Security Monitoring Results for the First Half of 2026
In January–June 2026, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine recorded significant security threats against media professionals. According to their report, the following incidents took place:
- 35 cases of damage to journalists' homes and property;
- 28 instances of damage or destruction to newsrooms and media infrastructure, including two editorial offices completely leveled;
- 14 incidents where journalists came under Russian fire while on assignment, resulting in injuries to three civilian reporters.
Attacks surged dramatically during this period: only 2 were recorded in January 2026, but by May the number had jumped to 22. A massive combined missile and drone strike hit Kyiv on the night of May 24, 2026, damaging offices of UNIAN, Graty, Realna Gazeta, ARD and Deutsche Welle studios, as well as the headquarters of the Kyiv Regional Journalists' Union. Over the first half of 2026, there were 4 documented cases where journalists wearing clearly marked press gear were deliberately targeted by Russian drone operators.
Media Community Losses
Among the casualties, 10 media workers who were serving in Ukraine's Armed Forces died in the first half of 2026. Two additional media professionals from earlier years were confirmed dead. However, no civilian journalists were killed during this period. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, at least 152 members of Ukraine's media community have lost their lives, including:
- 21 journalists killed while performing their professional duties;
- 10 civilians who died in Russian attacks;
- 121 journalists and media staff who died defending Ukraine as part of the Armed Forces.
At least 28 Ukrainian journalists remain illegally held in Russian captivity, with no releases reported in the first half of 2026. On June 24, 2026, former ABC News producer Maksym Oseredchuk, aged 30, who had enlisted in the 34th Separate Marine Brigade, was killed on the front lines.
Serhiy Tomilenko, head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, stated: 'The first half of 2026 has shown that the safety protocols that for years helped journalists work in combat zones no longer provide adequate protection. Drones have fundamentally altered the nature of war, making journalism even more dangerous. We document every incident not only to assist affected colleagues today, but also to build an evidence base for future international justice. Every damaged newsroom, every injured journalist, every unlawfully detained media worker is a separate piece of evidence of Russia's systematic war against freedom of speech.'
These security monitoring results highlight the severe risks journalists face in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. The sharp rise in attacks points to new challenges for the media and underscores the urgent need for stronger protective measures. In wartime, it is crucial not only to record violations but also to work toward international support for press freedom and the protection of journalists' rights.
As the landscape for journalists in Ukraine continues to evolve under the pressures of conflict, the media sector is also witnessing significant changes in its operational framework. Recently, the registration of nearly 7,000 media licenses highlights the resilience and adaptability of the press in these challenging times. For more insights into how these developments are shaping the media environment, see our report on media licensing in Ukraine.