SEE THE #MomProject ABOUT UKRAINIANS MEDIA INDEPENDENCE

Ukraine has a diversified media landscape and its authorities have adopted a number of long-awaited reforms since the 2014 revolution, including laws on media ownership transparency and access to state-held information. But, as the new independent public broadcaster’s under-financing has shown, these gains are fragile. Much more is needed to loosen the oligarchs’ tight grip on the media, encourage editorial independence and combat impunity. 

“Information warfare” with Russia has had negative consequences that include bans on Russian media and social networks, the blacklisting of foreign journalists and treason trials. The elections being held in 2019 are fuelling an increase in tension: more frequent threats and attacks, violations of the confidentiality of sources, surveillance of investigative reporters and news manipulation. The separatist-controlled areas in the east are still no-go areas without critical journalists or foreign observers.