Artem Borovik Well-known journalist, editor-in-chief of the newspaper 'Top Secret' Date of Birth: 13.09.1960 Country: Russia

Artem Borovik: A Biography

Artem Borovik was a renowned journalist and the editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Sovershenno Sekretno" (Absolutely Secret). Born on September 13, 1960, his parents instilled in him and his sister Marina a love and respect for family, friends, work, books, and their homeland. Artem's upbringing focused on honesty, openness, and respect towards others.

Artem's early years were spent in New York, where his father worked as a correspondent for the "News" press agency. It was during this time that Artem developed a deep understanding of the atmosphere in America during the 1960s. The anti-war movement in Vietnam and the struggle for civil rights by African Americans left a lasting impression on him. He learned to respect people of different nationalities and races and expected the same respect in return.

Artem had the privilege of growing up in a home where legendary figures from literature, journalism, cinema, theater, and television were frequent guests. His parents' circle of friends included Roman Karmen, Konstantin Simonov, Yevgeny Yevtushenko, Andrey Voznesensky, Viktor Rozov, Julian Semenov, Arkady Sakhnin, Harrison Salisbury, Norman Mailer, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Walter Cronkite, Arthur Miller, and Mary Hemingway, among many others.

From a young age, Artem understood that the success and fame of these individuals were not solely based on talent and their outstanding qualities as human beings, but also on their tremendous hard work. Inspired by their examples, Artem pursued his education at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), where he excelled academically.

During his time at MGIMO, Artem was sent to the Soviet embassy in Peru for his student internship. Recognizing his exceptional abilities, he was then assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MID). However, Artem declined the prestigious offer, stating his lifelong dream was to become a journalist. Instead, he joined the international department of "Sovetskaya Rossiya," a prominent newspaper led by Mikhayl Fyodorovich Nenashov.

Artem faced the challenges of being the son of a famous journalist, as he was often labeled as someone who only succeeded because of his father's reputation. However, he was determined to prove himself and make a name for himself in the field of journalism. He joined the editorial team of "Ogonek," where he received support from Vitaly Alekseevich Korotich, the newly appointed editor-in-chief.

Artem's articles and essays about his experiences in Vorkuta, the roads of Smolensk during World War II, Chernobyl, Nicaragua, and ultimately Afghanistan, garnered both praise and criticism. His firsthand accounts of the Afghan war, published as a series of essays titled "The Hidden War," revealed the harsh realities and senselessness of the conflict. These writings earned him widespread recognition and accolades from readers, fellow journalists, and renowned writers such as Graham Greene.

Despite the acclaim he received, Artem faced backlash and attacks from those who did not want the truth about the Afghan war to be exposed. He persisted in his pursuit of uncovering the truth, venturing into increasingly dangerous situations with each subsequent assignment. For his bravery and dedication, Artem was awarded the soldier's medal for "Combat Merit."

Artem's impact as a journalist and writer was substantial, earning him numerous awards and accolades. He received the "Public Recognition" prize, the Union of Journalists' "Golden Feather" medal, and the Television Academy's TEFI award. Additionally, he was the only journalist in the world to be twice honored with the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award.

Artem's work demonstrated not only physical courage but also the courage to speak truth to power and expose the harsh realities of war. His writings upheld the highest journalistic standards, earning him immense respect and admiration. He was a true hero, both among his subjects and his readers.

Throughout his career, Artem remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He never flaunted his achievements or medals, choosing instead to focus on the importance of his work. Artem's commitment to truth and justice, his unwavering integrity, and his ability to capture the essence of humanity in his writings distinguished him as a remarkable journalist and writer.

Tragically, Artem's life was cut short on March 9, 2000, when he died in a plane crash while on assignment in the Russian Far East. His passing was a tremendous loss to the world of journalism, leaving behind a legacy of courageous reporting and a commitment to the pursuit of truth. His work continues to inspire and educate future generations of journalists, reminding them of the importance of their role in society.