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Vienna, August 13, 2025 — The Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Ukrainian journalists currently detained by Russian authorities. The appeal follows growing international concern over the treatment of media professionals amid the ongoing conflict.
In a statement issued in response to a request from a Ukrinform correspondent, the RFoM emphasized that the cases of detained Ukrainian civilian journalists are “deeply worrying and warrant attention,” regardless of the individual circumstances.
📢 International Legal Protections
The RFoM reiterated that journalists are protected under international humanitarian and human rights law. As civilians, they must be treated humanely and afforded full legal safeguards. The office cited the 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council decision on the safety of journalists, which urges participating states to:
- Immediately and unconditionally release journalists who have been arbitrarily arrested or detained
- Protect media professionals from enforced disappearance and hostage-taking
- Uphold commitments to media freedom across all OSCE member states
🕵️♂️ Case of Dmytro Khyliuk
While the RFoM did not confirm direct involvement in the case of UNIAN journalist Dmytro Khyliuk, his situation has become emblematic of the broader issue. Khyliuk was abducted by Russian troops on March 3, 2022, during the occupation of Kozarovychi village in Kyiv region. For months, his whereabouts remained unknown, and Russia did not acknowledge his detention.
In March 2025, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets confirmed via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) that Khyliuk was being held in Russia. A former Ukrainian soldier who shared a cell with him in a Vladimir region colony reported that Khyliuk weighed no more than 45 kilograms, raising serious concerns about his health and treatment. Another released detainee stated he last saw Khyliuk in early May 2025.
📊 Broader Detention Landscape
According to the Institute of Mass Information, Russia is currently holding at least 30 Ukrainian civilian media workers in detention. Rights groups argue that these detentions violate international norms and represent a systematic attempt to suppress independent journalism.
⚖️ Call to Action
The RFoM’s statement underscores the urgency of diplomatic and legal efforts to secure the release of detained journalists and to ensure that media professionals are not targeted in conflict zones. The office continues to monitor developments and calls on OSCE member states to fulfill their obligations under international law.
You can read the full report from Ukrinform’s coverage.
