Cukr

Cukr is an independent local media outlet founded in 2019 in Sumy, a regional capital in northern Ukraine only around 15 miles from the Russian border. Its name plays on the Ukrainian word for sugar— a nod to the city’s industrial heritage— and reflects its ambition: its founding group team of  journalism graduates set out to challenge the demotivating, sensationalist news cycle, and to give people fresh reasons to take pride in their city.

Cukr practises a distinctive blend of community-focused “slow” journalism and solutions journalism, telling stories about the people, culture, businesses, and grassroots initiatives shaping Sumy, while also documenting the realities of life under constant threats, and actively countering Russian propaganda.

The team has grown more than threefold over the course of the full-scale war and now reaches a community of several hundred thousand followers. Beyond its website and social media channels, Cukr runs a cultural space, a local merchandise line, and a print magazine. It is also building long-term resilience through a growing membership base.

With support from the International Fund, Cukr will maintain and expand its public interest journalism about Sumy, and aims to reach new audiences. The grant will also support the outlet to leverage new revenue streams in order to strengthen its financial resilience.

‍