As Russia invades Ukraine, risks mount for reporters covering conflict, CPJ calls for journalists’ protection

As Russian forces invade Ukraine, Gulnoza Said, CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator, explains in a Q&A the possible risks for journalists on the ground, including being killed, injured, or taken hostage, and the potential challenges of reporting amid misinformation and disinformation.

If a new pro-Kremlin regime is installed in Ukraine, it “would likely target journalists and activists, especially those critical of Russia—which would mean any independent journalist, from the Russian point of view.”

CPJ called Thursday for protection of journalists in Ukraine. “At this critical moment, it is crucial that all parties involved recognize that all journalists and media workers are civilians under international humanitarian law, and their rights must be respected and protected,” said CPJ Executive Director Robert Mahoney.

“With disinformation increasingly becoming a common tool for warfare, the work of journalists and the flow of free and independent information must be protected, in keeping with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2222 (2015) on the protection of journalists and media professionals working in conflict areas.”

Journalists covering the conflict and related unrest should consult the following safety advice, available in multiple languages:

• War reporting: English | Ukrainian | Russian
• Arrest and detention: English | Ukrainian | Russian
• Civil disorder: English | Ukrainian | Russian
• Internet shutdowns: English | Ukrainian | Russian
• Personal Protective Equipment Guide
• Essential steps for journalists in emergency situations (Global Investigative Journalism Network)
• Fact-checking (First Draft)

If you are a journalist in need of emergency assistance, please contact emergencies@cpj.org