We invite participants of the Donbas Media Forum to join a meeting with Olha Herasymiuk, Chair of the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting. The National Council is the main regulator of Ukraine’s media environment.

During the meeting, you will have the opportunity to get answers to questions regarding media registration, legislative restrictions, grounds and procedures for liability, and the types of sanctions that the regulator may apply.

Ukrainian journalists are not only chroniclers, but also participants in the creation of historical sources for future research and understanding of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. They record testimonies, war crimes, societal transformations, and personal stories for future generations, shaping the foundational layer of collective memory and serving as an important bridge between the present and history.
Within the framework of the discussion, the significance of oral history, documentary recording, interpretation of facts, and the interconnection between historical memory and identity will be addressed. The discussion will serve as a platform for sharing methods of comprehending the war, forming collective memory, and examining how the present is transforming into history before society’s eyes.
Speakers:● Olesia Bida, journalist, documentary filmmaker, The Kyiv Independent● Vasylisa Stepanenko, journalist, Associated Press, who documented events during the siege of Mariupol● Akim Halimov, producer, 1+1 media, founder of the “Real Story” project, public figure● Iryna Pavliukovska, Head of Partnerships, Ukraine War Archive● Andrii Zaitsev, Deputy Director of the Department of Mass Communications of the Luhansk Regional State Administration
Moderator:Anton Liagusha, academic Director of the Master Program in Memory Studies and Public History at the Kyiv School of Economics 

How can we tell veterans’ stories in a way that is truthful, avoids clichés or excessive pathos, and remains sensitive to their experiences? Where is the balance between respect, objectivity, and empathy in media, so that content neither stigmatizes veterans nor simplifies their stories? How can journalists work with veterans without relying on stereotypes, conveying their strength, professionalism, and humanity, while also revealing the complex emotional, social, and psychological aspects of life after war? 
This panel focuses on real, compelling stories that both inspire and inform, on language that reflects reality without distortion, and on approaches that help audiences genuinely understand veterans. Participants will discuss practical strategies for creating content that combines truth, empathy, and professionalism, and share examples of how media can contribute to a deeper, more nuanced, and fair representation of veterans in society.
Speakers:● Viktoriia Sisetska, Advisor to the Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine on сommunications● Taras Kovalyk, Head of the Veterans Department at the Come Back Alive Initiative Centre● Kateryna Pryimak, Chairwoman of the VETERANKA Movement● Yevhen Shybalov, veteran● Roman Stelmakh, Project Manager of 1+1 media's "Life After Scars"
Moderator:Anastasia Pustova, Director of Strategic Communications, Co-founder of SUPERWISE Bureau

In society, there is still no unified opinion on whether it is worth continuing to operate the media of cities destroyed by Russia. Perhaps it is better to integrate into new communities and leave behind their regional identity? This dilemma is connected with the problem of preserving cultural identity and historical memory of the regions on one hand, and the pragmatism of adapting to new realities and communities on the other.
A discursive forum in such a context is a platform for open dialogue where various participants, including journalists and experts, can discuss the complex issues of the media landscape today as well as in post-war realities. This format facilitates the exchange of ideas, the search for common solutions regarding the preservation and transformation of regional media, and the establishment of mutual understanding between communities.
The format allows each forum participant to take a minute to briefly express their position on the question posed by the discussion moderator. At the end of the discussion, the moderator will draw certain conclusions from the expressed positions
Speakers:Meeting participants - each has the right to speak for one minute
Moderator:Iryna Eihelson, Associate Researcher, Mediation and Dialogue Research Center, NaUKMA

Panel discussion focused on the language choices of modern Ukrainian media and media covering events in Ukraine. Since 2022, more newsrooms have prioritized English versions to attract global attention. What is happening now, and how has the funding cut in 2025 affected media capabilities? Has using English helped media gain visibility worldwide?
Participants will also address the role of the Russian language as a communication tool with residents of occupied territories, diasporas, and post-Soviet countries, considering that a significant part of Ukrainian society no longer tolerates Russian. Special attention will be given to hard-to-reach and previously untapped audiences in different countries: should Ukraine seek new channels for these regions, and which language should be chosen—English, Ukrainian, or hybrid formats?
The discussion will provide a space to analyze risks, strategies, and practices that help media convey the truth about the war not only to supporters but also to skeptics and those influenced by Russian disinformation.
Speakers:● Mariia Gorska, Head of Slawa TV, Ukrainian editorial team of TVP, Warsaw● Yuliia Bin, Director General SE "THE INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING MULTIMEDIA PLATFORM OF UKRAINE"● Yuliia Tymoshenko, Head of NGO UKRAINER● Oleksiy Sorokin, Deputy Chief Editor at the Kyiv Independent● Alina Alieksieieva, Deputy head Center for Countering Disinformation
Moderator:Nana Sajaia, Assignment Editor Newsmax, former associate producer Foxnews 

The prolonged aggression of Russia against Ukraine, attempts to influence democratic countries through a massive disinformation apparatus, and Ukraine’s movement toward membership in the European Union all make the updating and transformation of Ukrainian media legislation necessary. Currently, all participants in this process face a difficult task — finding a balance of changes that simultaneously allow for effective resistance to aggression, adaptation to EU media legislation, and the preservation of the financial and institutional independence of Ukrainian media.
Speakers:● Mykyta Poturaiev, Chairman of the Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy ● Olga Vdovenko, Director of Legal Affairs NGO “Human Rights Platform”● Oleksandr Burmahin, Member National council TV and radio broadcasting of Ukraine● Tetiana Smyrnova, Associate Professor of the Department of Private Law of National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy● Volodymyr Zelenchuk, Media Lawyer at the Institute of Mass Information
Moderator:Maksym Dvorovyi, Senior Legal Counsel at Digital Security Lab Ukraine

This is an experimental format of quick meetings between Ukrainian media and potential partners and donors. The goal is to establish direct dialogue to jointly find answers to current challenges and build effective partnerships. Based on the results of these “media speed dates,” a public document will be prepared outlining the needs of the media, the opportunities of donors, and the points where they intersect.

Inclusion is not only about accessible environments; it is also about how media represent diverse social groups in their content. It encompasses recognizing diversity, adopting tolerant language, avoiding stereotypes, and fostering a barrier-free information space. Accurate reporting on issues related to disability, ethnicity, gender identity, or other characteristics helps break down barriers and ensures equal participation in public life. At the core should always be the person, not their “difference.” This panel will discuss how journalists and newsrooms can responsibly address inclusivity and shape a public discourse free of discriminatory clichés.
Speakers:● Anastasiia Hudyma, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities Department Suspilne Ukraine● Tetiana Lomakina, Advisor - Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for the Barrier-free Society. Office of the President of Ukraine.● Vira Chernygina, co-founder and board member of the NGO KYIVPRIDE● Olena Shmidt, Vice-president of the CITIZEN Charity Foundation● Nataliia Martynova, activist of the NGO "Fight for Right"
Moderator:Nataliia Parkhytko, Deputy head of the NGO "Dostupno.UA"

Russia is systematically spreading disinformation not only within Ukraine but also in countries that have become home to millions of Ukrainians who left after the start of the full-scale invasion. This campaign aims to discredit Ukraine, create mistrust between the Ukrainian diaspora and local communities, and undermine support from partners. The panel will discuss how exactly Russian propaganda operates abroad — through local Telegram channels, social media, pseudo-news websites, “local experts,” and even cultural and humanitarian projects.
Special attention will be given to: identifying and mapping disinformation narratives about Ukrainians in EU countries; working with Ukrainian communities abroad — from information campaigns to joint initiatives with local partners; exploring how cultural diplomacy, journalism, and educational projects can counter Kremlin manipulations and strengthen Ukraine’s positive image; and finding common solutions for coordinating governmental and civic efforts in the international context.
This discussion will bring together representatives of the state, civil society, and international partners to develop realistic and effective steps to counter disinformation targeting Ukrainians abroad.
Speakers:● Iryna Subota, Project Manager, Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law● Margarita Sytnyk, civic initiative “Holka”, project “Bridges of Ukraine”● Olena Kim, Deputy Head of the organization Network Associazioni per Ucraina – NAU● Serhii Zhukov, Centre for Strategic Communications and Information Security, analyst● Svitlana Slipchenko, Deputy Executive Director of Vox Ukraine
Moderator:Igor Rozkladai, deputy director, CEDEM

The Ukrainian experience is invaluable, but Ukrainians pay a very high price for it. Being prepared for a crisis is a sign of resilience and maturity. Participants of the MERIT Forum, a platform that unites key media experts from various sectors of Ukraine—including representatives of state institutions, the public sector, media, and academia—will present their analysis of the media environment in conditions of crises and armed conflicts, using Ukraine as an example. Since we are still in the active phase of the war, the analysis and recommendations in the fields of media, civil society, academia, government, and media regulation will be of interest to both domestic and international stakeholders.
Speakers:● Anastasiya Ravva, general producer at Espreso.TV● Olga Yurkova, сo-founder of StopFake ● Andrii Bystrov, PhD Candidate and Lecturer, Department of Online Media, Institute of Journalism, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv● Maksym Dvorovyi, Senior legal counsel at Digital security lab Ukraine
Moderator:Mariya Frey, member of the managеment board SUSPILNE

Speakers:● Olha Rossylna, Senior Legal Expert to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ukraine2EU● Vladyslav Petrovskyi, Cluster Lead Expert coordinating Cluster 1 (Fundamentals of the Accession Process) and Cluster 6 (EU External Relations), Ukraine2EU

Speakers:● Lina Kushch, First Secretary of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU), project editor and co-author of the editorial support protocols● Valeriia Muskharina, project coordinator, researcher of the survey “Mental State of Journalists: Editorial Practices That Work”● Yevheniia Virlych, editor of the online media Kavun.City (Kherson)● Svitlana Zalizetska, editor of the online media RIA-Pivden (Melitopol)● Gavin Rees, Senior Advisor for Training and Innovation, Global Center for Journalism and Trauma

What do Ukrainians read, whom do they trust, and are they willing to pay for quality content? These and other questions are addressed in the study “Ukrainian Media: News Consumption and Trust in 2025” conducted by Internews Ukraine NGO. The research continues the long-standing tradition of Internews Network to study the Ukrainian media landscape and aims to help media outlets better understand their audiences, while allowing society to gain a more comprehensive view of the country’s information environment.

The study analyzes how Ukrainians use different types of media and devices to access news, which information sources they trust the most, how the audience of the “United News” telethon is changing, how widespread disinformation narratives are, and whether people are ready to pay for online news — among many other insights.

The presentation of the research results will provide an opportunity not only to showcase the key trends of 2025 but also to discuss the challenges faced by Ukrainian media during wartime. The focus will be on issues of trust, media literacy, and resilience to disinformation — how media can both maintain audience trust and foster a society capable of critical thinking and resisting disinformation and other information threats of today.
Speakers:● Kostiantyn Kvurt, Head of the Board at Internews Ukraine NGO● Andrii Kulakov, Program Director at Internews Ukraine NGO● Oksana Maidan, Media Development Advisor at Internews Ukraine NGO● Viktoriia Marchenko, Media Development Advisor at Internews Ukraine NGO

The discussion on effective cooperation between media and the military centers on balancing security, the public’s right to information, and the operational needs of the armed forces. Media representatives express concern that military press officers often delay comments or information, creating a vacuum that is quickly filled by rumors or inaccurate reports. Meanwhile, the military argues that unrestricted journalist access can jeopardize operational plans, unit safety, or civilian protection.
Another pressing issue is the preferential treatment of foreign media, which sidelines Ukrainian journalists, particularly those from regional outlets. Ethical boundaries also remain a key challenge: how can journalists cover critical events without turning information into a weapon for the enemy?
There is a strong call for clear standards of engagement, systematic training for press officers, a transparent accreditation process, and greater support for regional media to ensure both timeliness and quality.
Speakers:● Alexandr Borodin, Senior Communications Officer 3rd Army Corps● Stepan Dubas, Head of Communications Department, 11th Army Corps● Andrii Kovalov, Spokesperson of the Main Communications Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine● Vlad Voloshyn, Spokesperson of the Joint Forces Operation "South", Armed Forces of Ukraine
Moderator:Diana Butsko, frontline reporter for hromadske

● How to detect a toxic trace using YouControl
● Lifehacks for finding ultimate beneficial owners
● ESG profile in YouControl: why verified sustainability information matters for democracy and Ukraine’s integration into the EU
● How to work with international data in YC World: creating investigative projects and using the AI-based “Data Extractor”

Speakers:
● Yana Vytiaz, Social Initiatives Manager at YouControl
● Anatolii Piasetskyi, Educational Programs Expert at YouControl

At a time when global attention to Ukraine is largely shaped by the full-scale war and geopolitical developments, the role of civil society in strengthening international understanding of Ukrainians as a people and a nation has never been more important. Every athlete competing abroad, every artist participating in a biennale, concert, or cultural exchange, every civic activist from the diaspora or on international missions — all contribute to Ukraine’s image. What tools do athletes, artists, civic leaders, and diaspora activists use? How do these efforts influence perceptions of Ukraine across different countries? And what can each of us do to help promote Ukrainian ideas and values worldwide?
Speakers:● Viktoriia Riasna, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine for European Integration● Iryna Borovets, Co-CEO CFC Big Ideas● Oksana Sarzhevska-Kravchenko, Director of ICF IZOLYATSIA● Kateryna Pavlova, Chief Operating Officer of the NGO CRISP, Germany
Moderator: Zoya Krasovska, “Come Back Alive” Foundation

Sooner or later, the Russian state in its current form will undergo transformation, reshaping the information landscape across vast territories. While the Kremlin’s propaganda machine will not vanish overnight, new societies, communities, and potentially independent republics will emerge, requiring their own voices and communication channels. Ukrainian media, with years of experience resisting imperial narratives, have a unique expertise: how to operate under information aggression, how to build trust, and how to avoid colonial framing. Now is the time to anticipate these scenarios—not only to respond to new realities but also to actively help shape them.
Speakers:● Rena Marutian, Director of the Institute of National Resilience and Security, Professor at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv● Nataliya Gumenyuk, CEO of Public Interest Journalism Lab● Volodymyr Ogrysko, Minister of foreign affairs of Ukraine (2007-2009), CEO, Centre for Russian Studies, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine● Vyacheslav Likhachev, Expert Council member, Center for Civil Liberties
Moderator:Liubov Tsybulska, Expert on countering hybrid threats, head of NGO "Join Ukraine"