The Board urges Ukrainian authorities to recognise that political and economic progress flourishes in a climate where the press is free and independent of governmental, political or economic control and therefore highlights a series of recommendations outlined in a WAN-IFRA press freedom report, that followed an international mission to Ukraine in April 2012.

The Board calls on Ukrainian authorities to allow media professionals to report openly on corruption and to ensure that the country’s Access to Information law is respected. It calls for an immediate end to “envelope” payments to journalists and other media professionals and underlines the urgent need for a strong and independent media that is self-regulated. It also encourages the adoption of a pilot programme on the development of the retail trade of the printed press to expand competition in the market.  

The Board also urges the Ukrainian authorities to ensure the judicial process in the Georgy Gongadze murder case is allowed to progress swiftly and unimpeded so as to send a clear message to those who threaten the press that violence against the media will not be tolerated.