A practical guide for journalists reporting in Ukraine and other conflict zones

The current conflict in the east of Ukraine bears many similarities to events in other parts of the world and throughout history.

The journalist’s challenge to distinguish fact from fiction and achieve balance in reporting is never easy. A violent confrontation like the one in Donbass makes the job immeasurably harder. However, journalists face the huge but vital challenge of trying as best as they can to make sense of what is happening and giving a voice to those affected.

This short publication aims to provide some pointers and practical advice on how to stay safe while getting closer to the heart of what is going on. It is not an exhaustive guide to reporting conflict but a short introduction to some of the challenges reporters face in a bitterly divided area.

Expect to meet some hostility, particularly from civilians caught in the middle of the conflict, and look out for obvious examples of bias, misinformation or blatant propaganda.

Reporting conflict is never a straightforward task and often a journalist will have only partial information because of the physical difficulties and dangers involved

In any conflict, rumours, scaremongering and urban myths can quickly become accepted as fact.

The journalist’s challenge to distinguish fact from fiction and achieve balance in reporting is never easy

What’s more, in a situation which has utterly divided opinion and led to a war of words through the media, it will be hard for journalists to report information seen as critical of their own side. Reporting conflict is never a straightforward task and often a journalist will have only partial information because of the physical difficulties and dangers involved. However, the basic journalistic instinct to question whatever they are told and look for evidence to support or devalue what is being said must remain the touchstone.

Ukraine: reporting conflict

Download our guide for journalists here. Ukrainian and Russian-language versions are also available.