The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored the vital role of a free and independent press, not just in documenting events, but in holding power accountable. A series of initiatives, bolstered by international partnerships, are working to strengthen Ukrainian journalism at a critical juncture, focusing on both institutional resilience and the practical skills needed for investigative reporting. These efforts are yielding tangible results, with a new cohort of media outlets poised to deepen their impact in 2026 and beyond, even as the country navigates the complexities of wartime reconstruction.
At the beginning of this year, a comprehensive review assessed 124 new applications alongside 40 final reports from participants in the first year of the “Stronger Together: Transparency and Anti-Corruption” initiative. The review process, designed to be transparent and structured, confirmed 22 Ukrainian media outlets for institutional capacity support and selected 18 organizations to receive investigative journalism grants. This selection reflects a commitment to supporting outlets demonstrating both progress and a readiness to enhance their sustainability, editorial impact and organizational strength.
Strengthening Investigative Capacity Through Training
A key component of the initiative is a focus on bolstering investigative journalism skills. From March 2-6, nearly 40 journalists from 18 regional newsrooms across Ukraine participated in an intensive Investigative Bootcamp. The program wasn’t theoretical. it was designed to provide journalists with immediately applicable tools and techniques. Participants received hands-on training in data analysis, hypothesis development, fact-checking, and utilizing open data sources.
The bootcamp curriculum covered a range of essential skills, including data scraping, automation tools, and database analysis. Journalists also learned to create compelling data visualizations using tools like DataWrapper and Flourish. Sessions specifically addressed investigations into illicit enrichment and the misuse of public funds, drawing on the experience of seasoned investigative reporters who shared practical methodologies and real-world case studies. Participants were encouraged to develop their own investigative ideas and plans, receiving guidance from mentors throughout the process. The goal is ambitious: to equip each newsroom with the capacity to produce at least six investigative stories over the coming year, reinforcing the role of regional media in promoting accountability and transparency during a period of national rebuilding.
The original materials from the bootcamp, including resources and insights, are available in Ukrainian here.
Forging International Partnerships for Long-Term Resilience
Recognizing the importance of collaboration, a new Norwegian Partnerships Programme was launched in mid-March. A delegation of Ukrainian media managers and journalists traveled to Oslo to formally initiate the program and explore opportunities for sustained cooperation. The visit began with a presentation highlighting the challenges faced by independent Ukrainian media operating under wartime conditions. Participants emphasized the need for continued collaboration, solidarity, and long-term support to strengthen regional journalism.
The programme formally commenced with the signing of partnership memoranda between four Ukrainian and four Norwegian regional newsrooms. Throughout the week, Ukrainian journalists were embedded in their Norwegian counterparts’ newsrooms, gaining firsthand experience with different editorial workflows, digital transformation strategies, subscription models, and newsroom management practices. This isn’t a one-time exchange; the initiative is designed as a year-long collaboration, fostering open dialogue, professional exchange, and mutual learning to reinforce press freedom and sustainable development in both countries.
The programme’s structure emphasizes sustained engagement, including reciprocal visits, hands-on immersion in newsroom operations, structured peer dialogue, and practical knowledge transfer. Throughout 2026, participating newsrooms will work closely together, strengthening professional ties and learning from each other’s experiences.
A Handbook for Wartime Accountability
Complementing the training and partnerships, a new handbook titled “Investigative Journalism and Democratic Accountability During Wartime” was unveiled during the Oslo kick-off event. The publication documents the work of 18 regional newsrooms, supported by six investigative mentors, in strengthening their capacity for data analysis, hypothesis development, legal review, and evidence-based reporting. Within six months, these teams produced 105 investigations, with 12 selected cases highlighted in the handbook as practical examples of how regional journalism can safeguard public accountability during conflict.
The handbook, structured around themes such as public finance oversight, the wartime economy, and information influence, underscores the critical role of investigative reporting in bolstering democratic resilience at the local level. Building on this momentum, in April, the programme will support the participation of 10 Ukrainian journalists from 10 regional media outlets at the SKUP Conference in Norway, the country’s leading annual investigative journalism festival. Participants will attend a dedicated masterclass designed to deepen their skills and expose them to new investigative methods and cross-border collaboration models.
These initiatives represent a significant investment in the future of Ukrainian journalism. By providing training, fostering international partnerships, and documenting best practices, these programs are helping to ensure that independent media can continue to play a vital role in holding power accountable and informing the public, even – and especially – during times of conflict. The next key date for the Norwegian Partnerships Programme is a planned reciprocal visit of Norwegian journalists to Ukraine in late summer 2026, allowing them to experience the challenges and opportunities of reporting from the front lines.
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