Echo Freunde e. V.

In 2025, Echo continued its work under increasingly restrictive conditions for independent media, while significantly expanding its reach, formats, and public presence. Donations received through betterplace were used to support journalism, technology, audience outreach, and community-building activities.

A major crowdfunding and awareness campaign in summer–autumn 2025 brought unprecedented public attention to Echo and helped us strengthen our connection with supporters. These funds supported the work of our editorial, technical, and fundraising teams, ensuring stable access to independent information despite ongoing censorship and blocking.

In 2025, Echo significantly expanded its offline presence. Our flagship event, Echo On Air, brought together more than 500 participants and became a central meeting point for our community. In addition, we held numerous public discussions, film screenings, and meetings across European cities, strengthening local communities and contributing to Echo’s financial sustainability.

Donations also supported Echo’s publishing activities. We released several new books, including “Blagimi namereniyami” by Ksenia Luchenko, which received the Prosvetitel Prize, the most important award for socio-political non-fiction in Russian. Other publications included books on cryptocurrencies and power (“Cyberpunk”), Russian elites (“Accomplices”), and related topics.

In 2025, we launched new editorial projects, including a decolonial podcast about the diverse peoples of Russia and a weekly YouTube show, “What We Know”, expanding our analytical and educational content. These initiatives contributed to steady audience growth across platforms.

Thanks to the support of our donors, Echo continues to develop, reach new audiences, and remain a trusted source of independent information. We are deeply grateful for this support.