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«Even in Afghanistan the risk was easier to assess than in Ukraine»«The risk for reporters in Ukraine is very difficult to assess»
In the Ukraine war, critical voices are increasing, saying that some young journalists, photographers and cameramen are out and about, taking great risks. There have been repeated reports of media workers who have been killed in the past few days. This corresponds in part to the experiences of freelance journalist Stefanie Glinski, who is currently reporting from the crisis region.
SRF News: You have been to many crisis regions, including South Sudan and Afghanistan. What do you have to consider as a war reporter and how do you deal with the risk?
Stefanie Glinski: It is very important to get as much information as possible before venturing into a certain place. They talk to security advisers, read the news, and talk to the Ukrainian military and MPs. You work with a local team that knows their stuff and knows how to get out. Nothing happens without precise agreement. A bit of gut feeling is also part of it. You have to be ready to turn back at any time if you can’t or if you feel insecure.
You work with a local team. Nothing happens without agreement. One must be ready to turn back at any time.
Things got hot recently in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, which is currently under heavy fire. We were in a team with a driver and interpreter, wore bulletproof vests and helmets and communicated constantly with the Ukrainian military. At a checkpoint with soldiers was the end of the line due to heavy shelling. You follow the instructions and don’t put your life in danger for a story that you might never get.
Is the risk in Ukraine particularly high compared to other war zones?
I can definitely say yes. The risk in Ukraine is very difficult to assess and therefore difficult to reduce. Everything is very arbitrary. All that is known is that the Russian military is bombing mercilessly. Even in Afghanistan, the risk was more predictable and you knew what you were getting yourself into. This is perhaps one of the reasons why several journalists died in the first three weeks. They were all very experienced and knew exactly what they were doing. This shows that there is a whole new risk here that many have not yet noticed. I hear that from many experienced colleagues.
The risk in Ukraine is very difficult to assess and therefore difficult to reduce.
How did you prepare for the assignment in Ukraine?
I completed the so-called Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) again. It teaches the rules of conduct in a warlike event and also a first aid course. At the same time, I contacted various security consultants and other professional colleagues. Direct contact with my editorial staff is very important in order to discuss the situation and clarify what is possible and what is not.
The conversation was conducted by Sandro Della Torre.