We stand with Ukrainian journalists in their fourth winter of war
As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year, Ukrainian journalists have endured the most severe and harsh winter under attack. Meanwhile across the country, energy infrastructure continues to be targeted, leaving entire regions with prolonged and unpredictable blackouts. In some areas, including the capital Kyiv, electricity is available for only a few hours a day. With temperatures far below zero many newsrooms and journalists have been operating in freezing conditions without reliable heat, light or internet access, conditions that threaten not only their work, but the very flow of truthful, independent information.
“Independent journalism is a lifeline in times of war,” says Ruth Kronenburg, Director of Free Press Unlimited. “When energy infrastructure is deliberately targeted, it is not only homes and hospitals that go dark, access to reliable information is also at risk. By supporting Ukrainian journalists with practical tools to keep working, we are defending the public’s right to information.”
Without electricity, reporting becomes nearly impossible. Interviews cannot be conducted, investigations stall, and publishing grinds to a halt. Yet precisely in these moments of fear, uncertainty and widespread disinformation, communities depend most on trusted, independent journalism.
Through our Reporters Respond emergency fund, Free Press Unlimited has been providing urgent support to Ukrainian journalists, including generators and portable power stations that enable newsrooms to continue working during blackouts.
The messages we receive from journalists underscore both the urgency and the resilience:
“Thank you for this lightning-fast support. It comes at a critical moment, for the last week, we have had electricity for only 2 hours a day.”
“We bought EcoFlow. Now Volyn Online can work without electricity. The last two weeks are very frosty in Ukraine and we have a big problem with electricity.”
“I cannot express how much this support means to me and my family right now. Thank you for standing with Ukrainian journalists.”
But the threat to journalism in Ukraine extends beyond the winter cold. Reporting from the frontlines has become increasingly dangerous, particularly with the rapid expansion of drone warfare. Journalists have reported that PRESS markings, supposedly protecting them from being attacked under international law, are increasingly treated as targets. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, at least sixteen journalists have been killed while reporting in Ukraine, and 62 dozens more have been injured. Most of these violations against journalists are left unpunished without perpetrators being held to account.
Meanwhile, 26 Ukrainian journalists remain in Russian custody on politically motivated charges, with reports of mistreatment and abuse. Their detention is a grave violation of international law and a stark reminder that silencing independent voices is part of the broader assault on Ukraine. As discussions on a potential peace deal for Ukraine continue, we stress that there can be no sustainable peace without justice for crimes committed against journalists. Any form of amnesty for war crimes, including those targeting media workers, would violate international law and set a dangerous precedent.
At the same time, independent media must be explicitly included in peace and reconstruction plans. Without strong, independent journalism to ensure transparency, accountability and social cohesion, a credible and democratic future for Ukraine is impossible.
Together with partners and allies, we call on the international community to:
- Sustain and strengthen support for Ukrainian independent media.
- Press for the immediate release of Ukrainian journalists held in Russian custody.
- Ensure accountability for crimes committed against journalists.
- Uphold international humanitarian law, which guarantees journalists protection in armed conflict.
- Include independent media in peace and reconstruction plans.
Free Press Unlimited stands in unwavering solidarity with Ukrainian journalists. Their resilience in the face of war, blackouts and targeted attacks is extraordinary.
