Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Zakarpatskyi Visnyk
Journalist and media manager with over 15 years of experience. Founder of two independent outlets — Nezalezhnyi Format and Zakarpatskyi Visnyk. Specialises in covering socio-political processes, the work of public authorities and human rights.
Igor Melnykov has over 15 years of experience in media and civic work. In 2012 he founded the newspaper Nezalezhnyi Format, which he still leads, and in 2025 he launched the regional outlet Zakarpatskyi Visnyk — an online portal in Ukrainian, English and Hungarian, a print newspaper, a YouTube channel and social media pages.
As editor-in-chief he sets the editorial policy, approves the publishing plan and is responsible for fact-checking, balance of views and professional standards. He pays particular attention to media transparency: open disclosure of ownership and funding sources, and labelling of advertising.
He holds a degree in economics, has published academic papers on financial markets and has many years of civic experience — from public councils at ministries to helping victims of the war.
“Our task is to give every community in Zakarpattia a voice and our readers verified information they can trust.”— the newsroom’s mission
Career
2025 — presentFounder and Editor-in-Chief, Zakarpatskyi VisnykRegional media outlet of Zakarpattia: a trilingual online portal, print newspaper, YouTube and social media. Registered with the National Council (R40-07357, R30-06408).
2012 — presentFounder, Editor-in-Chief and journalist, Nezalezhnyi Format newspaperAn independent advertising and news publication.
2012 — 2025Director, Igmir Company LLCHis own web design company — the experience behind the outlet’s digital infrastructure.
Reporting abroad
He has covered international events and the work of public institutions in Moldova, Romania and the United Kingdom.
Plenary session of the Parliament of the Republic of MoldovaBriefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of MoldovaMinistry of Foreign Affairs of RomaniaInternational event in ChișinăuPalace of Westminster, London
Professional memberships and status
Member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU)Membership card No. 4704, since 2026
IFJ International Press CardInternational Federation of Journalists, valid until 2028
Registered media entityNational Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting, decisions No. 1739 and No. 1884
2022 — presentFounder of the Centre for Assistance to War Victims
2021 — presentPresident, Khust City Biathlon Federation (NGO)
2016 — presentDeputy Chair of the Board, NGO “Anti-Corruption Movement of Ukraine”
2012 — presentChair of the Board, NGO “Independent Country”
2017 — 2020Member of the public councils at the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine and the Holosiivskyi District Administration of Kyiv
The NGO “Anti-Corruption Movement of Ukraine” is a partner of the outlet; this connection is disclosed on the “Funding” page.
Education
2013 — 2018Academy of Financial Management, Ministry of Finance of UkrainePostgraduate studies; dissertation prepared for the degree of Candidate of Economic Sciences
2008 — 2010Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym HetmanFinance and Credit
2007 — 2008Kyiv National University of Construction and ArchitectureHigher education
2017«Інституційне забезпечення трансформації державного регулювання фінансового ринку України» — «Економіка та держава», № 9
2017«Перспективи регулювання фінансового ринку для розвитку держави в Україні» — Virtus
2017«Проблеми функціонування фінансового ринку в Україні та шляхи їх вирішення» — Ekonomické trendy
2016«Місце і роль державних цінних паперів на фінансовому ринку в сучасних умовах» — «Регіональна економіка»
2015«Державне регулювання ринків фінансових послуг України в умовах макроекономічної нестабільності» — ScienceRise
In total, 10 academic articles on financial markets and state regulation (2010–2017); titles are given in the original language.
Family
Igor Melnykov is married and, together with his wife, is raising their eight-year-old son. Family is his main support, and he tries to spend his free time with his son and loved ones.
Contact the Editor-in-Chief
Proposals for cooperation, partnerships and grant projects.
