THE NATIONAL UNION OF
JOURNALISTS OF UKRAINE
The International Advisory Council of NUJU’s Journalists’ Solidarity Centers calls on unions, publishers, NGOs, foundations and other partners to organise local initiatives and coordinate support with Ukraine.
The International Advisory Council of NUJU’s Journalists’ Solidarity Centers is urging journalists’ unions and associations to organise winter solidarity campaigns for Ukrainian journalists. It invites organisations affiliated with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) to consider at least one voluntary fundraising or solidarity initiative during the winter of 2026–2027.
Organisations could collect donations from their members, contribute to a solidarity fund or hold a fundraising event. Publishers, NGOs, foundations and other partners are also invited to take part. Those interested can contact the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) to discuss the format of an initiative, how contributions can be transferred and which needs they could support.
The appeal comes amid Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, growing drone threats and rising costs that continue to disrupt journalists’ work. Even in Kyiv, journalists sometimes have electricity for only a few hours during the working day. Frontline and border newsrooms face growing pressure to keep publishing and serving their communities.
International solidarity has helped build a practical support network for journalists across Ukraine. Established by NUJU in 2022 with support from international partners, the Journalists’ Solidarity Centers now operate in seven locations. They provide protective equipment, safety training, emergency assistance, legal and psychological support, and workspaces with electricity and internet access. Between 2022 and July 2026, the Centers recorded 10,573 requests for assistance. The Frontline Press programme has also supported 25 frontline newspapers to continue publishing.
Andrea Roth, Vice-President of the Bavarian Journalists’ Association and a member of the EFJ Steering Committee, proposed coordinating outreach to journalists’ unions across Europe and encouraging more organisations to join.
“Solidarity campaigns are relatively easy to organise within journalists’ unions. We can reach out across Europe, show which unions have already contributed and encourage others to do the same. I would be glad to help coordinate that effort,” Roth said.
Jennifer Moreau, Vice-President of the IFJ and a Unifor representative from Canada, proposed connecting union members directly with Ukrainian journalists through live tours of the Centers, first-hand accounts and opportunities for questions.
“This is not an abstract idea. It is about connecting our members with real journalists working on the ground in Ukraine. A live tour of a Solidarity Center or a conversation with a Ukrainian journalist could help people see what their support makes possible,” Moreau said.
The Council’s statement also calls on publishers to support Ukrainian newsrooms with equipment, backup power, financial contributions or direct partnerships; on donors and foundations to provide predictable funding for the Centers; and on international colleagues to maintain professional ties and speak out for journalists imprisoned by Russia.
The International Advisory Council includes:
- Anna Del Freo — Vice-President, Association of Journalists of Lombardy; former member of the EFJ Steering Committee
- Tine Johansen — Principal, Brandbjerg Højskole; former President, Danish Union of Journalists
- Ruth Kronenburg — Executive Director, Free Press Unlimited
- Jennifer Moreau — Vice-President, IFJ; Unifor, Canada
- Randi S. Øgrey — CEO, Norwegian Media Businesses’ Association; Chair, Ukrainian Media Fund Nordic
- Andrea Roth — Vice-President, Bavarian Journalists’ Association; Chair of the Europe Commission of the German Journalists’ Association (DJV); member of the EFJ Steering Committee
- Mogens Schmidt — Senior Adviser on Press Freedom and Media Development; Chair, IRMI Ukraine; former Deputy Assistant Director-General of UNESCO
The Council is convened and coordinated by NUJU President Sergiy Tomilenko and First Secretary Lina Kushch.
Read the full statement of the International Advisory Council
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