By Dr. Hasrat Arjjumend
The war in Ukraine has had devastating effects on the country’s infrastructure, economy, and society. As Ukraine undertakes the complex process of rebuilding, citizen media has emerged as a crucial tool for communication, mobilization, and documentation. Citizen journalism, social media platforms, and grassroots reporting are playing an essential role in shaping public discourse, advocating for international support, and fostering community resilience. This paper explores how citizen media is contributing to Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts by providing real-time information, countering disinformation, mobilizing resources, and rebuilding trust in institutions.
In post-conflict situations, reliable information is vital for coordinating rebuilding efforts. Traditional media outlets may struggle to cover all aspects of Ukraine’s recovery due to logistical constraints, government control, or resource limitations. Citizen media, however, enables on-the-ground reporting by individuals who document and share information in real time. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Telegram, and Facebook have become essential tools for local citizens to report on reconstruction progress, highlight urgent needs, and connect with aid organizations. For example, the Ukrainian Telegram channel ‘DeepState’ has been instrumental in providing real-time battlefield updates and assessing damage to infrastructure. Similarly, Twitter accounts run by Ukrainian civilians have reported on humanitarian aid distribution, ensuring that resources reach the areas that need those most. These grassroots efforts complement the work of official agencies, creating a more comprehensive and transparent rebuilding process.
The information war surrounding Ukraine has been intense, with propaganda and misinformation campaigns affecting perceptions both domestically and internationally. Citizen media plays a key role in countering disinformation by providing first-hand accounts and fact-checking misleading narratives. Independent bloggers, social media influencers, and digital activists have taken on the responsibility of verifying information, exposing falsehoods, and ensuring that the reality of Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts is accurately represented. For instance, the ‘Ukraine Fact Check’ initiative, run by volunteers and independent journalists, has debunked numerous false reports about reconstruction efforts, such as exaggerated claims of corruption or misallocation of international funds. Similarly, YouTube channels run by Ukrainian expatriates, such as Anton Ptushkin, have provided documentary-style coverage of the rebuilding efforts, ensuring that the international community remains engaged and informed.
Citizen media has been instrumental in mobilizing resources for rebuilding efforts. Crowdfunding campaigns, social media appeals, and digital storytelling have helped raise funds for reconstruction projects, support displaced communities, and provide humanitarian aid. Platforms like GoFundMe, Patreon, and localized crowdfunding initiatives have empowered Ukrainian citizens and diaspora communities to contribute directly to rebuilding efforts. A notable example is the ‘Come Back Alive’ foundation, which initially focused on military aid but has since expanded to infrastructure rebuilding projects. Similarly, initiatives such as ‘Rebuild Ukraine’ have used social media to connect donors with communities needing assistance, resulting in thousands of homes being reconstructed. Additionally, grassroots media campaigns have facilitated the organization of volunteer networks that provide labour, materials, and expertise for reconstruction projects.
A crucial aspect of post-war recovery is the restoration of public trust in governmental and civic institutions. Citizen media can serve as a watchdog by monitoring government-led reconstruction efforts, exposing corruption, and advocating for transparency. Local journalists and digital activists have been using online platforms to hold authorities accountable and ensure that rebuilding efforts are inclusive, effective, and corruption-free.
For example, the investigative journalism outlet ‘Bihus.Info’ has been actively reporting on reconstruction contracts, ensuring that international aid is used responsibly. Their reports have led to policy changes and increased scrutiny of rebuilding projects, fostering greater public trust. Furthermore, community-driven platforms like ‘VoxCheck’ continue to analyze government statements, verifying their accuracy and keeping the administration accountable.
Beyond physical reconstruction, Ukraine’s recovery also requires social and psychological rebuilding. Citizen media has played a therapeutic role by allowing individuals to share their personal stories of loss, resilience, and hope. Digital storytelling through blogs, podcasts, and video documentaries has provided a space for healing, fostering national identity, and promoting cultural preservation. One poignant example is the ‘Voices of Ukraine’ podcast, where survivors share their experiences of war and rebuilding. Another initiative, ‘Memory Map’, is a digital archive preserving stories of those affected by the conflict, ensuring that future generations understand the sacrifices made during the war. Similarly, Ukrainian filmmakers have been documenting the struggles and triumphs of the rebuilding process, reinforcing national unity and resilience.
Despite its many benefits, citizen media faces several challenges. The spread of misinformation, digital security threats, and censorship pose risks to independent reporting. Additionally, reliance on digital platforms controlled by private companies may lead to issues of content moderation and access restrictions. Ensuring the credibility of citizen media requires media literacy programs, cybersecurity training, and international collaboration to safeguard freedom of expression. For instance, several Ukrainian citizen journalists have faced cyberattacks from hostile entities attempting to discredit their work. To counteract this, organizations like ‘Cyber Ukraine’ provide training on digital security, helping citizen journalists protect their sources and information. Additionally, partnerships with global fact-checking networks have helped reduce the impact of disinformation campaigns.
Citizen media has become an indispensable component of Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts. By providing real-time information, countering disinformation, mobilizing resources, and fostering transparency, grassroots media is actively shaping the country’s recovery. As Ukraine continues to rebuild, supporting citizen media initiatives through policy frameworks, technological infrastructure, and international partnerships will be crucial in ensuring a resilient and informed society. The role of citizen media extends beyond news reporting — it is a powerful force for social change, advocacy, and national healing. Through continued engagement and support, citizen media will remain at the forefront of Ukraine’s journey towards recovery and renewal.
Further Reading:
https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/2023-06-15-Action-Doc-Ukraine-Civil-Soc-WEB-230615.pdf
https://www.hirondelle.org/en/comprendre-le-role-des-medias-locaux-dans-la-promotion-de-la-cohesion-sociale-en-ukraine-notre-etude-2
Contact: ukraine@grassrootsinstitute.net
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