WASHINGTON – Adrian Karmazyn, chief of the Voice of America’s Ukrainian Service, retired on September 30 from federal service, concluding a 27-year career in international broadcasting. Mr. Karmazyn had served as chief of the Ukrainian Service since November 2005.
In a statement published in the Congressional Record on September 28, Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) wrote the following about his departure from the Voice of America: “During his career, Mr. Karmazyn has contributed immensely to keeping the flame of freedom alive in Ukraine, even during some of her darkest hours. He is a freedom fighter. His mindful voice has been an essential component on the arduous path to a more open, democratic society following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the harrowing but steady progress of Ukraine to become part of the European community of nations… His labor has brought the American people and the people of Ukraine closer for decades, with his regular presence and positive influence at VOA for the cause of liberty. His has been a voice of freedom.”
According to a 2014 audience survey, VOA’s Ukrainian Service television programming reaches over 18 percent of the population of Ukraine each week.
In November, Mr. Karmazyn joined the team of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation in Washington.