Three Media Workers Killed in Ukraine in March, 17 Cases of Freedom of Speech Violations Recorded - IMI

In a somber report, the Institute of Mass Information (IMI) has revealed that March 2023 was marked by the tragic deaths of three media workers who were fulfilling their duties in the midst of war. The IMI's monthly monitoring titled 'Barometer of Freedom of Speech' highlights these losses alongside 17 documented cases of violations against freedom of expression.

One of the deceased was Arthur Petrov, a media worker and military personnel, who lost his life on March 18 during the evacuation of wounded individuals in Kup'yansk-Vuzlovy, located in the Kharkiv region. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists operating on the front lines.

Another significant loss was that of Yevheniy Solovey, a cameraman for TCH, who died on March 27, 2026. His passing has left a profound impact on his colleagues and the entire media community, highlighting the perilous conditions under which journalists work.

Additionally, Vladimir Fomichenko-Zakutskiy, the former marketing director of 'Zaborona Media,' was killed on February 26 in Pokrovsk while performing a combat task. His death was officially announced on March 10, shocking his friends and colleagues within the media sector.

The IMI also reported other security-related incidents affecting media personnel. For instance, the 'Suspilne Dnipro' filming crew successfully avoided an attack from an FPV drone while working in the frontline village of Demurine in the Dnipropetrovsk region, thanks to the use of a drone detector. This incident underscores the critical role of technology in ensuring the safety of journalists in conflict zones.

Moreover, the building of 'Suspilne Odesa' sustained damage from Russian shelling; fortunately, no one was injured. This incident exemplifies the ongoing impact of war on media infrastructure in Ukraine.

In Dnipropetrovsk, a Russian-guided aerial bomb destroyed the editorial building of the 'Mezhivskyi Meridian' newspaper in the frontline town of Mezhova. Despite the destruction of their office, the newspaper's team continues to operate, demonstrating resilience and commitment to their work.

Furthermore, three Shahed drones struck a television station in Kryvyi Rih, resulting in the loss of digital broadcasting signal in the city. This incident further illustrates the war's detrimental effects on media and the information landscape in Ukraine.

Additionally, the online media outlet 'Novyny Donbasu' fell victim to a large-scale cyberattack by Russian hackers. Only a portion of their archives could be restored, emphasizing the threats media face in the context of modern warfare.

It is important to recall that in February, a filming crew from the 'Inter' channel was caught in enemy fire in Kramatorsk, resulting in injuries to war correspondent Ihor Levenok. These incidents highlight the persistent danger looming over journalists working in combat conditions.

We encourage everyone to join our channels on Telegram, Instagram, and YouTube to stay updated on the latest news and events.