Journalist Natalia Lazarovich: a blitz with the investigator from Bihus.Info

The journalist is one of six characters in the RBTNK world, fighting for victory alongside other superheroes. This is someone who asks questions and finds answers that shape the rear and society. By June 6, Journalist Day, we met with Natalia Lazarovych — investigative journalist of the editorial team Bihus.Info. At the Kyiv railway station, just before another assignment, Natalia talked about her choice of role in the war and the nuances of her work.

This material is published as part of the Superheroes column and the collaboration between Bihus.Info and RBTNK. Together we created a limited edition token "Brave to Make Changes," the proceeds from which will be directed to fundraising for the First Medical Battalion, where investigative journalist of Bihus.Info Oleksiy Yarylchenko is currently serving. Get your brave token and join the fundraising here 👈

Natalia, hello! Tell us about your work.

I conduct anti-corruption investigations at Bihus.Info. With the team, we found overpayments and abuses in the reconstruction of damaged houses, analyzed huge arrays of the so-called "Komarnytsky tapes" (where the "watcher" and Kyiv City Council deputies are squandering Kyiv land), and figured out where the money went during the construction of fortifications.

I also mentor journalists and editorial teams that conduct investigations in various parts of the country. Because I believe it is important to show what is happening in the regions.

Why did you choose this role in the war?

I joined the Bihus.Info team already after the start of the full-scale invasion, although I had thought about going into anti-corruption investigations earlier, I just didn't dare. The final push was a very difficult period: my relatives were on hot spots of the front, and people I knew from "Plast" were dying. ("Plast" is the national scouting organization of Ukraine, - ed. note). At that time, I felt that I had to engage in something that I would find meaningful and impactful. And I also lacked a sense of belonging to a community with shared values. A little later, after I joined Bihus.Info, we raised 10 million hryvnias for the military. It felt like a match. We still constantly help defenders with fundraising.

«I felt that I had to engage in something that I would find meaningful and impactful.»

 

What is your mission?

My mission is to expose corruption and tell about what they wish to hide.

How do you think we can build a bridge between the rear and the front?

It is important for the rear to listen and, most importantly, to hear those on the front lines. To learn more about how the consequences of war can manifest in soldiers and how to respond to them. To support those who have returned. To join fundraising efforts. To instill in children respect for all those involved in the military. And for the military - despite everything, to believe that they are awaited here.

Tell your favorite story from work

When I did my first investigation for Bihus.Info, I immediately received a lawsuit. Not even from the subject of the material, but from Andriy Portnov, who was the first deputy head of Yanukovych's Administration. The plot was not about him at all, but Portnov was madly eager to protect his “honor, dignity, and business reputation.” Something he never had in principle. And he wanted to sue us 10 seconds into the plot, where there was a mention of his position and residence in Moscow. This is a record short claim in lawsuits against the editorial office. In principle, suing journalists was Portnov's hobby. But the unfortunate lawyer gave up halfway, the case never reached consideration, and Portnov can no longer terrorize anyone :)

«My mission is to expose corruption and tell about what they want to hide»

 

What artifacts are always with you?

In my bag, there is always a keychain from a close person, a pink tourniquet from a friend, and a film for cardiopulmonary resuscitation that the medics gave at the training. On difficult days, I wear your bracelet “The one who remembers wins.” I take an important patch and recently a token on trips.

And what is on your token?

“The brave make changes.” When I roll this phrase in my head, it motivates and inspires me. Because these few words describe our work and what we believe in at Bihus.Info well. Courage is not born — it grows and hardens when you stand up for your values.

“Courage is not born — it grows and hardens when you stand up for your values”

We created this token to strengthen the fundraising for our colleague Oleksiy Yarylchenko's unit. Together with Oleksiy, we conducted investigations into embezzlement in reconstruction, and now he serves in the ranks of the First Medical Battalion.

What gives you faith and stubbornness?

I am naturally a stubborn person, especially at work. This stubbornness is reinforced by loud revelations of corruption, especially large-scale ones like the recent ones. Faith is the foundation; I don't know how to do without it. I just believe that we will endure, that our loved ones will be home, that the final point is not the only important thing, but also the journey. When this foundation slightly sinks — I talk to my positive friends and relatives.

What are you dreaming about right now?

I have thought long about this question. Perhaps, finally feel that justice exists.

And finally: if you could become any character in a game — who would you choose?

I usually don't play games, but once I chose those where you have to complete tasks, find something, and uncover secrets. Probably, now I am doing something similar :)

Join the community of those who uncover important secrets and make changes: order token RBTNK x Bihus.Info, as in Natalia's case, the proceeds of which we will direct to support the fundraising for the Defender and journalist Bihus.Info Oleksiy Yarylchenko. 

Text:

Vladislava Kuzinska

Victoria Safronova

Photo:

Artem Komendant