In Kyiv, a young media faces pressure from within and threats from without

 Since the Russian invasion in 2022, journalists in Ukraine inadvertently became wartime correspondents. At least 11 Ukrainian journalists have died covering the frontlines following Russia’s invasion. Though the risks of conflict coverage might be well documented, a more subtle and alarming threat to press freedom has been building from within Ukraine.

After Zelensky’s administration consolidated Ukraine’s TV outlets early in the war, dissenting voices have largely been shut out. Independent media outlets and digital media sites like Bihus.info, an investigative journalism site, was wiretapped by Ukraine’s domestic secret service (SBU) and there have been recent intimidation tactics against local journalists covering corruption. 

The political pressure reflects the threat to a Ukrainian free press, which is still in its infancy. After decades of suspicious deaths and journalist disappearances following investigations into government corruption, the current backslide is troubling.

I plan to partner with a Ukrainian journalist to produce a photo essay and accompanying written piece to highlight the young and vital Kyiv media working through constant blackouts, uncertain new press freedoms and the need to remain critical of the government under the pressure of potential of wartime propaganda amidst the threats of covering a war in their own country.

This work follows my ongoing project spotlighting local newsrooms in the United States and chronicling their role in fostering engagement in democracy.