Talkshow-Training 

Since the start of Russia's extended war, Ukraine has been in the headlines almost daily. Yet it is often the same voices that are heard in the news. The diversity of Ukrainian and post-Soviet societies is hardly represented. Especially underrepresented are social movements and voices from civil society.

Instead of listening to those who are most affected, it is often self-proclaimed experts without real expertise of Eastern Europe who are interviewed in the media, who trivialize the brutality of the war and spread disinformation, conspiracy theories and right-wing propaganda.

The result is news reporting that hardly does justice to the lived experiences of the people in Ukraine. In order to break down stereotypes and standardized portrayals, those who have been directly affected by the war and can authentically describe their perspectives must be heard in the media. How can people in Germany express solidarity and support the civilian population in Ukraine and the post-Soviet region?

We want to see people in the news who volunteer or have contributed to social movements in Ukraine or as part of the post-east community before or since the war, who are active for social justice, anti-racism, environmental protection, democracy, human rights or the rights of women* and the LGBTQI* community.