THE “FILTRATION” PROJECT OF RFE/RL’S UKRAINIAN SERVICE: DOCUMENTING THE CRIMES OF THE RUSSIAN OCCUPIERS

Abstract

This article is devoted to the examination of the work of Ukrainian journalists in documenting the crimes of the Russian occupiers so that, in the future, international justice may have solid legal grounds for ruling in favor of the Ukrainian state and its citizens, the victims of military aggression. The aim of this scholarly study is to analyze the “Filtration” project of RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service as a unique example of the consistent production of materials over many years documenting numerous cases of murder and torture of civilians and prisoners of war in the territories of Southern Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia and in Russian prisons. The article is based on the study of materials, reports, and interviews by journalists of RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service as part of the “Filtration” project. The “Filtration” project differs from individual journalistic investigations in its systematic production of materials. Thus, from April 2022 to October 2025, nearly a hundred publications, audio pieces, and video materials were prepared within the project. The main work on it is carried out by journalists with The News of Azov Region project of RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, who have become chroniclers of the war by documenting war crimes through direct communication with victims. The study is of practical value because the analyzed experience of RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service may be useful for Ukrainian media as an example of implementing similar projects that consistently expose the system of war crimes committed by the occupiers. This scholarly study is the first to examine the uniqueness of the “Filtration” project, which, if necessary, can also be used as factual material in criminal proceedings for crimes committed against the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian state