Standing with Ukraine’s Media and Journalists: A Resolution for Safety, Support, and Solidarity

RESOLUTION adopted by the participants of the international online conference organized by the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine February 13, 2025

The international online conference, organized by the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, brought together over 130 participants to address critical challenges facing Ukrainian media and journalists during the war.

The event convened representatives from leading international press freedom organizations (Committee to Protect Journalists, European Federation of Journalists, International Press Institute, Global Forum for Media Development, ACOS Alliance), media development institutions (Fondation Hirondelle), professional journalism associations (National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, Bavarian Association of Journalists), Ukrainian media organizations (Institute for Regional Press and Information, Academy of Ukrainian Press, Daily Humanity/2402 Foundation), members of the Ukrainian Parliament, and representatives of major media outlets to address urgent challenges concerning journalist safety, media survival and sustainability, psychological support, and adaptation to new technological realities.

Critical Challenges and Discussion Outcomes

1. Ukrainian Media Under Fire: How War Transforms the Media Landscape

• Systematic physical threats to journalists and increasing risks of frontline reporting
• Destruction of newsrooms and technical infrastructure due to shelling
• Restricted access to information under martial law
• Financial crisis of independent media due to war’s economic impact and reduction in donor support

2. Voices from Captivity: Stories of Journalists in Russian Detention

• Kidnapping, torture, and illegal detention of Ukrainian journalists
• Widespread human rights and press freedom violations in occupied territories
• Lack of mechanisms for release and protection of detained journalists
• Need for international investigation of crimes against media workers

3. Stories That Change the World: How Journalists Shape Global Perception of the Russian-Ukrainian War

• Critical role of investigative journalism in exposing war crimes
• Insufficient presence of Ukrainian journalists in global media
• Need to counter Russian disinformation campaigns
• Importance of strengthening Ukrainian media capacity to produce quality content for international audiences

4. Women on Media Frontlines: Challenges and Opportunities

• Specific risks faced by women journalists in conflict zones
• Double burden of professional duties and family responsibilities
• Insufficient protection mechanisms for women freelance journalists
• Lack of specialized support programs for women in media

5. Journalists’ Mental Health: Maintaining Balance in Wartime

• High levels of professional burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder
• Absence of systematic psychological support for media workers
• Insufficient attention to staff mental health in newsrooms
• Limited access to specialized psychological assistance

6. Covering Armed Conflicts in the Digital Age: Technology and AI in Media

• Need to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies
• Risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence implementation
• Demand for new digital security standards
• Importance of ethical use of emerging technologies in war coverage

Call to the International Community The conference participants call upon international organizations, governments of democratic countries, human rights bodies, and media institutions to actively support Ukrainian journalists.

Immediate Actions:

• Impose additional sanctions against Russian officials, military personnel, and entities responsible for killings, kidnappings, torture, and illegal detention of journalists
• Strengthen international pressure on Russia to release illegally detained journalists
• Provide emergency funding for independent Ukrainian media, especially in frontline regions
• Support e Provide emergency funding for independent Ukrainian media, especially local newspapers and other media outlets in frontline regions that maintain crucial information flow to their communities
• Emergency assistance mechanisms and network of safe spaces for journalists during wartime, particularly the Journalists’ Solidarity Centers established by the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine
• Deliver urgent assistance for rebuilding destroyed media infrastructure
• Launch immediate psychological support programs for journalists from frontline territories

Long-term Initiatives:

• Establish sustainable financial support mechanisms for Ukrainian media through long-term grant programs
• Implement comprehensive safety and rehabilitation programs for journalists working in conflict zones
• Develop platforms to enhance Ukrainian journalists’ presence in global media
• Ensure systematic support for war crimes documentation projects
• Expand initiatives to counter disinformation and information manipulation
• Facilitate technological modernization of Ukrainian media and implementation of ethical standards for new technology use

National Policy on Journalists’ Protection The conference participants emphasize the importance of Ukraine’s consistent state policy on protecting journalists’ rights and supporting independent media. Regional media require special attention as they ensure citizens’ right to information across the country. During wartime, the protection of journalists in frontline regions, where they risk their lives daily for truth, is critical. The government must demonstrate, both internationally and domestically, its recognition of professional media’s vital role in preserving democratic values and countering Russian aggression.

Final Provisions This resolution reflects the shared aspiration of the international community and Ukrainian society to protect freedom of expression and professional journalism during wartime. The documented challenges and proposed solutions should serve as a foundation for concrete actions by all stakeholders – from international organizations to national governments.

The conference participants emphasize: supporting independent journalism in Ukraine is an investment in democracy and truth’s victory over aggression and propaganda. It is particularly crucial to maintain and strengthen existing assistance mechanisms for journalists, notably the network of Journalists’ Solidarity Centers, which have provided practical support to media workers throughout three years of war through safe workspaces, protective equipment, and emergency assistance. International solidarity with Ukrainian journalists must transform into systematic support and protection mechanisms, building upon the successful experience of existing initiatives.

JOURNALISTS ARE IMPORTANT/ JOURNALISTS MATTER !