"Off-camera, I'm just a regular person, too": Host Kateryna Solyar on her fears, habits, and little joys

For Kateryna Solyar , journalism became the field where she ultimately found her place. Her career began during the Revolution of Dignity, when aspiring TV anchors were warned against covering the revolutionary events. Over time, she realized that journalism is not just about working in front of the camera, but also about taking responsibility for every word and being ready to stand by people during their most difficult moments.

However, behind her serious on-air demeanor lies a different Kateryna – one with the ability to find reasons for joy in ordinary things and the conviction that humor helps people get through even the hardest times. And after the Russian attack on her apartment, the host gained a new perspective on the sense of security and the things that truly matter. Among her personal symbols of hope is a ticket to Sevastopol, purchased at the start of the full-scale war.

As part of 24 Channel’s special project “Behind the Scenes,” Kateryna Solyar shared what helps her stay true to herself off the air and why some dreams are worth holding onto, even when the path to them remains unknown.

“I’m Here, I’m Where I Belong”: Kateryna Solyar’s Journey in Journalism

In 2014, while Kateryna Solyar was studying at television school, the Revolution of Dignity was unfolding outside her windows. Future anchors were taught how to work on camera, but at the same time were warned against participating in the coverage of the revolutionary events.

By the way, the The Revolution of Dignitybegan on November 21, 2013, as a peaceful protest against the then-government’s rejection of Ukraine’s European integration. As a result of the brutal crackdowns on protesters, the movement escalated into a large-scale confrontation that led to the overthrow of the pro-Russian regime at the cost of the lives of the heroes of the Heavenly Hundred.

“That was when I first learned what the word ‘censorship’ meant. Because people started telling us, ‘You understand, these events will be over soon.’ As if to say, ‘Don’t risk your career by getting involved in some revolutionary cause,’” the host recalls.

Later, Kateryna came to realize another aspect of her profession – the responsibility that comes with every word. There are no second takes on live TV; viewers hear everything the very moment the host speaks.

You can’t correct anything. You can’t say “stop,” you can’t say “let’s do it again,” you can’t say “let’s re-record it.” You only have one take, and it starts right now. It’s always very nerve-wracking, 
explains Kateryna Solyar.

Although she has been working in journalism since 2014, the feeling that she truly belongs in this role only came with the start of the full-scale invasion. Prior to that, Solyar had changed careers, moving from her position as head of the secretarial department at a plastic and cardboard card manufacturing plant to journalism.

The start of the full-scale invasion showed me that I’m here, I’m where I belong, and I’m doing what I need to do. It was a sign that people are interested in listening to me, that I’m worthy of speaking with them, that they listen to me, that they respond to me, and that my work is important to them, 
– says the host.

For Kateryna, journalism has long been a part of her personal life. She has to constantly follow the news, study events, and be ready to respond to them even outside of work hours.

Kateryna Solyar at the start of her career / photo from social media

It’s not even a job – it’s my life. Because you can’t just do journalism from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – you live it. You wake up, pick up your phone, read the news, research information – you even eat breakfast with your phone in your hands,” says Solyar.

At the same time, a host’s job isn’t limited to being in front of the camera. Journalists independently seek out information, research the context, analyze the views of experts and colleagues, and select videos and photos while preparing the broadcast plan. At the same time, they must be ready to adjust it according to new circumstances.

The days of “talking heads” on screen are over. Now, every anchor and every journalist prepares the entire broadcast – from start to finish – on their own. They find the information they’ll discuss, identify the background context that must be mentioned, and predict what might happen in the future,” explains the anchor.

Therefore, despite the common perception that journalists receive ready-made talking points that they simply need to voice, preparing for the broadcast involves independent work and analysis of information.

“They realized they weren’t alone”: on the candor that helped other women

The host is used to talking with viewers about events taking place in the country and helping them piece together a complete picture of the day. At the same time, topics that go beyond the news sometimes become important as well.

One interview that Kateryna often reflects on touched on the topic of women’s health. In a podcast with Oleg Borisov, she spoke candidly about her own experience. After it was published, many women wrote to her, sharing similar stories and expressing their support.

“When I put all of this into words, it became easier and clearer for them. They realized they weren’t alone. And that was the interview that wasn’t just needed by me, but by many women in Ukraine,” says Kateryna.

Despite this experience, the host admits that she doesn’t like giving interviews and avoids talking about herself whenever possible. She’s more accustomed to talking about others, but this candid conversation showed that a personal story can also be a source of support for many.

Solyar in the office / photo courtesy of the host

“Humor Is Like Plantain”: Kateryna Solyar’s Personality Off-Camera

On camera, Kateryna Solyar, unfortunately, most often discusses tragic events and Russian attacks, so viewers are used to seeing her look serious. Off-camera, the host loves to joke around, but on screen she chooses her words more carefully due to her responsibility to a large audience.

“I wouldn’t call them different personas; it’s just that with friends and family, you relax and don’t control what you say. On screen, though, you have to control it so there’s no risk that someone might misunderstand you,” 
– explains the host.

When she’s with loved ones, Kateryna loves to joke; she especially appreciates intellectual humor and sarcasm. This talent, she says, runs in the family – her father always knew how to crack a good joke.

However, for the host, humor isn’t just a way to have fun. She considers it one of the tools that help Ukrainians endure the war and cope with pain.

Kateryna Solyar and her colleague Anastasia Noritsyna / photo from social media

“I think this is our remedy for pain. Nothing soothes pain like humor – it’s like a ‘plantain’ that we apply to all our wounds,” says Kateryna.

However, there are events that make jokes fade into the background. During live broadcasts, the host has to not only talk about other people’s pain but also share it with her audience.

Another of Kateryna’s traits is perseverance. She used to consider her stubbornness a flaw, but over time she came to see it as a strength that helps her move forward and defend Ukraine’s position.

Kateryna Solyar knows how to find joy in simple things: unexpected flowers or a beautiful sunset. And cats hold a special place in her life. After the death of her beloved cat, Kateryna would like to get another one, but she can’t yet due to the terms of her apartment lease.

Her friend described what Kateryna is like off-camera, compiling a whole list of observations about her – from daily habits to personality traits:

• She sleeps so quietly that sometimes you have to check to see if she’s still breathing.
• If we go to the movies, we absolutely have to bring cheese and caramel popcorn.
• If you’ve agreed to meet this woman on the weekend, be prepared for the meeting to be canceled. It’s better to meet on weekdays.
• When she falls silent, it’s best not to disturb her.
• You don’t need a reason to give her a gift.
• There are movies you can watch over and over again, and they’re not *Home Alone*, but *Dirty Dancing* and *Sex in the Big City*.
• To those close to her, this woman is a scanner, a source of emotions, the best listener, the most experienced advisor, a fashion house, and a book of the most interesting stories.
• How to win her heart? Don’t ask stupid questions. And also – show it through actions, not just words.

“A Second Birthday”: On the Russian Attack That Changed Her Sense of Security

The full-scale war changed Kateryna Solyar’s perspective on what truly matters. In the early hours of the invasion, as she was getting ready for work at 5:30 a.m., she recorded a voice message for her mom – the person closest to her – trying to convey the most important thing.

“No matter what happens, I love you,” Kateryna told her mother. Although she had said this before in every conversation, those words took on special meaning at that moment.

Solyar with her mom / photo from social media

July 31, 2025, became a second birthday for the TV host.During the Russian attack She moved into the hallway, as far away from the windows as possible. It was a very timely decision. Because suddenly, window frames flew into the room, the closet doors flew off their hinges, and the bathroom door fell just a few centimeters from her head. Kateryna was unharmed, but What she went through changed her sense of security.

Forthe host, a real home isn’t about an apartment, but about her loved ones: her mom, her brother – who has been defending Ukraine on the front lines since 2022 – and her friends.

Kateryna Solyar and her brother / photo provided by the host

On the night of the attack, Kateryna packed a backpack with photographs and gifts from her family – items that had become especially precious after the loss of her loved ones.

“You realize that you don’t have that many memories – of your father, for example – and every year they fade anyway, so you want to preserve them at least in your phone’s memory or as printed photos,” 
– says Kateryna.

The host’s father has been gone for seven years, and her grandfather also passed away later. Kateryna believes that on that night, she was protected by the love of her family members who are no longer with her.

“I’m sure that the protection – those invisible walls around me in the hallway back then – were built by those who aren’t physically with me today, but who watch over me from above, serving as my dome and my home,” 
” the host shares.

“When You Can Let Go of Control”: On Information Detox and Sports as Discipline

It’s hard for Kateryna Solyar to completely give up the news, even on vacation. She usually follows dozens of Telegram channels, but while on vacation she keeps only one – 24 Channel. This approach allows her to take a brief break from the news without falling out of the information loop.

Another way for the host to switch gears has been sports. She’s never been a fan, but working out helps her stay in shape and put her phone aside for a little while.

“I’m a huge ‘control freak,’ and for me, the gym is a moment – or an opportunity – to not control everything in the world, because the trainer is in charge there. He tells you what to do, and you just do it,” 
” explains the host.

It didn’t take her long to fall in love with working out: repetitive exercises used to seem boring to Kateryna. Her trainer helped change her attitude, and she’s now willing to travel across town – spending about an hour on the road – just to work out with him.

I had to, let’s say, force myself to love sports. Now it seems to me that it’s become a discipline, 
– Solyar admits.

Kateryna Solyar before going on air / photo from social media

Although training hasn’t become a constant source of joy for her, Kateryna can no longer imagine her life without it. She places sports on the same level as basic daily needs and time with loved ones – as something without which her usual rhythm is no longer possible.

“A Ticket to Ukrainian Crimea”: On Travel and Faith in Victory

For Kateryna Solyar, travel is an opportunity to recharge and see the world from a different perspective. When abroad, the host loves to observe people’s everyday lives. She was particularly struck byAmsterdam, where city dwellers leisurely stroll the streets, drink coffee, and read the morning papers.

Watching them, Kateryna reflects on just how different life can be. While people in other countries enjoy their ordinary daily lives, Ukrainians have had to endure revolutions, economic upheavals, and Russian aggression.

“You get a thrill from being there with them, and you’d like to remember what a carefree life is like, but you realize you’ve never had one,” the host shares.

Kateryna Solyar’s travels / photo courtesy of the host

At the same time, Kateryna wouldn’t want to trade Ukraine for any other country. For her, traveling is an opportunity to live through new stories, not just watch them from the sidelines.

It’s like watching a movie, but instead of watching it on TV, you’re actually in it. And every time, it’s a new episode. It’s simply a chance to see just how diverse our world is,” Kateryna explains.

After the full-scale invasion began, the host started traveling more – both on business trips and during vacations. She realized that countries that once seemed far away are actually closer than ever.

“It’s about growth; it’s like reading books; it’s like listening to completely different kinds of music, not just one genre. It’s about expanding boundaries and horizons that aren’t limited by frameworks or borders,” says the host.

But more than anything, Kateryna dreams of visiting not a European city, but Ukraine’s Crimea. At the start of the full-scale invasion, she bought a ticket from “Ukrzaliznytsia” from Kyiv to Sevastopol. It became a symbol of her faith that the peninsula would return to Ukrainian control, and the host still keeps it to this day.

Kateryna Solyar in the studio / photo provided by the host

Kateryna also has a personal connection to Crimea. During the war, she met a Crimean Tatar woman who is currently in a Russian prison on charges of aiding the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They haven’t seen each other in person yet, but her friend has already prepared a list of places she wants to show her.

I would very much like to find myself in our Ukrainian Crimea under a peaceful Ukrainian sky – I already have a ticket – so that I can meet my friend there. “She’s put together a whole list of her favorite spots for me, to show me Crimea as I’ve never seen it before, and to prove that Crimea has been waiting all this time for Ukraine’s return,” 
” says Solyar.

So Kateryna Solyar continues to be a source of support for thousands of Ukrainians who follow the news with her every day. And off-camera, she, like everyone else, finds time for her loved ones, for rest, and for the little joys that help keep us going even in difficult times.