Ukrainian journalist teaches at Viadrina: New perspectives in times of crisis!

Ukrainian journalist teaches at Viadrina: New perspectives in times of crisis!

On March 20, 2025, Dr. Nataliia Steblyna, an outstanding Ukrainian journalist and media scientist, will start teaching at the European University Viadrina in the summer semester of 2025 as the first guest professor at the Competence Network for Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies (KIU). Your commitment aims to share experiences and knowledge and to get to know the German university system. Steblyna is a professor at Wassyl Stus University who had to migrate to a safe location due to the ongoing war.

In her teaching offering, Steblyna will cover topics that are of great importance for understanding the current situation in Ukraine: digital media analysis, Russian propaganda and communication in wartime. The first course deals with digital data analysis and requires no prior programming knowledge, while the second course addresses the effects of propaganda on thinking. In addition, the third course deals with crisis communication in the specific context of the Ukraine war.

Challenges of Ukrainian higher education

Higher education in Ukraine has been in deep crisis since the beginning of the war. Many students are distracted and often have to work to provide financial aid. The security situation in the country remains critical, marked by targeted Russian attacks on the media. Numerous journalists have been reporting on the situation since February 24, 2022. Unfortunately, 13 media workers have been killed by Russian forces since then, including some in Ukrainian cities.

Loud RSF The most dangerous regions for journalists are Donetsk, Kharkiv, Luhansk and Kyiv. These dangerous circumstances have led not only to a decline in reporting, but also to targeted attacks on newsrooms and hotels. What is particularly worrying is that eighteen Ukrainian media workers are currently being detained by Russian forces, while several others are being held in inhumane conditions.

Changing media landscape

The war of aggression in Ukraine has significantly changed the media landscape. There is a noticeable decline in media offerings, especially in areas close to the front. Since the invasion in February 2022, several major Ukrainian television channels have joined forces in a telemarathon financed with $37 million in taxpayer money. Critics complain that this severely impairs diversity and the opportunity for a free exchange of opinions.

The EU Commission has expressed concerns about state financing of the telemarathon. The news portal strana.ua has been blocked since August 20, 2021, further complicating access to independent information. Journalists also warn of possible restrictions on platforms such as Telegram, which are considered an important source of information.

Dr. Steblyna, whose research focuses intensively on manipulation and Russian propaganda in the media, expects creativity and interest from her students. Future media makers are encouraged to do their homework independently and to avoid using artificial intelligence. In addition to her academic work, Steblyna is also a talented musician who plays the accordion, harmonica and bass guitar and is active in a rock band in Ukraine.

The ongoing challenges and uncertain future for media in Ukraine underscore the relevance of the topics Steblyna covers at Viadrina. The war not only shaped education but also the information landscape every day and will continue to have an impact on Ukrainian society for a long time to come.