International journalism in Ukraine is of a special importance now, as it provides the foreign audiences with the view from ground zero of the war and Russian crimes. Foreign journalists risk their lives amid Russian attacks, as the aggressor does not differentiate between media workers and the military. What is more, Russian forces often deliberately target journalists despite them displaying “Press” identification.
American journalist, director and producer Brent Renaud was the first foreign journalist to be killed in March after the full-scale invasion started. Among other international media workers who have lost their lives during the war are Franco-Irish Fox News cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski, Frenchman Frederic Leclerc-Imhoff, Lithuanian documentarian Mantas Kvedaravičius. Dozens have been injured, assaulted, or disappeared, and their numbers continue to grow.
Despite such risks, foreign journalists in Ukraine continue covering the war and providing first-hand look at Russian war crimes. Thanks to their efforts, it is really hard for Russia to cover up its atrocities and spread disinformation about Ukraine. The role of international journalism in sharing the truth about the Russian aggression cannot be overestimated.
Speakers:
- Mikel Ayestaran, Spanish freelance journalist
- Romain Huët, Researcher, Associate professor at Université Rennes 2
- Mykola Balaban, Deputy Head of the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security of Ukraine.
UKRAINE IN FLAMES project is created by Ukraine Crisis Media Center, Ukrainian Catholic University’s analitical center and NGO “Euroatlantic Course”. We are aiming at searching a loud support for Ukraine in the war started by Russia on the 24th of February 2022.
If you want to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, check the link with recommendations by Ukraine Crisis Media Center – https://uacrisis.org/en/help-ukraine.
NGO Euroatlantic Course collects donations to support Ukrainian Army and civilians – https://eac.org.ua/en/main-page/.