<img src="https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_medium_desktop/article/2026-10/2-CC8A7077-1.jpg.webp?itok=qNdrsru4" alt="UNESCO handed a set of equipment to help journalists continue their professional work in Ukraine” loading=”lazy”>
The equipment was handed over at a ceremony with the participation of Tetiana Berezhna, Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy of Ukraine and Minister of Culture of Ukraine; Osumi Yo, Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine; Chiara Dezzi Bardeschi, Head of the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine, and representatives of the three Ukrainian media organisations who will distribute the equipment.
the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine / Anton Tkachenko
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UNESCO / Oksana Dumska
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Osumi Yo, Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine, emphasised the importance of supporting Ukrainian journalists:
“Japan stands with Ukraine. We are pleased to be here with you today and to support efforts to strengthen the safety and resilience of journalists and media workers through Japan’s project implemented with UNESCO. Independent media and journalism are essential to an open and resilient society, especially in the digital age. We deeply appreciate your courage and dedication, and hope that this support will help you continue your important work in a safer environment.”
Responding to a request from the Ministry of Culture in Ukraine, UNESCO also provided 20 women-specific personal protective equipment tothe Institute of Mass Informationand theNGO Women in Media, specifically designed to accommodate women’s anatomy. Some of them will soon be delivered to women journalists working directly in high-risk areas .
Tetiana Berezhna, Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy of Ukraine and Minister of Culture of Ukraine, explained the importance of ensuring adequate protection for women journalists:
“As the Ministry of Culture, we understand how difficult it is to be a journalist in Ukraine, facing not only professional challenges but also the constant dangers of war. The equipment and protective vests we are providing today are a significant investment in this critical infrastructure of trust that we build with partners around the world by sharing the truth about Russia’s aggression and calling things by their proper names. With women making up around 80% of journalists working on the front line, it is essential to protect their safety and provide them with the equipment they need.”
UNESCO / Yuliia Yuskiv
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UNESCO / Yuliia Yuskiv
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Alona Yatsyna, editor at the frontline-based Kordon.Media, explained why this protection is particularly important for war correspondents:
“One of the biggest threats to war correspondents is shrapnel. Even small fragments can be fatal if they strike the neck, groin or internal organs. It is important to protect areas where injuries can cause rapid blood loss, as reaching a hospital often takes considerable time.”
In addition to bulletproof vests, journalists received safety equipment, including 65 first-aid kits, 200 tourniquets, and 50 emergency thermal bandages.
The energy equipment includes 40 portable power stations, 50 power banks, 10 portable solar panels and two inverter kits. This equipment will help journalists and newsrooms maintain operations during prolonged power outages, stay connected, and continue producing and sharing information of public interest.
Chiara Dezzi Bardeschi, Head of the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine, highlighted the importance of continued support for the media:
“This support is intended for journalists, particularly women journalists working near and on the front line. Journalists face difficult conditions not only on the front line but also in their everyday work. The safety of journalists remains a critical concern, and UNESCO is committed to continuing its support for Ukrainian media.”
UNESCO continues to work with Ukrainian and international partners to ensure that journalists in Ukraine have the necessary conditions to work safely and continue providing the public with reliable information.
