Suspilne Ukraine and Reporters Without Borders are intensifying their cooperation in the field of journalist safety, particularly for those working in frontline areas. This was discussed during a meeting between Thibaut Bruttin, Director General of Reporters Without Borders, and representatives of Suspilne, held on February 18 in Kyiv.
“The best way to protect journalists is to ensure they are not attacked. I believe in international justice and the fight against impunity, but it is a long process. That is why during our meeting with Suspilne’s management, we discussed practical ways to protect journalists from drones. At the beginning of the war, we supplied bulletproof vests and continue to do so, but this is no longer enough. We must adapt to new threats. We aim to be experts, not only in problems, but also in solutions. Thus, RSF will soon publish guidelines to help journalists and media professionals react to the threat posed by Russian drones on the frontline. We will also organise training sessions and provide drone detectors.” — emphasized Thibaut Bruttin, Director General of Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Svitlana Ostapa, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Suspilne Ukraine, spoke about a recent meeting with representatives of the Temporary Investigative Commission of the Verkhovna Rada regarding the investigation of Russia’s crimes against media professionals.
“Chief editors and managers of Suspilne’s frontline branches said that with each passing day, it is becoming increasingly dangerous to work due to the threat posed by enemy drones. Therefore, we pay special attention to security issues. After all, Suspilne’s journalists are not only producing verified content but are also documenting war crimes. Currently, 9 out of 10 filming assignments involve documenting Russia’s war crimes,” said Svitlana Ostapa.
“The teams of frontline branches work daily in high-risk areas. Therefore, we are currently exploring the possibility of engaging additional specialists — security experts. Suspilne Broadcasting can perform its work effectively only when the people creating the content feel protected,” noted Mykola Chernotytskyi, Chair of the Management Board of Suspilne Ukraine.
As part of the strengthened cooperation between Suspilne and the international organization Reporters Without Borders, plans include, in particular, the purchase of FPV drone detectors to protect journalists working in frontline areas. The cooperation also specialized security training sessions, awareness-raising on drone operations, development of situational awareness skills, training in seeking shelter and safe movement, familiarization with response protocols during drone attacks, as well as the development of general tactical medicine skills.
Suspilne Ukraine is an independent media company with a strong presence across all platforms: the TV channels Pershyi, Suspilne Kultura, Suspilne Sport, and a national network of local channels; the radio stations Ukrainske Radio, Radio Promin, Radio Kultura, Radiotochka. Find only verified news on suspilne.media, as well as on our national and local digital platforms. We broadcast in minority languages, represent Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest, develop the children’s platform Brobaks, and train media professionals through the Public Media Academy. Our Suspilne Mediateka platform offers unique video and audio archives dating from the 1920s to today. Defending freedom in Ukraine.
Photo by Anastasiia Mantach
