The suspension of USAID programs has already showed consequences: many independent media outlets in Ukraine have been forced to reduce their activities or cease operations altogether. These are the sources that delivered truthful information in different languages - not only to the Ukrainian audience, but also to our partners around the world, to those who support Ukraine, and to the millions of Ukrainians who fled the country before or after the full-scale Russian invasion.

A similar situation regarding the closure of the program is observed in other countries. However, in the context of war, this issue is especially significant.

Such platforms play another unique role: they not only inform about events in Ukraine, but also tell about our culture, traditions, and history. For the Ukrainian diaspora, it is a source of reliable information, and for the international audience, it is a story about what Ukraine really is, without the false claims and myths of Russian propaganda. 

Any information vacuum abroad is quickly replaced by Russian television

A certain space emerges when independent media outlets lose funding or are forced to close. But, it doesn't stay like this for a long period of time. 

Russia quickly covers the gap - not only news, but also TV shows, movies, and entertainment programs. It's not just about content; these channels spread narratives that undermine Ukraine's struggle and promote the idea of a "common history" or "Soviet nostalgia," often in a disguised way, but constantly.

This is especially dangerous in countries where a large part of the population is from the post-Soviet space. In a world where knowledge is available to everyone, a simple consumption model is imposed on people: Russian television speaks a familiar language, does not require knowledge of English, and provides "everything at once"-news, movies, and music. It's convenient and cheap, it doesn't require much effort. That is why it is influential.

Why it is necessary and beneficial for Russia

It is part of soft power, a tool that allows Russia to influence public opinion systematically. This way, a loyal audience is formed far beyond the borders of Russia. And the Russian media uses this audience as an instrument to influence moods, elections, and attitudes toward the war and sanctions.

They form a loyal audience, impose a simplified, distorted, or staged picture of the world, where Ukraine is a "victim of Western manipulation" and Russia is a "defender of values."

What is the threat?

This is not just a cultural or news issue - it is part of global information influence. If the international community does not support independent sources of information, propaganda will be heard instead of the truth. And it will sound loud.

The closure of independent media is not only a blow to freedom of speech. It creates an ideal ground for manipulative messages. It becomes especially true in times of war, when information is a weapon whose damage is often underestimated. 

Supporting independent media is not just about Ukraine. It is about protecting democratic space, free choice, and the right to know the truth - for Ukrainians, for the diaspora, and for the world.

In a world where authoritarian regimes are increasingly manipulating the information space, it is crucial that we do not lose this voice, as its place will quickly be taken by those who want the world to consume comfortable and easily accessible information that can be used to spread propaganda.

This publication was compiled with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. It’s content is the exclusive responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the International Renaissance Foundation.