As the conflict in Ukraine escalates, it has become increasingly difficult for independent Ukrainian media to provide credible news coverage. Despite the lack of financial support, they continued to serve their communities by providing updates from the front lines and regularly distributing news digests, info marathons and news feeds. During the conflict, these media outlets have experienced tremendous losses, including team members, indispensable links, and essential content. It is hard to imagine the psychological toll this conflict has placed on journalists and local media leaders. This war has decreased the productivity of newsrooms and even destroyed entire media organizations.

Journalists' challenges

The conflict in Ukraine has put journalists in a difficult position, and their work is being threatened by the Russian government. While reporting from the conflict zone, they are constantly battling with Russian disinformation. Many Russian sources deny the hard facts of the conflict and do not recognise the legitimate rights of Ukraine. In order to combat such a climate, journalists in Ukraine need more support from media organizations.

One of the greatest challenges facing journalists in Ukraine is the risk of being killed while reporting. This has happened to several international journalists covering the conflict in Ukraine. Oleksandra Kuvshinova, a young Ukrainian field producer, and Pierre Zakrzewski, a US journalist, were killed while covering the conflict. Nataliya Gumenyuk, a journalist specializing in conflict and international security reporting, said that despite the dangers, she is continuing to report on the conflict.

Despite the challenges facing journalists in Ukraine, some organizations are doing what they can to help them. The Free Press Unlimited, a nonprofit organization that supports investigative journalism and independent media in Ukraine, has partnered with three Ukrainian news outlets and groups. The project is a critical support for independent journalists in Ukraine and is providing much-needed, balanced coverage of the war.

Business models

Banks in Ukraine have various business models. This study explores the characteristics of these models using the balance sheet of 131 Ukrainian banks. It found that banks have diversified, focused and corporate retail business models. These models show significant differences from one another. This study also offers recommendations on how to improve the financial stability of Ukrainian banks.

Most Ukrainian publications earn money through advertising and financial support from external sources. They also sell content and services to readers. However, they rarely collect donations from readers. Compared to Western media, Ukrainian media companies do not have much in terms of alternative revenue sources. Hence, they should diversify their revenue streams. Some media companies even look into Western business models and try to incorporate them into their business model.

In Ukraine, the popularity of international franchise brands is rising. Approximately 60% of these brands have a local representative office. Some of these franchises operate independently; others collaborate with one partner to expand the brand. Some of these brands include Delta Sport, Helen Doron Early English, FasTracKids, and MTR-group.

Psychological toll

Seeing the images and hearing the news about the conflict in Ukraine can be deeply upsetting for many people, especially those with mental health issues. In fact, the disinformation and news coverage of these events have far-reaching implications for people's mental health around the world. For example, disinformation and footage from Ukraine is widely circulated on social media, affecting people around the world.

Because the war is in the news so often, it can be difficult to escape the traumatic images and stories. News of war and death may have a disproportionate effect on the mental health of those who have experienced trauma or lost loved ones. In such cases, a therapist can help. Those who can't afford a therapist can also donate money to relief organizations.

Currently, there is limited awareness of mental trauma in Ukraine. It remains unclear whether the country is prepared to handle the massive number of people affected by the Russian invasion. Nevertheless, Kutsenko is treating patients who are trying to process past events, and who are now being bombarded with news about the conflict in real time.

Russian propaganda

The emergence of Russian propaganda in Ukraine is a symptom of growing Russian influence on the country's public sphere. The Russian media have been instrumental in instigating a sense of fear and xenophobia in Ukraine, and they have used their reach and resources to spread disinformation. In Kherson, for instance, Russian television and the Internet have been blocked. This has led to a lack of access to Ukrainian YouTube for the city's residents. Similar problems have also plagued some of the Ukrainian villages close to the Crimean Peninsula. Residents in these areas don't use VPNs and rely on traditional media such as television and radio to get their news.

The Russian government uses propaganda to implant the narrative of Russia's omnipotence and greatness. It also uses propaganda to portray the West as perverted and existentially hostile. In addition, Russia has created fantastically fabricated fakes about the Ukraine conflict and the Nazism that afflicted the region. It spends billions of rubles on state television and the media in order to achieve its goals.