Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, thousands of foreign journalists have entered Ukraine to report on the war and its consequences. As of summer 2026, RSF Kyiv Press Freedom Center has supported over 600 of them with equipment, training or advice on how to prepare reporting in the country. To extend this support to more foreign journalists, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), publishes a short practical guide for news professionals to help them prepare reporting from Ukraine as effectively and safely as possible.
“The primary aim of this guide is to provide recommendations, best practices and useful contacts for foreign journalists travelling to Ukraine to cover the Russian war. With this resource and the accompanying explanatory video, RSF hopes to help reporters prepare as effectively as possible for their assignments. Three webinars will also be organised in the autumn to answer practical questions and explain the rules on the ground.”
Pauline Maufrais, Ukraine Country Officer at RSF
The guide — published in English and accompanied by a short video and 3 upcoming webinars — was developed based on the expertise and experience of two Ukrainian fixers. It provides essential information and tips to help reporters better prepare field assignments in Ukraine, with recommendations to strengthen journalists’ safety and trauma-informed practices, as well as their ability to navigate the Ukrainian context.
The guide includes:
- applicable laws and regulation, including accreditation;
- field reporting “geography”;
- tips to prepare for an assignment, including: logistics, planning, fixer;
- recommendations of behaviour on the ground, including: safety, communication;
- core principles of trauma-informed journalism;
- other resources for protecting one’s own safety, and mental health;
- key contacts in Ukraine, including: emergency services, local organisations, local and national authorities.
Foreign journalists are invited to apply here for upcoming RSF webinars featuring the guide’s authors and aiming at deepening key aspects of the guide:
- 2nd October: Practical Preparation and Field Reporting (in French)
- 16 October: Practical Preparation and Field Reporting (in English)
- 30 October: Trauma-Informed Journalism in the Ukrainian Context ( in English)
Media workers can submit a request to the RSF Kyiv Press Freedom Center by email (kyivpfc@rsf.org) to benefit from the following services:
- free loan of equipment: bulletproof vests, helmets, medkits, powerbanks, and drone detectors (if they are trained to use them);
- training in physical safety and first aid;
- retreat programme (for Ukrainians only).
RSF’s Assistance desk (assistance2@rsf.org) can also be contacted regarding:
- emergency financial assistance covering: medical fees for journalists injured while reporting, or the replacement of damaged equipment for freelancers;
- individual psychological support for journalists affected by an attack while working or due to their work (up to 10 consultations).
Guide’s authors: Oleksandra Aleksandrenko, Rostyslav Tsyren
Additional contributors: Pauline Maufrais, Chloé Vernet, Oleksandra Yemelianova, Rozena Crossman
This guide was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its content is the responsibility of RSF and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.