Ukraine

As of 24 March, five journalists had been killed, one had gone missing and at least six had been kidnapped. Approximately 70 regional media outlets had also been forced to shut down as a result of Russia’s offensive against Ukraine.

Held for nine days, the ‘Radio France’ fixer was beaten with an iron bar, tortured with electricity, and subjected to a mock execution.

On 14 March, a vehicle carrying a ‘Fox News’ team was attacked near the village of Horenka, outside of Kyiv. Cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski and journalist Oleksandra Kuvshynova died from their injuries. Reporter Benjamin Hall remains in hospital.

US filmmaker Brent Renaud was killed and photographer Juan Arredondo was wounded when the car they were travelling in came under fire after passing a checkpoint. Initial reports say that the shooters were Russian soldiers.

On 12 March, Baturin left home to meet an acquaintance nearby. Although he promised to return in 20 minutes, he has not been seen since.

Amidst the rapidly escalating crackdown in Russia, how are leading journalists navigating a dangerous news landscape? ‘Meduza’ founder Galina Timchenko and deputy editor of ‘Novaya Gazeta’ Kyrill Martynov share their views.

Several media crews have come under fire and four reporters have sustained gunshot injuries during the first two weeks of Russia’s assault; four TV broadcast towers have been bombed.

“According to OVD-Info, the leading human rights project working to protect freedom of assembly in Russia, 13,500 people have been arbitrarily arrested since Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February”.

The Lviv Press Freedom Centre aims to be a reception and distribution hub for protective equipment for journalists, particularly bulletproof vests and helmets. This physical and digital centre will also provide resources to journalists seeking financial or psychological assistance.

“We call on CoE member states to make available emergency financial support that can be distributed to journalists, journalists’ organisations and media outlets in Ukraine… We ask all concerned governments, as well as international NGOs, to do everything they can to support journalists who will be forced to flee the country and set up reporting bases abroad.”

Dozens of organisations express their solidarity with the people of Ukraine, particularly Ukrainian journalists who now find themselves at the frontlines of a large-scale European war.

“Following this morning’s invasion, the work of IMI, their partners and allies, and independent journalists across Ukraine and Russia is needed now more than ever. The safety of journalists, as well as the right to protest needs to be assured.” – IFEX Executive Director Annie Game.

In times of crisis such as this, the media plays a fundamental role in providing timely and accurate information about developments on the ground. The targeting of news organizations covering the conflict or any attempts by Russian forces to knock out key telecommunications or broadcasting infrastructure in Ukraine would be completely unacceptable.

Yesypenko was convicted on dubious charges relating to possession of explosives. He says that he was tortured after his arrest in March 2021 and was forced to confess his ‘guilt’ on the Russia-controlled TV channel ‘Crimea 24’.

With tension high after Russia amassed troops at its border with Ukraine, some organisations are providing journalists with helmets, body armour, first aid kits and emergency training.

The 10 citizen journalists are mostly Crimean Tatars. They are charged with “participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation”, “complicity in sabotage” or “preparation for the violent seizure of power by an organised group by prior agreement”.