared for the Russian army. Some may already be on the frontline.
My story @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
How Russia is grooming Ukraine’s children to fight for it: ‘I understood it wasn’t just play’
Abducted children and those from occupied territories are turning up in Russia’s military-style training camps, with fears that some are already on the frontline
www.theguardian.com
September 11, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Children from occupied Ukraine are being forcibly taken to miltary camps in Russia, where they train to rig booby traps and load guns.
Many fear they are being prepared for the Russian army. Some may already be on the frontline.
My story @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Many fear they are being prepared for the Russian army. Some may already be on the frontline.
My story @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Children from occupied Ukraine are being forcibly taken to miltary camps in Russia, where they train to rig booby traps and load guns.
Many fear they are being prepared for the Russian army. Some may already be on the frontline.
My story @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Many fear they are being prepared for the Russian army. Some may already be on the frontline.
My story @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
How Russia is grooming Ukraine’s children to fight for it: ‘I understood it wasn’t just play’
Abducted children and those from occupied territories are turning up in Russia’s military-style training camps, with fears that some are already on the frontline
www.theguardian.com
September 11, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Children from occupied Ukraine are being forcibly taken to miltary camps in Russia, where they train to rig booby traps and load guns.
Many fear they are being prepared for the Russian army. Some may already be on the frontline.
My story @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Many fear they are being prepared for the Russian army. Some may already be on the frontline.
My story @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Reposted by Liz Cookman
This summer, Ukraine was hit with record nos of Russian drones - the deadliest run for civilians in over 3 years. The drones are getting faster, better, with attacks set to grow in autumn. But air defences are evolving quickly to catch up. For @observeruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
As Russian drones rain down on Ukraine, this unit has one...
Citizens fall asleep every night to the constant hum of killing machines that turn buildings to dust and snuff out lives. In a sunflower field near Kyiv,...
observer.co.uk
September 7, 2025 at 8:15 AM
This summer, Ukraine was hit with record nos of Russian drones - the deadliest run for civilians in over 3 years. The drones are getting faster, better, with attacks set to grow in autumn. But air defences are evolving quickly to catch up. For @observeruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
Reposted by Liz Cookman
In Kyiv, the Cabinet of Ministers building caught fire, likely after drone debris fell on it. PM Svyrydenko wrote: “For the first time, a government building — its roof and upper floors — has been damaged by an enemy attack. Firefighters are battling the blaze. Thank you for your work.”
September 7, 2025 at 5:44 AM
In Kyiv, the Cabinet of Ministers building caught fire, likely after drone debris fell on it. PM Svyrydenko wrote: “For the first time, a government building — its roof and upper floors — has been damaged by an enemy attack. Firefighters are battling the blaze. Thank you for your work.”
This summer, Ukraine was hit with record nos of Russian drones - the deadliest run for civilians in over 3 years. The drones are getting faster, better, with attacks set to grow in autumn. But air defences are evolving quickly to catch up. For @observeruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
As Russian drones rain down on Ukraine, this unit has one...
Citizens fall asleep every night to the constant hum of killing machines that turn buildings to dust and snuff out lives. In a sunflower field near Kyiv,...
observer.co.uk
September 7, 2025 at 8:15 AM
This summer, Ukraine was hit with record nos of Russian drones - the deadliest run for civilians in over 3 years. The drones are getting faster, better, with attacks set to grow in autumn. But air defences are evolving quickly to catch up. For @observeruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
A woman has been arrested by Russia’s FSB for attempting to attack its HQ in Sevastapol, Crimea, with a religious icon rigged with explosives on behalf of Ukraine’s SBU. Me for @thetimes
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
Woman ‘recruited by Ukraine to blow up Russian security building’
The 54-year-old was arrested after allegedly taking a religious icon rigged with explosives to the FSB headquarters in Crimea, Russian media claims
www.thetimes.com
August 26, 2025 at 8:42 AM
A woman has been arrested by Russia’s FSB for attempting to attack its HQ in Sevastapol, Crimea, with a religious icon rigged with explosives on behalf of Ukraine’s SBU. Me for @thetimes
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
Reposted by Liz Cookman
An interview with former Ukrainian president Poroshenko, and the view from Kyiv, amid the push for peace for @observeruk.bsky.social.
“We don't need anything from Russia. Stop the war, stop the killing, stop grabbing territory, stop blackmailing us and get out.”
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
“We don't need anything from Russia. Stop the war, stop the killing, stop grabbing territory, stop blackmailing us and get out.”
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
We want peace – but not on Putin’s terms, Ukrainians say
Weary of Russia’s war, the citizens of Ukraine are nevertheless wary of a settlement that might give away too much or that doesn’t carry a security guara...
observer.co.uk
August 25, 2025 at 8:33 AM
An interview with former Ukrainian president Poroshenko, and the view from Kyiv, amid the push for peace for @observeruk.bsky.social.
“We don't need anything from Russia. Stop the war, stop the killing, stop grabbing territory, stop blackmailing us and get out.”
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
“We don't need anything from Russia. Stop the war, stop the killing, stop grabbing territory, stop blackmailing us and get out.”
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
An interview with former Ukrainian president Poroshenko, and the view from Kyiv, amid the push for peace for @observeruk.bsky.social.
“We don't need anything from Russia. Stop the war, stop the killing, stop grabbing territory, stop blackmailing us and get out.”
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
“We don't need anything from Russia. Stop the war, stop the killing, stop grabbing territory, stop blackmailing us and get out.”
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
We want peace – but not on Putin’s terms, Ukrainians say
Weary of Russia’s war, the citizens of Ukraine are nevertheless wary of a settlement that might give away too much or that doesn’t carry a security guara...
observer.co.uk
August 25, 2025 at 8:33 AM
An interview with former Ukrainian president Poroshenko, and the view from Kyiv, amid the push for peace for @observeruk.bsky.social.
“We don't need anything from Russia. Stop the war, stop the killing, stop grabbing territory, stop blackmailing us and get out.”
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
“We don't need anything from Russia. Stop the war, stop the killing, stop grabbing territory, stop blackmailing us and get out.”
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
Reposted by Liz Cookman
Powerful reporting and incredible stories here from @lizcookman.bsky.social , edited by @tomlevitt.bsky.social for our new in-depth reporting series on the war in Ukraine
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
‘Russia is targeting us deliberately’: how attacks on maternity hospitals fuelled a birth-rate crisis in Ukraine
The Guardian has visited three frontline hospitals to hear from women who say they have been left fearful of childbirth after more than 80 attacks on maternity units since Russia’s full-scale invasion
www.theguardian.com
August 22, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Powerful reporting and incredible stories here from @lizcookman.bsky.social , edited by @tomlevitt.bsky.social for our new in-depth reporting series on the war in Ukraine
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Reposted by Liz Cookman
"In the three years since then, maternity care in Ukraine has remained under constant attack, with more than 2,000 strikes on medical facilities, including 81 affecting maternal care and delivery rooms." By @lizcookman.bsky.social from Kharkiv, Kherson, Sloviansk www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
‘Russia is targeting us deliberately’: how attacks on maternity hospitals fuelled a birth-rate crisis in Ukraine
Women have been left fearful of childbirth after more than 80 attacks on maternity units since the invasion, leading to the world’s lowest birth rate and the highest mortality rate
www.theguardian.com
August 21, 2025 at 2:30 PM
"In the three years since then, maternity care in Ukraine has remained under constant attack, with more than 2,000 strikes on medical facilities, including 81 affecting maternal care and delivery rooms." By @lizcookman.bsky.social from Kharkiv, Kherson, Sloviansk www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
I travelled to three frontline cities to show what new mothers face in Ukraine - attacks on maternity hospitals, circling drones, power cuts and constant air raid sirens.
Ukraine had the lowest birth rate in the world last year - and highest death rate.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Ukraine had the lowest birth rate in the world last year - and highest death rate.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
‘Russia is targeting us deliberately’: how attacks on maternity hospitals fuelled a birth-rate crisis in Ukraine
The Guardian has visited three frontline hospitals to hear from women who say they have been left fearful of childbirth after more than 80 attacks on maternity units since Russia’s full-scale invasion
www.theguardian.com
August 22, 2025 at 5:55 AM
I travelled to three frontline cities to show what new mothers face in Ukraine - attacks on maternity hospitals, circling drones, power cuts and constant air raid sirens.
Ukraine had the lowest birth rate in the world last year - and highest death rate.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Ukraine had the lowest birth rate in the world last year - and highest death rate.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
From Lavrov’s jumper choices to whether Putin will be given the red carpet treatment, follow our live updates from today’s “HIGH STAKES” Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/us/american-...
www.thetimes.com/us/american-...
Trump-Putin Alaska meeting: Russia ‘wants a piece’ of US wealth — live
Trump-Putin Alaska meeting: time, schedule and latest news on summit
www.thetimes.com
August 15, 2025 at 1:22 PM
From Lavrov’s jumper choices to whether Putin will be given the red carpet treatment, follow our live updates from today’s “HIGH STAKES” Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/us/american-...
www.thetimes.com/us/american-...
How Europe can hit Russia where it hurts — and why it probably won’t.
The Continent is home to €260bn of frozen Kremlin assets. Ukraine wants it all seized like a sanctioned oligarch’s yacht.
Me for @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
The Continent is home to €260bn of frozen Kremlin assets. Ukraine wants it all seized like a sanctioned oligarch’s yacht.
Me for @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
How Europe can hit Russia where it hurts — and why it probably won’t
The Continent is home to €260bn of frozen Kremlin assets. Ukraine wants it all seized like a sanctioned oligarch’s yacht
www.thetimes.com
August 13, 2025 at 9:10 AM
How Europe can hit Russia where it hurts — and why it probably won’t.
The Continent is home to €260bn of frozen Kremlin assets. Ukraine wants it all seized like a sanctioned oligarch’s yacht.
Me for @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
The Continent is home to €260bn of frozen Kremlin assets. Ukraine wants it all seized like a sanctioned oligarch’s yacht.
Me for @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
Russia is attempting a “digital occupation” of Ukraine using a vast network of pro-Kremlin bots that flood people’s mobile phones in the occupied east with subtle and locally-targeted disinformation.
My story for @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
My story for @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
How Russia targets Ukrainians’ hearts and minds through their phones
Pro-Kremlin fake accounts have flooded Telegram with thousands of targeted messages to create a ‘digital occupation’ and sow dissent
www.thetimes.com
August 7, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Russia is attempting a “digital occupation” of Ukraine using a vast network of pro-Kremlin bots that flood people’s mobile phones in the occupied east with subtle and locally-targeted disinformation.
My story for @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
My story for @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
Reposted by Liz Cookman
Over 120 health facilities across Somalia are at risk due of closing due to cuts in international aid, with children paying the heaviest price.
Our CEO Moazzam Malik visited Baidoa, the epicentre of the crisis, with @lizcookman.bsky.social.
This is what they saw 👇
Our CEO Moazzam Malik visited Baidoa, the epicentre of the crisis, with @lizcookman.bsky.social.
This is what they saw 👇
Sickness and starvation stalk Somalia’s children in the ‘City of Death’
Baidoa is the epicentre of a humanitarian crisis. Vital lifelines keeping infants alive may soon be forced to close, thanks to aid cuts
bit.ly
August 1, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Over 120 health facilities across Somalia are at risk due of closing due to cuts in international aid, with children paying the heaviest price.
Our CEO Moazzam Malik visited Baidoa, the epicentre of the crisis, with @lizcookman.bsky.social.
This is what they saw 👇
Our CEO Moazzam Malik visited Baidoa, the epicentre of the crisis, with @lizcookman.bsky.social.
This is what they saw 👇
Her name was Diana Koshyk and she was 23.
She liked to write poetry and paint, and was seven months pregnant with a son she named Damir. She was killed in a Russian missile strike last week.
My first story for @observeruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
She liked to write poetry and paint, and was seven months pregnant with a son she named Damir. She was killed in a Russian missile strike last week.
My first story for @observeruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
Pregnant, panicking… then the bomb struck | The Observer
Her name was Diana Koshyk and she was 23 years old. She liked to write poetry and paint, and she was the “love of my life”, says her husband Oleksandr Ko...
observer.co.uk
August 4, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Her name was Diana Koshyk and she was 23.
She liked to write poetry and paint, and was seven months pregnant with a son she named Damir. She was killed in a Russian missile strike last week.
My first story for @observeruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
She liked to write poetry and paint, and was seven months pregnant with a son she named Damir. She was killed in a Russian missile strike last week.
My first story for @observeruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
Thousand are on the streets in Kyiv for a second night, incl. wounded veterans, to protest Zelenskyy’s signing of a controversial bill on the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions.
Some compared him to Yanukovych, who was ousted during the Maidan Revolution.
Some compared him to Yanukovych, who was ousted during the Maidan Revolution.
July 23, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Thousand are on the streets in Kyiv for a second night, incl. wounded veterans, to protest Zelenskyy’s signing of a controversial bill on the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions.
Some compared him to Yanukovych, who was ousted during the Maidan Revolution.
Some compared him to Yanukovych, who was ousted during the Maidan Revolution.