Tomilenko at UK Media Freedom Forum:
Three solutions
- Ensure detained journalists are included in diplomatic negotiations
- Provide safe places for journalists
- Provide infrastructure….it’s an investment in democracy
BBC World Service’s Gibbons:
Several BBC service journalists previously in Russia were deemed enemies of that state and are now working in exile
BBC is smuggling in mobile phones, anonymizing reporters and working under cover.
“There is still a huge amount of risk.”
Risk is worth it because it’s important to speak truth to power…..hmmm.
ChatGPT check:
Estimates vary slightly by source, but roughly 28–30 Ukrainian journalists are currently believed to be in Russian detention.
Ukraine’s parliamentary Committee on Freedom of Speech reported that 28 Ukrainian journalists and media workers remain in Russian captivity. The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine has verified “at least 30 Ukrainian reporters” imprisoned by Russia.
Context
Many were abducted in occupied Ukrainian territories or arrested on accusations such as “extremism,” “espionage,” or spreading “false information.” Some have been held since before the 2022 full-scale invasion, particularly in Russian-occupied Crimea.
✅ Bottom line:
The best current public estimate is about 30 Ukrainian journalists in Russian detention.
If you want, I can also list the best-known individual cases still in custody, which helps illustrate how these detentions typically happen.
