The year 2025 proved to be another treacherous year for journalism in Ukraine, with three journalists reported killed and 26 others remaining in prison. This data highlights the pervasive dangers facing independent journalists amid the continuing conflict resulting from Russia's aggression. As the war rages on, the assault on the democratic system and a free press in Ukraine exacerbates the challenges for media professionals trying to operate in such a hostile environment.

The developments were documented in a recent report released by the International Press Institute (IPI) in collaboration with the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) consortium, which consists of five European press freedom NGOs. Their annual assessment records attacks on media across 36 EU member states and candidate countries, underlining the international dimensions of the crisis in Ukraine. The report emphasizes the impact of these incidents on individual journalists, whose work is crucial for holding power to account during wartime.

The implications of this report extend beyond the borders of Ukraine, as it casts light on the systematic targeting of journalists and the broader implications for civil society and democratic norms. The persistence of violence against media personnel not only threatens the safety of journalists but also erodes public trust in the media, which is essential for an informed society. The findings provoke urgent calls for stronger protections for journalists and accountability for the perpetrators of such acts of violence against the press.