The international human rights organisation “Reporters Without Borders” (RSF) has released a practical guide in English for foreign reporters covering the Russo–Ukrainian war.

Cover of the Guide for Foreign Journalists Reporting From Ukraine

The guide was created in partnership with the Ukrainian fixers Oleksandra Aleksandrenko and Rostyslav Tsyren, who have been working with international filming crews and media outlets since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The recommendations and legal framework have been reviewed by the Institute of Mass Information (IMI), an RSF partner in Ukraine.

The guide is designed to help reporters prepare for trips to Ukraine and for working on the ground.

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It covers the following topics:

  • Legal regulation and accreditation: the work of the media under martial law, procedures for getting accreditation from the army, access zoning.
  • Frontline safety: protocols for air strikes, protection against Russian drone threat.
  • Ethics and sensitivity: key principles of trauma-informed journalism, ethics and safety tips for working with war crime survivors.
  • Practical resources: a list of vetted contacts and tips for emergencies.

“The primary aim of this guide is to provide recommendations, practical information and useful resources for foreign journalists travelling to Ukraine to cover the full-scale war. With this resource and the accompanying video, RSF aims to help reporters prepare their assignments as effectively as possible. Three webinars will also be organised in autumn 2026 to answer practical questions and help journalists understand the rules on the ground,” said Pauline Maufrais, RSF Regional Officer for Ukraine.

The guide is downloadable in PDF format from the RSF website.

In July 2026, RSF said they deplored the methodical restrictions on information in occupied Crimea and called on the international community to take action to ensure the release of all journalists arbitrarily detained by Russia.