Over 175 journalists have been targeted or harmed by Russian attacks in Ukraine

The international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has recorded more than 175 cases of abuse against journalists by Russia in almost four years of that country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

According to the report, journalists were attacked while working in the combat zone. There were also instances of kidnapping and illegal detention. In 2025, FPV drones emerged as the main threat, being used both on the front lines and in rear cities.

“The foreign and Ukrainian reporters relentlessly covering the news in Ukraine since 2022, despite the extremely dangerous environment, have shown remarkable courage. Russia’s attacks against them have not lessened. Based on information gathered from its partners in Ukraine, notably the Institute of Mass Information (IMI), RSF has recorded cases of more than 175 journalists who fell victim to abuses amounting to war crimes committed by the Russian army since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion nearly four years ago. Protecting them is crucial so they can continue to inform the public,” said Pauline Maufrais, RSF Regional Officer for Ukraine.

Maufrais emphasized that despite the risk to life and health, Ukrainian and international journalists continue to perform their professional duties.

With the outbreak of Russia’s full-scale invasion, 16 journalists have been killed: 15 in Ukraine, while Viktoria Roshchyna died during illegal imprisonment in Russia. In 2025, three journalists were killed as a result of targeted strikes by FPV drones: French photojournalist Anthony Lallican and FREEDOM TV journalists Alona Gramova and Yevgen Karmazin.

Over 50 Ukrainian and foreign journalists have been injured while performing their professional duties. Currently, 26 Ukrainian journalists are being held captive in Russia and in temporarily occupied territories. According to RSF, they are exposed to both physical and psychological pressure. Last year, Ukrainian journalists Vladyslav Yesypenko, Dmytro Khylyuk, and Mark Kaliush were released from prison.

RSF also recorded 25 attacks on television and radio towers. In 2025, television towers in Dnipro and Chernihiv were attacked.

The report also mentions the close of 333 media outlets since the start of the full-scale invasion. According to the Institute of Mass Information, the main causes were financial difficulties, the collapse of the advertising market, and the end of funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Since 2022, RSF has filed 10 complaints with the International Criminal Court and the Ukrainian Prosecutor’s Office, as well as two complaints in France against Russia.

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Main image: RSF website

Copy editing: Joy Tataryn