Russia has attacked offices of Ukrainian media outlets at least 72 times since the start of the full-scale invasion, causing damage or complete destruction.
According to the Institute of Mass Information, some news outlets have been targeted repeatedly. The attacks occurred in 12 oblasts, suggesting that Russia’s efforts to put a strain on Ukraine’s media infrastructure are systematic. The data was collected by IMI’s network of regional representatives.
Kyiv city and oblast were most affected (13 cases). However, it should be noted that much of the damage there was inflicted in 2025–2026, as Russia intensified missile and drone strikes on the capital and the oblast. Kyiv is followed by regions located close to the front line and in Ukraine’s South: Zaporizhzhia (10 cases), Sumy (9), Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts (8 each).
Most of the affected media offices in Kherson and Luhansk oblasts were destroyed completely due to prolonged hostilities and occupation of these territories. Affected media offices in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv oblasts were most often damaged but survived.
In terms of media outlet types, most of the affected offices (24 cases) were those of news websites. Print media and TV channels suffered equal losses at 21 cases each. Radio stations (4) and other types (2) were the least affected.
Overall, the data suggests a deliberate strategic effort by Russia to undermine the Ukrainian media field non-discriminately, regardless of the media outlet type or region. The destruction of media offices not only complicates the work of journalists, but also inhibits citizens’ access to verified information, especially in areas near the front line and those under temporary occupation.
Moreover, IMI recorded at least 24 publicly reported Russian strikes at Ukrainian TV towers and other TV infrastructure located in 12 oblasts. Most such cases were recorded in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Kherson oblasts. Attacks on civilian TV infrastructure were also recorded in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Donetsk, Luhansk, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, and Rivne oblasts.
The Institute of Mass Information (IMI) is a civil society organization specializing in the media, operating since 1996. IMI defends the rights of journalists, studies the media landscape and reports on media-related events, fights propaganda and disinformation, and provides media workers with safety equipment for trips to combat areas (since the start of the Russo–Ukrainian war in 2014).
IMI carries out the only monitoring study of freedom of speech in Ukraine, keeps a list of transparent and responsible online media outlets, and tracks Russia’s media crimes in the war on Ukraine. IMI has representatives in 20 oblasts of Ukraine and runs a network of Media Hubs that provide journalists with unfailing support. IMI’s partners include Reporters Without Borders (RSF); the organization is also a member of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX).
