The “Iron General” and Future Media Professionals: An Online Meeting with Valerii Zaluzhnyi

Today, September 30, 2026, aspiring media professionals gained a unique professional experience: an open online meeting took place between journalism students from Berdyansk State Pedagogical University, international relations students from Zaporizhzhia National University and other Ukrainian higher education institutions, and the “Iron General,” Valerii Zaluzhnyi. The central theme of this candid dialogue was the concept of “War as Science” and the role of the information front within the context of modern technological warfare.

During the online session, students from Berdyansk State Pedagogical University had the opportunity to ask the general questions directly. They were particularly interested in the nuances of reporting on combat operations, effective methods for combating disinformation, the balance between speed of reporting and operational security, and the impact of cutting-edge technologies on the course of the war. In his responses, Valerii Zaluzhnyi emphasized that modern conflict has long since transcended a purely physical clash of forces; it is, first and foremost, a confrontation involving engineering ingenuity, analytics, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems.

The general also paid special attention to the responsibility borne by future media professionals. He stressed that in the context of hybrid warfare, facts and well-chosen words serve as weapons just as potent as the advanced technologies deployed on the front lines. That is precisely why aspiring journalists must possess a deep understanding of military matters, adhere to ethical standards, and rely on a rigorous, evidence-based approach when verifying information.

The event took place in a dynamic atmosphere, giving students at Berdyansk State Pedagogical University a clear understanding that modern journalism demands not only quick reactions but also profound knowledge and a strong sense of responsibility toward society. Ultimately, it is young people – with their flexible thinking and drive for innovation – who remain the primary catalysts for change in both the academic and media landscapes of Ukraine.

Anzhelika Shulzhenko,
Associate Professor, Department of Ukrainian Language and Journalis