Russian bombing of Ukrainian aid centre kills 24 people: Zelenskyy

On November 2, Ukrainian journalists called upon global media to maintain a focus on Russian aggression and to urge their leaders not to appease Moscow. In a video appeal, they spoke from a country where each morning begins with the anxiety of checking if families and friends are still alive. This urgent plea comes as cities in Ukraine endure relentless Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, resulting in daily casualties among the Ukrainian populace.

Russia has also initiated a campaign targeting Ukraine's energy and water grids, causing persistent power outages and cutting off water supplies to numerous cities.

The journalists emphasized that while some may believe the war in Ukraine has concluded or is nearing its end, the reality is that Russia's genocide and ecocide persist. They urged international colleagues to keep the spotlight on Russian aggression and implored their leaders not to succumb to appeasement tactics from Moscow. The appeal cautioned against distorting facts and underestimating the threat posed by Moscow beyond Ukraine's borders.

The journalists criticized the notion that striking Russian oil refineries is "madness" and a "disgrace," questioning if killing civilians with ballistic missiles is not also a disgrace, and if destroying schools, hospitals, and bridges is not equally madness.

They stressed that it falls upon foreign media to prevent politicians from lifting sanctions against Russia and from allowing Russia to regain strength. Ukrainian journalists urged their global peers not to remain silent, asserting that the courage of politicians is often determined by the actions of journalists. In October, U.S. President Donald Trump waived key sanctions against Russia and announced a diesel deal between Washington and Moscow, while simultaneously pressuring Ukraine to cease strikes against Russian oil refineries.

The journalists warned against viewing the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a distant issue that does not affect the rest of the world, and against repeating historical mistakes by appeasing an aggressor.