26 Ukrainian Journalists Held by Russia, ICRC Confirms One Detention

During a recent roundtable discussion titled "Resilience and Well-being of Ukrainian Media Professionals in Wartime," Dmytro Lubinets revealed that while efforts have been made to secure the release of detained media workers, only three journalists were returned in 2025. The identified individuals include Dmytro Khyliuk, Mark Kaliush, and Vladyslav Yesypenko.

The ongoing detention of 26 journalists remains a pressing issue, impacting not only the individuals involved but also the broader media landscape in Ukraine. Lubinets highlighted the challenges faced by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in acknowledging these detentions, stating that only one journalist's case has been officially recognized.

This lack of recognition complicates negotiations for their return. Furthermore, he noted that many media representatives are subjected to violence, including shelling and drone attacks, while covering the war both on the front lines and in urban areas deemed relatively safe.

Statistics from Reporters Without Borders indicate that, during the course of the war, 175 journalists, both Ukrainian and international, have been affected by Russian military actions. The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine reports that since the full-scale war began, 21 media workers have lost their lives while performing their duties.

This alarming trend underscores the dangers faced by members of the press in Ukraine during these turbulent times. From February 24 to March 24, 2026, the Institute of Mass Information documented five incidents of crimes against journalists perpetrated by Russia.

Cumulatively, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has committed 901 recorded crimes against journalists and media personnel in Ukraine, marking a troubling pattern of targeted aggression against the press. This situation poses serious implications for freedom of expression and press freedom in conflict zones.

As journalism remains a critical component of transparency and accountability, the unlawful detention of media workers raises concerns about the safety of journalists in Ukraine and the wider international community's commitment to protecting those who risk their lives to report the truth.