The Steering Committee Meeting (SCM) of the Council of Europe Project “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Media in Ukraine – Phase II” (SFEM-UA) took place in Kyiv on 24 June 2025. The meeting marked the conclusion of Phase I and the official launch of Phase II of the Project, implemented under the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction”.
The event gathered members of parliament, government representatives, international partners, media professionals, and civil society organizations, including the NGO Women in Media.
Quoting Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, the meeting reinforced the message that “freedom of the media and the safety of journalists are indispensable components of democracy.” On behalf of the Organisation, Maciej Janczak, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to democratic resilience, noting the dangerous conditions faced by media workers in the context of Russia’s war of aggression. Since 2022, 106 media professionals have been killed and at least 30 remain in Russian captivity. The case of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, abducted and tortured to death in Russian custody, was cited as a stark reminder of the cost of truth.
Liza Kuzmenko, Head of the Women in Media NGO and member of the Commission on Journalistic Ethics, spoke in support of journalist Olena Mudra, recently targeted in a coordinated smear campaign. Kuzmenko highlighted the gendered nature of the attack, with personal and family details weaponized in the publications. She emphasized that such narratives amount to gender-based disinformation and reflect a deliberate use of private context to undermine women journalists.
Olena Mudra described the systematic campaign of discreditation she has faced, linked to her journalistic work. This includes fabricated allegations about her income, family background, and alleged ties to Russia.
“Despite legal assistance and some protective measures, journalists in the regions continue to face increasing threats — from smear campaigns and SLAPPs to efforts to silence independent media using tactics reminiscent of the 1990s or authoritarian regimes. In wartime, with displaced businesses influencing editorial policies and law enforcement often remaining inactive, the media community in Zakarpattia faces mounting pressure and attempts to suppress critical voices,” – Mudra said.
Women in Media is providing legal and advocacy support to Olena Mudra and has documented her case as part of an ongoing initiative to monitor online violence against women journalists. The organization has also developed an interactive map to visualize and analyze the scale of digital attacks targeting women in media.
According to the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine, 264 cases of obstruction of journalistic activity have been recorded since 2022 – particularly against investigative journalists and those covering public interest topics. The Office acknowledged shortcomings in investigations and is undertaking steps such as improved training for prosecutors and better inter-agency coordination.
Testimonies from journalists working in wartime conditions featured prominently. Investigative journalist Yurii Nikolov (Nashi Groshi), legal expert Mariya Muzychka (Bihus.Info), and freelance journalist Olena Mudra described being subject to surveillance, intimidation, and even account blockages.
Nikolov highlighted three ongoing SLAPP lawsuits stemming from his investigations into a failed ammunition procurement deal. Despite strong public interest, the case remains stalled at NABU, while the supplier continues to win new contracts. One lawsuit concerns a single televised remark, used by powerful actors to deplete legal resources and deter critical reporting. His team has formed a working group to counter legal abuses targeting independent media.
The launch of Phase II of the SFEM-UA project outlines strategic directions for advancing media reform, including:
- Implementation of the Media Law (secondary regulation, monitoring, and dialogue);
- Institutional support to Suspilne (Public Broadcaster) and the National Council;
- Coordinated action to protect journalists in line with international standards;
- Media literacy and ethical journalism development;
- Legal action against SLAPPs;
- Strengthening Ukraine’s presence in European media governance platforms.
Women in Media will continue to advocate for the safety and rights of Ukrainian women journalists through legal aid, international cooperation, strategic litigation, monitoring, and public engagement.