UNL grad embarks on journey to Ukraine for war reporting

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate John Grinvalds is taking his next step as a freelance war reporter, in Ukraine.

Grinvalds came across the opportunity through a connection in Liberty, Nebraska, and made plans to travel to the war-ridden country over 5,000 miles away.

Grinvalds said raising the funds to freelance in Ukraine is a dream that gives voice to the Ukrainian people.

“As an American growing up in a small town in the Midwest, and as an American in general, I have no conception of the trauma and the pain and the horror of war,” he said.

His journey will land him in Poland, where he’ll meet with refugees of the war to report on stories in that region before continuing to Ukraine.

“I want to take this opportunity to get a sense for these world-historic events that are unfolding, that we have really no way, no context to understand fully,” Grinvalds said.

UNL journalism professor Matt Waite said Grinvalds always wanted to travel, and now he has his chance.

“John has always had an expansive view on the world, and what good journalism can do,” Waite said. “Talk to him for a few minutes, and you’ll understand why he wants to do this.”

Grinvalds said Ukrainians need their stories told and experiences shared.

“Ukrainians need support,” he said. “They need that humanitarian and military support and aid more than ever.”

Grinvalds’ GoFundMe has details of his plans while visiting Poland and Ukraine.