A People's Artist who served as the voice of Ukrainian television for 25 years has died

At the age of 83, the distinguished Ukrainian announcer, television host, and People’s Artist of Ukraine Oleksandr Safonov has passed away. For a quarter of a century, his voice remained a defining symbol of Ukrainian television, accompanying the most important news programs and official state events.

This was reported by the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine.

Safonov’s professional career began in the late 1960s at Lviv Regional Television, after which he moved to the national level and worked on national television until the early 2000s, later continuing his work at Ukrainian Radio. The final years of the legendary host’s life were overshadowed by the severe consequences of a botched surgical procedure, a stroke, and cancer, which left him unable to walk. Despite his long illness and constant need for outside care, the artist retained his patriotic spirit and unwavering faith in the Ukrainian army until his final days, and his funeral took place in the Cherkasy region.

On the morning of May 18, Ukrainian MP Stepan Kubiv died suddenly. The circumstances of his death have not yet been clarified, and details of the incident are being investigated. Ukrainian politician and public figure Stepan Kubiv will be buried at Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv on May 20.