GFMD joins RSF and 43 Ukrainian and international organisations and media to condemn a blind spot at the URC 2025

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE APPEAL

In the last four years, the issue of the recovery of the Ukrainian media sector has never been a key topic of discussion at the URC. After months of intense and sustained advocacy efforts, and despite a proposal for a dedicated panel submitted months ago by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Institute of Mass Information (IMI), this issue remains overlooked.

The lack of any dedicated session in the central program on the Ukrainian media sector not only sends a troubling and deeply concerning message, it is a shame. Although a side event was included in the agenda at the very last minute, less than 4 days ahead, the challenges the media face deserve better than a mere discussion held on the sidelines of the biggest international event dedicated to Ukraine’s recovery. 

Ukraine is fighting a full-scale information war, whilst dealing with the physical damage that war costs. And, safeguarding press freedom, supporting media long-term sustainability, and rebuilding media infrastructure – especially local and regional ones – must be core components of any serious recovery strategy: it strengthens Ukraine’s capacity to resist propaganda and misinformation, fosters civic trust, and supports the conditions necessary for long-term, sustainable recovery. We cannot ignore the critical role of Ukrainian media and journalism in promoting transparency, democratic governance, public accountability, and social cohesion – values that are indispensable to any long-term recovery and reconstruction effort. Without attention to these issues, the broader goals of democratic renewal and economic development will remain incomplete and at risk.

Ukrainian independent journalists and media workers continue to work under extreme conditions:

• Daily security threats from Russian shelling and targeted attacks;
•  Political pressures and censorship risks;
•  A collapsing business model, as advertising revenue has plummeted since 2022.

Despite these challenges, they remain on the frontlines, documenting reconstruction, exposing corruption, fighting disinformation, and keeping the public informed in the midst of war.

According to the IMI, at least 332 Ukrainian media outlets have suspended operations since February 24, 2022, primarily for financial reasons. The situation further deteriorated in 2025 with the announcement of the end of USAID’s media support, putting the sector in even greater peril.

Whilst Ukrainian media continue to show resilience, professionalism, and determination, this is not enough. Sustainable, long-term international support is urgently needed, and wholly possible. It is time for the Ukraine Recovery Conference – and its organisers, Ukrainian and Italian authorities, alongside the broader international community – to acknowledge a simple truth: media must be part of the recovery conversation. Not excluded. Not at the sidelines. At the centre.

Signatories:

1. Reporters Without Borders (RSF), France
2. National Union of Journalists of Ukraine
3. Mykolaiv Media Hub NGO, Ukraine
4. NikVesti online media outlet, Ukraine
5. Institute of Mass Information, Ukraine
6. Hromadske Radio, Ukraine
7. Academy of Ukrainian Press
8. Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD)
9. Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
10. DOMANI, Italy
11.  RETE #NOBAVAGLIO, Italy
12. ARTICOLO 21, Italy
13. European Journalism Centre (EJC)
14. Media Development Foundation, Ukraine
15. Slobidskyi Krai, Kharkiv, Ukraine
16. Center of Public Investigations, Ukraine
17. Institute of American Studies, Ukraine
18. Data Journalism Agency Texty.org.ua, Ukraine
19. European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
20. Women in Media NGO, Ukraine
21. Lviv Media Forum, Ukraine
22. I-ViN.INFO, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
23. MEDIA center UA NGO, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
24. International Press Institute (IPI)
25. Fondation Hirondelle, Switzerland – Ukraine
26. Institute for Regional Media and Information (IRMI), Ukraine
27. 2402 Foundation (Daily Humanity)
28. CORRECTIV, Germany
29. NGO«INSTITUTE OF DEMOCRACY DEVELOPMENT AND PROTECTION», Ukraine
30. PoltavaWave, Poltava
31. Sil.Media, Ukraine
32. CID Media Group, Lutsk, Ukraine
33. National network of hyperlocal media Rayon.in.ua, Ukraine
34. Vgoru Media Platform, Kherson, Ukraine
35. Suspilne Ukraine (Joint stock company “Public Broadcasting company of Ukraine”), Ukraine
36. Association “Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine”, Ukraine
37. TRIBUN, Ukraine
38. Intent.Press, Ukraine
39. International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM)
40. The Fix Media
41. Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law, Ukraine
42. DII – Ukraine, Donbas Media Forum, Ukraine
43. Varosh media, Uzhhorod, Ukraine
44. NGO “Detector Media”, Ukraine
45. Hromadske, Ukraine