RSF Index Reveals Stark Divide Between Media Freedom in Ukraine and Russia

The latest RSF World Press Freedom Index highlighted a growing divide between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine improving to 55th place despite wartime conditions while Russia ranked among the world’s worst countries for press freedom amid escalating repression of independent media. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Jeanne Cavelier, head of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk at Reporters Without Borders (RSF), at the organization’s office in 2022. (Photo: RSF) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The latest World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) highlighted a growing divide between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine improving its position despite wartime pressures while Russia sank deeper into the ranks of the world’s most repressive states for journalists. In an interview with Kyiv Post, RSF Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk manager Jeanne Cavelier said the broader region continues to experience a decline in press freedom driven by authoritarianism and increasing state control over independent media. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Russia ranked 172nd out of 180 countries in the 2026 index, placing it firmly in RSF’s “very serious” category. “Journalism is now effectively criminalized,” Cavelier said. According to Calelier, the Kremlin has intensified its crackdown since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, using laws on terrorism, extremism, and national security to suppress independent reporting. “At least 48 journalists are now in prison, including 26 Ukrainians,” she said. According to RSF, most independent Russian media outlets have been shut down, forced into exile, or designated as “foreign agents” or “undesirable organizations.” “The information space is tightly controlled, including the internet,” Cavelier said. “There is strict censorship, especially on war coverage.” Ukraine rose to 55th place in the 2026 index despite Russia’s ongoing invasion. “It’s an improvement despite the war, but it remains in a problematic situation,” Cavelier said. She credited the improvement to gains in the index’s political and social indicators, as journalists and civil society groups continued pushing for reforms and accountability during wartime. “For example, parliamentary committees were reopened to journalists earlier this year after sustained advocacy from media outlets,” she said. Cavelier said Ukrainian journalism remains resilient despite extraordinary pressure. “Independent journalism remains active and resilient, as does civil society,” she said. “Ukrainian reporters continue to investigate not only Russian crimes but also corruption inside Ukraine, and they counter disinformation.” Despite the improved ranking, Ukraine continues to perform poorly in RSF’s safety indicator because journalists operate in an active war zone. “The first threat is physical safety,” Cavelier said. She noted that journalists are sometimes directly targeted in Russian attacks, including drone strikes. “Last year, unfortunately, three journalists were killed in such attacks,” she said. Russian disinformation remains another major challenge, particularly in occupied territories heavily targeted by Kremlin propaganda campaigns. At the same time, many Ukrainian journalists face exhaustion and psychological strain after years of war coverage. “There is also a growing issue of exhaustion and burnout,” Cavelier said. To address the problem, RSF and local partners provide psychological support programs for journalists, including counseling and recovery initiatives. “These efforts are essential because the sustainability of independent journalism also depends on the mental health of those who produce it,” she said. Economic pressures also remain a serious concern for Ukrainian media outlets, particularly following cuts in US assistance earlier this year. “There is still a need for further reform in the media sector and to improve the media environment,” she said. Cavelier said the contrast between Ukraine ranking 55th and Russia ranking 172nd while both countries remain at war reflects deeper political differences between the two states. “States have a fundamental duty to establish and maintain protections for journalists and to safeguard the conditions that allow independent media to operate,” she said. “When a state undermines or attacks independent press rather than protecting it, this represents a serious breach of that responsibility.” She said the contrast in the rankings reflects the broader divide “between democratic Ukraine and authoritarian Russia.” Sevinj Osmanqizi is a journalist covering US foreign policy, security, and geopolitics, with a focus on the broader post-Soviet space. She reports on Washington’s decision-making and its implications for Ukraine and regional stability.