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February 19, 2025 – Russia/Ukraine –
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its third year, journalists covering the conflict continue to face severe and escalating threats. Since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has documented nearly 150 attacks on journalists, encompassing killings, injuries, detentions, and disappearances.
Thirteen journalists have been killed by Russian forces, including Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who died in Russian detention in 2024. At least 47 journalists have been injured, often in targeted attacks or while reporting from areas subjected to Russian strikes.
Eighteen Ukrainian journalists are currently detained by Russia, primarily arrested in occupied territories for refusing to collaborate. Nine have been sentenced by Russian courts on charges such as “terrorism” or “espionage,” and are held in inhumane conditions, often far from Ukraine and without medical care.
One journalist, Zhanna Kyselova, editor-in-chief of the local newspaper Kakhovska Zorya, has been missing since her arrest by Russian occupation forces in June 2024.
Russian forces have also targeted media infrastructure, with 23 strikes on television and radio towers recorded since the invasion began. These attacks aim to disrupt the dissemination of independent news.
The war has severely impacted Ukrainian media outlets, with 329 shutting down due to the collapse of the advertising market, staff shortages from conscription and exile, and the consequences of bombings and occupation.
Despite these challenges, Ukrainian journalists continue to report on the conflict, demonstrating resilience and commitment to informing the public. International organizations, including RSF, provide support through grants and resources to help journalists and media outlets continue their work under these perilous conditions.
The ongoing threats to journalists in Ukraine underscore the urgent need for global attention and action to protect press freedom and ensure the safety of media professionals operating in conflict zones.
Reference –
https://rsf.org/en/three-years-russian-full-scale-invasion-ukraine-nearly-150-journalists-attacked
