How effective are Western sanctions? How can civil society help prevent the purchase of substandard body armor for the military? And what risks do journalists face while reporting from the front lines? These were among the key topics discussed during a closed-door meeting between Ukrainian experts, media professionals, and a delegation of journalists from Norway.
The discussion took place in Kyiv on May 19 at the request of the Lviv Media Forum as part of the Shared Frontlines and Democracy project, implemented jointly with OsloMet University. The event was moderated by the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO).
The meeting brought together Ukrainian analysts, investigative journalists, and media managers.
Victoria Vyshnivska, Senior Researcher at NAKO, explained how Russian weapons continue to rely on foreign-made components. She outlined the Kremlin’s supply chains, describing the complex gray-market routes and networks of intermediary companies used to funnel sanctioned parts to Russian factories producing missiles and aircraft.
Natalia Chornohub, Head of Government Relations at YouControl and Chair of the Open Data Association, spoke about how investigators can uncover these hidden connections and trace Russian-linked assets around the world. She showed Norwegian reporters how the YouControl analytical platform helps researchers and journalists identify businesses that contribute to financing the war.
Another major topic was reforming the defense procurement system and strengthening anti-corruption safeguards. Tetiana Nikolaienko, Senior Researcher at NAKO and Deputy Chair of the Public Anti-Corruption Council of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, shared insights into how oversight of military tenders works in practice.
She cited a recent case in which public oversight helped block a questionable procurement deal and prevented the purchase of a batch of low-quality body armor intended for Ukrainian soldiers.
Oleksandr Moiseienko, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of United24 Media, spoke about building an English-language media outlet during a full-scale war. He shared how the team developed a major platform from scratch and reached a large international audience by telling Ukraine’s story to the world.
Security issues were of particular interest to the Norwegian journalists. They asked in detail about the risks and realities of reporting from the front line, how working conditions for war correspondents have changed since the early months of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, and the growing hybrid threats Russia poses to Western countries. Participants also discussed the role of independent investigations in countering those threats.
Meetings like this help build direct connections between Ukraine’s expert community and leading media organizations in partner countries. They also provide an opportunity to show European audiences that resisting Russian aggression is not only Ukraine’s fight but a matter of shared security.
About the participants: Representatives of the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO), the Public Anti-Corruption Council under the Ministry of Defense, United24 Media, and YouControl took part in the discussion.
Photos by Ukraine Crisis Media Center