All of us at the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) are deeply dismayed by reports from our brave Ukrainian colleagues and those journalists who are documenting Russia’s brutal effort to crush its neighbor. Because of their reporting, we know that Russian forces are attacking hospitals, schools, apartment buildings and now a nuclear power plant.
Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin has escalated another kind of war within Russia’s borders, against the truth. State pressure is forcing what few independent media remain to shutter their operations and compelling journalists to flee for their safety. As of today, Russians can no longer access several foreign news websites. The Russian parliament also unanimously approved a draft bill criminalizing the spread of what it considers “fake” reports, which could mean up to 15 years in jail.
We have supported many talented and courageous journalists in Ukraine, Russia and across the region for many years. All journalists must be permitted to do their jobs – to cover this war and call it what it is. Putin’s government has been escalating its crackdown on independent media over the past decade, as well as propagating disinformation within and outside its borders. With these latest attacks, Russia has silenced independent voices at a time when the stakes are higher than ever. We strongly and fervently condemn these vicious actions.
The consequences of these actions and the war reverberate far beyond Ukraine and Russia. “This is about European security, about world order, about democracy,” said Ostap Yarysh, a reporter with Voice of America’s Ukrainian Service. “This is an attack not only on Ukraine, but on something much bigger than that. And that’s why it should be of interest to media not only in Europe or the U.S., but in other regions around the world as well.”
Ostap was speaking on a panel for our Pamela Howard Forum on Global Crisis Reporting. This ICFJ community, made up of more than 10,000 journalists from across the world, exists precisely for moments like this. The Forum connects journalists with resources, experts and each other to strengthen reporting on global crises for local audiences.
This reporting matters. It keeps us better connected and informed. It puts pressure on governments and companies to act – research shows that coverage of crises directly increases humanitarian aid. On an individual level, the stories highlighting Ukrainians’ extraordinary acts of heroism speak to us, galvanizing people everywhere to donate, offering what support they can.
At ICFJ, we are working hard to help Ukrainian and all journalists reporting on the conflict. Our multilingual International Journalists’ Network (IJNet) – in eight languages, including Russian – is offering guidance for reporters on how to responsibly cover the invasion, counter disinformation narratives, safeguard their digital and physical safety, and more. It is offering recommendations for ways to support independent media in the country and monitor press freedom crackdowns in Ukraine and Russia. We will continue to provide vital support through both IJNet and our Forum.
We are also focused on helping our colleagues in Russia – brave independent journalists who have stood up to Putin’s regime of lies and are now being labeled traitors. In recent years, we have supported their efforts to counter dangerous disinformation and propaganda, and we will continue to do so as the situation evolves.
We are working with the Global Forum for Media Development, which is playing a coordinating role for efforts to help Ukrainian media. Our longtime partner, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, based in Eastern Europe, is providing safety gear and advice, and helping get journalists out of Ukraine if necessary. Few want to leave.
Despite the horrifying news coming out of Ukraine every day, it is inspiring to see how the world is mobilizing to help Ukrainians – and how the global journalism community is mobilizing to help our embattled colleagues there. We’ll continue to be part of that effort – and the important work to make sure Ukrainians, Russians and all of the world are informed about what is happening despite efforts to silence the truth tellers.
