Basic Requirements on Media’s Identity
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Defender Media is fully committed to protecting the physical and psychological safety of everyone who works for us — employed staff, freelancers and contributors — including those working in hostile, conflict-affected or high-risk environments.
1. What is the Legal Entity Name?
ТОВАРИСТВО З ОБМЕЖЕНОЮ ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНІСТЮ «ДЕФЕНДЕР МЕДІА» / LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY «DEFENDER MEDIA» («DEFENDER MEDIA» LLC)
10. Does the Media Outlet publish any content by broadcasting and/or streaming?
No
11. Do the Media Outlet's Editorial Guidelines state that the safety of all journalists shall be treated as a primary concern?
Yes
12. Are there any reasons that the Media Outlet has for withholding information on any of the questions as part of this JTI Standard process?
No
13. Is the physical address of the Legal Entity different from the postal address according to question no. 2?
No
14. Do you have a safety-related reason for not providing it?
No
15. What is the founding date of the Legal Entity?
2025-04-16
16. Is the founding date of the Media Outlet (as in clause 1.3. question no. 7) different from that of the Legal Entity (as in clause 1.1. question no. 1)?
No
2. What is the postal address for the Legal Entity?
Yaroslavska str, 58 / Kyiv, Ukraine
ADDRESS LINE 1
Yaroslavska str, 58
STATE / PROVINCE / REGION
Kyiv region
3. What is the general telephone number for the Legal Entity?
+380931425299
4. What is the email address for the Legal Entity?
5. Is the Legal Entity required to have a Tax ID, a Registration ID, a DUNS number and/or other identifiers?
Yes
5.a. What are these IDs for the Legal Entity?
Unified State Register of Enterprises and Organisations of Ukraine, USREOU code: 45781386 (Код ЄДРПОУ)
6. Are there any other governmental or other identifiers that a certification body could use to verify the identity of the Legal Entity?
Yes
6.a. What are those identifiers?
List of Ukrainian Media Entities, Online media entity · Media ID: R40-06247
7. What Brand Name(s), titles, publication names, etc. do you use to publish Content?
Primary: Defender Media (website & other social media)
Additional: Зброярі x Defender Media (Telegram channel)
8. Does the Media Outlet publish on any URLs?
Yes
8.a. On what URLs do you publish?
https://thedefender.media/
9. Does the Media Outlet publish any content on any social media?
Yes
9.a. What are the social media URLs, handles, addresses or names that you use to publish?
https://x.com/DefenderMediaUA
https://www.linkedin.com/company/defender-media/
https://www.facebook.com/DefenderMediaUA
https://t.me/DefenderMedia/
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDefenderMedia
Editorial Mission
17. Does your Media Outlet have an editorial mission statement, or stated set of principles or editorial values?
Yes
17.a. Provide that statement here
Editorial Mission and Policy
Read the editorial policy of our website
Our team is committed to objective, impartial and professional coverage of events in the field of military and defence technology.
Our goal is to provide reliable and up-to-date information, adhering to high journalistic standards and contributing to an informed public understanding of defence, security, innovation and investment in military technology.
Our editorial work is guided by four fundamental principles of trustworthy journalism: ethical practice, good governance, self-regulation and engagement with the public. These principles are implemented through the editorial standards, policies and processes described below.
The main principles of our editorial policy are:
Objectivity and independence. We work independently of political or commercial interests. All materials published on the platform are based on facts and verified information. We treat subjects and audiences even-handedly, give a right of reply where appropriate, and distinguish fact from opinion.
Credibility and accuracy. Our team strives to ensure that all publications are thorough and verified. We engage experts to analyse complex topics and verify information and sources before publication to the extent reasonably possible.
Transparency. In all publications, we clearly indicate the sources of information and parties involved where appropriate. If a publication contains the author’s personal opinion, this is clearly indicated. All sponsored content is clearly labelled and distinguishable from our own editorial content.
Respect for the reader. We create content that is understandable, useful and relevant to the interests of our audience. Defender Media focuses on readers interested in defence, security, innovation and investment in military technology. We recognise the importance of maintaining an open and constructive relationship with our audience and providing accessible channels for feedback and editorial concerns.
Editing and proofreading. Each piece of content goes through several stages of review to ensure that the language is of a high standard and that the information is accurate and up-to-date.
Ethics and responsibility. We strictly adhere to the ethical standards of journalism. Defender Media does not support the dissemination of false information, manipulation or deliberately provocative content. We consider the potential impact of our reporting, particularly when covering sensitive defence and security matters.
Fairness. We treat subjects and audiences fairly and even-handedly, presenting relevant facts and perspectives accurately and in context. Where appropriate, we give subjects of significant criticism a reasonable opportunity to respond and clearly distinguish facts from allegations, claims and opinions.
Accountability. We take responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of our journalism. Readers and subjects can raise concerns or report potential errors, and we review and correct significant factual or editorial errors when identified.
Confidentiality and protection of sources. We respect the confidentiality of our sources and protect their anonymity whenever necessary and appropriate.
Good governance and editorial accountability
Defender Media is committed to responsible and transparent editorial governance. Editorial decisions are made independently of political, commercial or other undue external influence.
Editorial responsibility at each stage of publication is assigned as follows:
Commissioning / assignment: Journalist
Editing and verification: Editor
Final sign-off before publication: Founding Editor
The roles and responsibilities of editorial staff and contributors are defined through this Editorial Policy and related internal policies and procedures.
Defender Media’s editorial policies and relevant accountability mechanisms are made publicly available as part of our commitment to transparency and trustworthy journalism.
Self-regulation and corrections
This Editorial Policy applies to all editorial staff, editors and external contributors, including freelancers and agencies, producing content for Defender Media. Contributors are required to adhere to it as a condition of publication.
We maintain internal editorial processes for fact-checking, editing, verification and final review. We also review our editorial practices and policies periodically and update them when necessary.
If a significant factual or editorial error is identified after publication, Defender Media will review the matter and make an appropriate correction or clarification. Readers and other stakeholders may bring potential errors or editorial concerns to our attention through the contact channels provided by Defender Media.
Engagement with the public
Defender Media recognises that public trust is built through openness, responsiveness and accountability. We provide readers and other stakeholders with opportunities to contact the Media Outlet, provide feedback, raise editorial concerns and suggest corrections.
We consider relevant feedback as part of our editorial processes and provide an appropriate response where necessary. Our editorial policies and accountability mechanisms are publicly accessible so that readers can understand the standards and processes that guide our journalism.
These principles are supported by Defender Media’s related editorial policies and procedures, including policies on commercial and editorial separation, anonymous sources, sensitive content, journalist safety, staff welfare, external accountability and the use of artificial intelligence.
Responsible for this Editorial Policy: Roman Sudolsky, Founding Editor of Defender Media.
18. Is that statement posted online?
Yes
18.a. What is the URL where it is published?
https://thedefender.media/en/editor_policy/
Requirements on Owners’ Identity
24. What are the names of all direct, indirect or beneficial owners?
SIGMA LABS AB
Roman Sudolsky
Nikita Zharov
Valery Krasovsky
Dmytro Vartanian
Daria Yaniieva
Oleksandra Govorukha
Yulia Ostroukh
Dan Olofsson
Andreas Olofsson
Hanna Olofsson
Johan Glennmo
Dan Olofsson, Andreas Olofsson, Hanna Olofsson, and Johan Glennmo are the ultimate beneficial owners.
25. Are the names of the owners in the previous question available online?
Yes
25.a. What is the URL that contains the names of the owners, or, if not available online, please indicate where that information can be obtained?
https://opendatabot.ua/c/45781386
https://youcontrol.com.ua/catalog/company_details/45781386/
26. What are the names of the members of supervisory boards?
Denys Smyrnov
Roman Sudolsky
Nikita Zharov
Valery Krasovsky
Daria Yaniieva
Oleksandra Govorukha
Artem Petrenko
27. Are the names of the members of the supervisory board members in the previous question available online?
Yes
27.a. What is the URL of the page that contains the names of the people in the previous question?
https://opendatabot.ua/c/45781386 or https://youcontrol.com.ua/catalog/company_details/45781386/
28. Are the listed owners also founders or owners of other companies?
Yes
28.a. State here the names and main activities of those companies.
Danir Group, owner of Sigma Group (owners of Sigma Labs AB).
Danir Group is an entrepreneur-led business held by the Dan Olofsson family. Founded in 1986, the group comprises primarily consulting companies that support our customers in their digitalisation. With 9,500 employees across 29 countries, they focus on entrepreneurship, long-term commitment and active community involvement.
Subsidiary groups - 6
Additional holdings - 13
Involvement - 18
Valery Krasovsky:
1) Founder at LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY SIGMA SOFTWARE (SIGMA SOFTWARE LLC). 62.01 Computer Programming
2) Founder at TREE IT LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (TREE IT LLC). 62.02 Information Technology Consultancy Activities
3) Beneficiary at CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SIGMA SOFTWARE. SOCIAL INITIATIVE (CO CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SIGMA SOFTWARE. SOCIAL INITIATIVE). 88.99 Other Social Work Activities Without Accommodation
Dmytro Vartanian
1) Director at LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY SIGMA SOFTWARE (SIGMA SOFTWARE LLC). 62.01 Computer Programming
2) Director at SIGMA SOFTWARE LABS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (SIGMA SOFTWARE LABS LLC). 62.01 Computer Programming
3) Director at CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SIGMA SOFTWARE. SOCIAL INITIATIVE (CO CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SIGMA SOFTWARE. SOCIAL INITIATIVE). 88.99 Other Social Work Activities Without Accommodation
4) Director at TREE IT LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (TREE IT LLC). 62.02 Information Technology Consultancy Activities
5) Director at IT ASSISTANT LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (IT ASSISTAN LLC). 62.01 Computer Programming
6) Director at LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY VRENETIC UKRAINE (VRENETIC UKRAINE LLC). 62.01 Computer Programming
28.b. What are the business sectors for the companies listed in the previous question?
IT & Business consulting
IT Engineering
Renewable energy
Lightning systems
Real estate
Advertising
Finance
VCs
Computer Programming
Information Technology Consultancy Activities
Social Work Activities
29. Are any of the owners active members of a political party or movement or candidates in a political election or current office holders?
No
30. What is the contact information for all direct and indirect owners?
31. Is the contact information in the previous question available online?
Yes
31.a. What is the URL with the contact information from the previous question?
https://danir.se/kontakt/ / https://thedefender.media/en/about/ / https://sigma.software/about/management-team
32. What is the contact information for the members of the board of directors?
33. Is the contact information in the previous question available online?
Yes
33.a. What is the URL with the contact information from the previous question?
https://thedefender.media/en/about/ / https://sigma.software/about/management-team
34. What are the names of the direct, majority or controlling shareholders? (If shareholders are companies, list the main activity and business sector of that company along with the name.)
SIGMA LABS AB - the corporate venture fund and startup ecosystem wing of Sigma Software Group.
Roman Sudolsky
Nikita Zharov
Valery Krasovsky
Dmytro Vartanian
Daria Yaniieva
Oleksandra Govorukha
Yulia Ostroukh
35. List the shareholders and the percentage of the holdings.
SIGMA LABS AB - 63%
Roman Sudolsky - 12%
Nikita Zharov - 8%
Valery Krasovsky - 6%
Dmytro Vartanian - 6%
Daria Yaniieva - 2%
Oleksandra Govorukha - 2%
Yulia Ostroukh - 1%
36. Is the Media Outlet member-owned?
No
Disclosure of Editorial Contact Details
41. Does the Media Outlet have social media accounts for the public to use to make queries or respond to Content?
Yes
41.a. What are the URLs or other identification of all social media accounts used by members of the public to contact the Media Outlet?
https://x.com/DefenderMediaUA
https://www.linkedin.com/company/defender-media/
https://www.facebook.com/DefenderMediaUA
https://t.me/DefenderMedia/
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDefenderMedia
42. Does the Media Outlet have a person responsible for dealing with communication from the public regarding the Content?
Yes
43. Is the method for contacting that person or others at the Media Outlet clearly visible to the public?
Yes
44. In what ways does the staff of the Media Outlet responsible for the Content communicate back to the public results of queries, concerns, etc.?
The editorial team communicates with the public via email and official contact forms published on the website. We also respond to inquiries and feedback received through social media channels. Corrections, clarifications, and updates are published transparently in relevant articles when necessary.
45. Does the Media Outlet have a department or a single person who is responsible for customer service?
Yes
45.a. What are the contact details, including telephone numbers, email addresses, correspondence addresses, for customer service or the equivalent within the Media Outlet?
Denys Smyrnov, CEO & Founder is responsible for customer service at Defender Media.
+380931425299
[email protected]Disclosure of Revenue Sources and Data Collection
46. What are the categories of sources of revenue for the Media Outlet, ranked from largest to smallest? These may include subscriptions, advertising, major donors, donations, subsidies, fees, sales, memberships, sponsorships, events, etc.
Advertising
47. Is the Media Outlet required to make financial disclosures?
No
48. What is the revenue of the Media Outlet?
387,300 UAH
49. What is the ratio of the categories of revenue sources (as in question no. 46)?
Advertising - 100%
50. Is there any reason for safety and security that you have given incomplete data in this section?
No
51. Does your Media Outlet process any personal information from online visitors on its own or with third parties?
Yes
51.a. What information is processed?
Limited personal data such as IP address, cookie identifiers, device and browser information, and basic usage/analytics data (e.g. pages visited, time spent, etc). If users subscribe to newsletters or submit forms, we also process email addresses and any information voluntarily provided.
51.b. What is the purpose for gathering that information?
The information is collected to analyse website traffic and audience engagement, improve content quality and user experience, ensure website security and functionality, and manage optional communications such as newsletters or user inquiries.
51.c. By what methods is the information processed?
Data is processed using Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and internal audience insights tools based on aggregated website usage and search performance data.
Accuracy
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes. We apply an internal editorial workflow that includes fact-checking, source verification, and editorial review before publication to ensure accuracy. Any identified errors are corrected promptly according to our corrections policy.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes, we operate an internal, systematic process to ensure the accuracy of our content and adherence to our Editorial Guidelines. Content is subject to editorial oversight and verification before publication.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
- Statistics are sourced and verified before publication;
- Externally supplied photographs, video and audio are sourced and verified;
- News-agency material is recorded and tracked;
- Individual journalists and external sources are identified (e.g. by byline) or recorded in the publishing system.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes. The implementation of our Editorial Guidelines is reviewed periodically through editorial oversight, staff feedback, and regular reviews of our editorial processes and policies.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes. Our accountability mechanisms are reviewed periodically as part of our ongoing internal editorial and governance processes to ensure they remain effective.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes, statistics are sourced and verified before publication.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Externally supplied images, video and audio are sourced and verified.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Individual journalists and external sources are identified (e.g. by byline) or recorded in the publishing system.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Where reporting is conducted from a specific location, this may be identified in our content where appropriate. However, in cases involving sensitive defence-related topics, location details may be limited or omitted for security reasons. Any constraints on location reporting, as well as any facilitation by external organisations or institutions, are disclosed within or alongside the report to ensure transparency.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes, where we use algorithms for the dissemination or curation of news content, we clearly indicate our policy on that use to the public.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Defender Media complies with international recommendations (such as those of the Council of Europe on transparency of algorithms in journalism) and national regulations governing the use of automated systems in media.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
We ensure the ethically appropriate treatment of violent and explicit content, weighing the public interest against the risk of harm or gratuitous distress.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Content involving children and vulnerable persons may only be produced when it has public significance. Their images or stories must not be used for sensationalism or manipulation. All materials must comply with Ukrainian legislation and international human rights standards.
Ethical requirements when working with content involving children:
- Full names, addresses, schools, or other identifying data must not be disclosed.
- The use of photos and videos is permitted only with the consent of parents or legal guardians.
- Children must not be depicted in humiliating, dangerous, or traumatic situations.
- All interviews with children must take into account their age and psychological condition.
Ethical requirements when working with content involving other vulnerable groups:
- Vulnerable persons must be portrayed with respect and dignity, avoiding stereotypes.
- Informed consent must be obtained for interviews or quotations.
- Warnings must be provided to the audience if the content may be traumatic.
- A balance must be ensured between the public’s right to information and the individual’s right to privacy.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
We ensure the ethically appropriate handling of live content, recognising the reduced ability to apply editorial checks in real time, and we maintain safeguards accordingly.
65. Do you have internal rules and a systematic editorial process to ensure the accuracy of your content?
Yes
66. Do you have internal rules and a systematic editorial process to ensure that the Editorial Guidelines are adhered to?
Yes
67. Do you have a verification process for content and the role of editorial oversight?
Yes
68. Do you have a mechanism for periodic review of the effectiveness of the implementation of your Editorial Guidelines in your editorial processes?
Yes
69. Is your accountability mechanism (internal or external) subject to periodic review?
Yes
70. Do your Editorial Guidelines require that statistics should be sourced and verified?
Yes
71. Do your Editorial Guidelines require that external photographs/video/audio content should be sourced and verified?
Yes
72. Are the Individual Journalists (including external sources) identified, for example through a byline, or recorded in publishing mechanism so that this information can be accessed?
Yes
73. Is all News Agency material used by the Media Outlet recorded and tracked?
Yes
74. Is location reporting identified in your content?
Yes
75. Do your Editorial Guidelines ensure that any constraint on location reporting be explained in the report or in the context of its publication?
Yes
76. Do your Editorial Guidelines require transparency where a location report has been facilitated by an external body?
Yes
77. Do you publish any content that is automatically generated?
Yes
77.a. Is it in the Editorial Guidelines of your Media Outlet to clearly indicate content generated, wholly or partly, by means of AI or algorithmic processes?
Yes
78. Do you use any algorithms for the dissemination or curation of content?
Yes
78.a. Do you clearly indicate your policy on your use of algorithms for the dissemination and curation of news content?
Yes
78.b. Does the Media Outlet adhere to best practice requirements from a regulatory or advisory body?
Yes
79. Do your Editorial Guidelines ensure the ethically appropriate treatment of violent and explicit content?
Yes
80. Do your Editorial Guidelines ensure the ethically appropriate treatment of content which features children or other vulnerable people?
Yes
81. Do your Editorial Guidelines ensure the ethically appropriate handling of live content?
Yes
Responsibility for Content Provided by the General Public
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Externally sourced material is checked against the same editorial principles as our own journalism. UGC and eyewitness content is verified before use and clearly labelled.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
We take steps to ensure comment material published on our platforms is free from defamation, invasions of privacy, hate speech, harassment.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
The guidelines provide for multi-level verification: confirmation of the source, time, and place of the event; verification of the authenticity of photos/videos; as well as legal and ethical assessment.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
UGC and eyewitness news are published with clear labelling (“Eyewitness photo,” “Provided by reader,” UGC) so that the audience understands the origin of the material.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Providers of such content are dealt with responsibly and ethically
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
We take steps to ensure comment material published on our platforms is free from defamation.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
We take steps to ensure comment material published on our platforms is free from invasions of privacy.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
We take steps to ensure comment material published on our platforms is free from hate speech.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
We take steps to ensure comment material published on our platforms is free from harassment.
82. Does your Media Outlet publish any content that comes not from staff or freelancers but from external sources such as readers/viewers?
Yes
82.a. Does your Media Outlet have set structures to ensure the checking of externally sourced material undergoes the same principles as that created entirely by its own journalists?
Yes
82.b. Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provisions for externally-submitted material?
Yes
82.c. Are there Editorial Guidelines dealing with UGC/eyewitness news content?
Yes
82.d. Do they include details on the verification processes to be used for this content?
Yes
82.e. Do they include guidance on the appropriate labelling of such content?
Yes
82.f. Do they include guidance on dealing with the providers of such content in a responsible and ethical manner?
Yes
83. Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provision for ensuring comment material is free from defamation?
Yes
84. Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provision for ensuring comment material is free from invasions of privacy?
Yes
85. Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provision for ensuring comment material is free from hate speech?
Yes
86. Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provision for ensuring comment material is free from harassment?
Yes
87. Is it clear to the public whether your Media Outlet’s moderation of such comment is pre- or post-publication?
Yes
88. Does this policy allow for the removal of offending material?
Yes
Responsibility for Sources
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
We grant anonymity to sources only according to clear internal guidelines, and we make the reasons for granting anonymity clear to the public where possible.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Our journalistic activity protects the privacy rights and safety of individuals in line with our Editorial Policy.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes, our guidelines protect the independence of our journalism from its sources.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes, our guidelines require a diversity of sources in the production of content.
89. Are there guidelines on the procedures to be followed for granting anonymity to sources?
Yes
90. Are the reasons for granting anonymity made clear to the public?
Yes
91. Are there guidelines to ensure that the privacy rights and safety of individuals are protected in your journalistic activity?
Yes
92. Are there guidelines to ensure the independence of journalism relative to the sources for content?
Yes
93. Do the guidelines ensure that a diversity of sources is used in the production of your journalistic content?
Yes
Professionalism for Affiliations
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes, of course, all sponsored content on Defender Media is clearly labelled and made distinguishable from our own editorial content.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes, all sponsored content is clearly labelled with special icons and markings.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes, all sponsored content is made perfectly distinguishable from our own editorial content.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
News articles are published in the Latest News section, while opinion and analytical pieces are published exclusively in the Insights & Analytics section. These categories are clearly separated throughout the website to help readers easily distinguish between factual reporting and editorial analysis.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Commercial and sponsored materials are clearly labelled with yellow Partner Content or Ad tags and Advertising yellow ribbon. These labels are prominently displayed and link to Defender Media's advertising policy page, ensuring full transparency for readers.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Content provided by external organisations, including partners, companies, or other non-journalistic entities, is clearly identified at the beginning of the article and appropriately labelled to distinguish it from Defender Media's editorial content.
94. Do your Editorial Guidelines have specific policies for distinguishing commercial or sponsored content?
Yes
95. Do you publish any sponsored content?
Yes
95.a. Do your Editorial Guidelines require all sponsored content to be clearly labelled or otherwise made clear?
Yes
95.b. Do your Editorial Guidelines require sponsored content to be labelled and made clearly distinguishable from your own content?
Yes
96. Do your Editorial Guidelines require a clear distinction to be made between news content and opinion content?
Yes
97. Do your Editorial Guidelines require a clear distinction to be made between news content and commercial content?
Yes
98. Do you in editorial practice or in Editorial Guidelines require a clear distinction to be made between news content and content supplied by an external non-journalistic body?
Yes
Internal Accountability
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
If you believe we have published something inaccurate, you can contact us at
[email protected]. This channel is open to the public and to anyone directly involved in a story.
At the end of each content piece, readers also have an opportunity to report a potential error via email.
Individuals and organisations directly involved in a story, including subjects, experts and representatives of organisations, may use the same channel to report potential inaccuracies.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes: Section 2 now explains the actual workflow:
complaint → responsible editor → fact/source/context check → consultation if needed → assess significance → correction or reasoned response.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Where a significant inaccuracy is confirmed, we publish a correction promptly and transparently, in a similar place and manner as the original (for example at the same URL, or in equivalent broadcast time and format).
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Defender Media has a designated contact person for handling complaints. Their email address (
[email protected]) is published on the “About” page.
100. Do you have a clear process to allow potential errors to be communicated to the Media Outlet by those with direct involvement in the story?
Yes
100.a. Do you have a clear process for assessing and dealing with the claims?
Yes
101. Is there a systematic editorial structure in the Media Outlet to ensure that any inaccuracies in its content are corrected in a timely and transparent manner?
Yes
102. Does your Media Outlet guarantee the publication of the correction of all significant inaccuracies and errors in a similar place and manner as the original version, such as the same URL or in similar time and format of broadcast?
Yes
103. Does your organisation have a designated contact in the event of complaints about potential breaches of its journalism principles or Editorial Guidelines?
Yes
104. Does your organisation have a designated process for the public to open a dialogue with you regarding potential breaches of its journalism principles or Editorial Guidelines? (These may follow the Uniform Correction or Clarification act adopted by most U.S. States.)
Yes
104.a. Is that information clearly available?
Yes
104.a.i. What is the URL of where this information is available? If it is not on a single page, describe where people can find it.
https://thedefender.media/en/about/
105. Are your staff (Employees and Freelance) aware of the process that must be followed in the event of such complaints?
Yes
106. Are they aware that all such complaints must be brought to the attention of a senior member of staff (of organisations large enough to have a staff) not directly connected with the creation of the story?
Yes
107. Is your Media Outlet committed to the resolution of any such complaints in a fair, reasonable and timely manner?
Yes
108. Does the Media Outlet have an Ombudsperson?
No
99. Do you have a clear process to allow potential errors to be communicated to the Media Outlet by the public?
Yes
External Accountability
If the system is not in the above list, add it here with a URL.
National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting, Journalism Trust Initiative - https://webportal.nrada.gov.ua/
Imperium Certific - https://imcert.ua/uk
Journalism Trust Initiative - https://journalismtrustinitiative.org/
109. Have you committed to a system or systems of external accountability for your editorial content?
Yes
109.a. What are they?
Our media outlet not only has internal accountability mechanisms but is also connected to external, independent oversight systems provided by: - National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting, Journalism Trust Initiative; - The Imperium Certific certification center regarding compliance with the requirements of CWA17493 Journalism Trust Initiative; - the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI).
110. Is your Media Outlet committed to comply with any directions or guidance issued by the external accountability body to which you subscribe?
Yes
111. Is your Media Outlet subject to an external regulatory mechanism for content that you find it not possible to comply with?
No
112. Are the mechanisms for the public to complain about breaches of your Editorial Guidelines to an external body publicly available?
Yes
112.a. What is the link?
Defender Media is subject to external accountability through Imperium Certific, our certification body. Members of the public may contact Imperium Certific regarding potential breaches of Defender Media's Editorial Guidelines: Imperium Certific Certification Center: https://imcert.ua/en
113. Do you belong to any other bodies that require members to adhere to published guidelines, standards or norms to maintain status in that organisation?
No
Professionalism in the Media Outlet
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
External trainings:
Media Management Program by Jnomics (2026, Denys Smyrnov)
Marketing and Communications in the wartime by Ninja School and Khartiia (2026, Denys Smyrnov)
Defence Tech Bootcamps by Calibrated (2025, 2026, Denys Smyrnov, Roman Sudolsky)
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Our recruitment guidelines include a diversity policy aimed at building a workforce that reflects the audiences and communities we serve.
We maintain guidelines for the recruitment and training of editorial staff, designed to uphold our editorial standards and the safety and welfare of staff.
Defender Media recognises that journalism can expose staff to material and situations that affect their wellbeing, and is committed to supporting them.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Our recruitment guidelines address staff welfare, and our employment and contracting arrangements protect the editorial independence of staff and contract journalists.
Our rules and procedures support equality of opportunity in recruitment, development and progression.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes, we have separate Freelance Contributor Agreement and proper guidelines of working with freelance journalists.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes, the external contributor agrees to follow our editorial guidelines, corrections process, AI-use and labelling policy, and source-protection rules, and to produce original, accurate work that is not plagiarised and does not knowingly infringe third-party rights.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Our rules and procedures protect against discrimination in the workplace on any protected ground under applicable law.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Our rules and procedures support equality of opportunity in recruitment, development and progression.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Defender Media is committed to protecting the physical, psychological, digital, and cyber security of everyone who works for us—employees, freelancers, contractors, and contributors—including those working in hostile, conflict-affected, or high-risk environments. This policy sets out how we assess, reduce, and respond to risks affecting the safety and wellbeing of our team.
This policy is written for a Ukrainian media organisation whose work routinely involves reporting on defence technology, national security, and developments related to the ongoing war in Ukraine. We recognise that risks cannot always be eliminated; our responsibility is to minimise them as far as reasonably possible and to support those exposed to them.
Defender Media recognises that journalists and contributors may face digital and cyber threats, including phishing attempts, account compromise, unauthorised access to sensitive information, online harassment, and other forms of malicious activity.
To reduce these risks, team members are encouraged to follow basic digital security practices, including:
using strong and unique passwords and password managers where appropriate;
enabling multi-factor authentication on work-related accounts and services;
securely storing and sharing sensitive information and documents;
exercising caution when handling unsolicited communications, links, or attachments;
promptly reporting suspected security incidents or data breaches; and
using secure communication channels when discussing sensitive or confidential matters.
Defender Media is committed to promoting digital security awareness and supporting team members in maintaining safe working practices online.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
We provide support to editorial staff exposed to material of a sensitive or upsetting nature, including workload management, the ability to rotate tasks away from distressing content, and internal editorial debriefing. Staff are encouraged to take breaks when needed and can access professional psychological support if required.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
We provide support to editorial staff who have suffered physical or psychological harm in the course of their work, including access to medical assistance when needed, psychological support through professional counselling services, and internal debriefing with editorial leadership. In addition, staff are encouraged to report safety concerns immediately and may temporarily pause or adjust assignments to ensure their wellbeing.
114. Do you have guidelines for the recruitment and training of editorial staff?
Yes
114.a. Do those guidelines contain a diversity policy?
Yes
114.b. Do those guidelines cover staff welfare?
Yes
114.c. Are they publicly available?
Yes
114.c.i. What is the URL?
https://thedefender.media/en/recruitment-diversity-equal-opportunity-policy/
115. Do the regulations and guidelines for the employment of staff and engagement of contract journalists protect their editorial independence?
Yes
116. Are your employees (including freelance) covered by legal contracts and insurance?
Yes
117. Does your staff have the freedom to organise?
Yes
118. Do you have an existing structure for social dialogue including a collective bargaining arrangement with appropriate trade unions?
Yes
119. Are there guidelines for contracts of engagement with freelance journalists?
Yes
119.a. Do these guidelines ensure the ability of freelancers to adhere to the editorial principles?
Yes
120. Does your Media Outlet's rules and procedures protect against discrimination in the workplace?
Yes
121. Does your Media Outlet's rules and procedures support equality of opportunity?
Yes
122. Does your Media Outlet have a safety at work policy, which includes specific protection for journalists working in hostile environments?
Yes
123. Does your Media Outlet have guidelines to support editorial staff who have been exposed to material of a sensitive or upsetting nature?
Yes
124. Does your Media Outlet have guidelines to support editorial staff who suffered physical or psychological harm in the course of their work?
Yes
Accountability for Journalism Principles
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
We operate an internal editorial process to ensure our editorial guidelines are followed, and we review their effectiveness periodically.
Overall accountability for these guidelines: Roman Sudolsky, Founding Editor.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
There are clear expectations, yes. This policy applies to all editorial staff, editors, and external contributors (including freelancers and agencies) producing content for Defender Media. Contributors are required to adhere to it as a condition of publication.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Our editorial responsibility at each stage of publication is assigned as follows:
1. Commissioning / assignment: Journalist
2. Editing & verification: Editor
3. Final sign-off before publication: Founding Editor
4. Overall accountability for these guidelines: Roman Sudolsky, Founding Editor
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes, our policy protects the editorial independence of Defender Media by identifying and managing real, potential and perceived conflicts of interest that could compromise our journalism.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes. Our guidelines address business-related conflicts of interest, including relationships with advertisers, partners, owners, and competitors, and require disclosure and management to ensure editorial independence.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Yes. Our guidelines address political conflicts of interest. Although we do not engage in political activity, we cover public authorities and require disclosure of any political affiliations or activities that could affect editorial independence.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Our guidelines address personal conflicts of interest, requiring disclosure of any family, friendship, financial, or other personal relationships that could affect editorial independence, with reassignment or review where necessary.
If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Defender Media's structure protects our editorial processes from undue influence from within or outside the organisation, including from owners and commercial interests.
52. Does your Media Outlet have a set of guidelines, or adhere to an external set of guidelines, for journalistic content, distribution and conduct to which its journalistic operations comply?
Yes
52.a. Are they made available to the public in a readily accessible form?
Yes
52.a.i. What is the URL?
https://thedefender.media/en/editor_policy/
53. Is there a person or a group of persons responsible for these guidelines clearly identified?
Yes
53.a. Is that identification visible on the page with the guidelines?
Yes
54. Do the guidelines referred to in the section on Editorial Guidelines set clear expectations for the behaviour for all the contributors, including editorial staff (journalists, editors) and all other contributors?
Yes
55. Do the guidelines referred to in the section on Editorial Guidelines make clear the structure of editorial responsibility for each stage of the publication process within the organisation?
Yes
56. Do your Editorial Guidelines include requirements for Accuracy (as prescribed in the Preamble) in your output?
Yes
57. Do they include requirements for Independence (as prescribed in the Preamble) of editorial decision making?
Yes
58. Do they include requirements of Fairness (as prescribed in the Preamble) in the practice of journalism?
Yes
59. Do they include requirements for Accountability (as prescribed in the Preamble) in the practice of its journalism?
Yes
60. Do your Editorial Guidelines include protections against real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest?
Yes
61. Do the guidelines include guidance on how to deal with conflicts related to business?
Yes
62. Do the guidelines include guidance on how to deal with conflicts related to political interests?
Yes
63. Do the guidelines include guidance on how to deal with conflicts related to personal interests?
Yes
64. Does the Media Outlet’s structure protect the editorial processes from any undue influence from within or without?
Yes
What is the URL?
https://thedefender.media/en/editor_policy/
What is the URL?
https://thedefender.media/en/editor_policy/
What is the URL?
https://thedefender.media/en/editor_policy/
What is the URL?
https://thedefender.media/en/editor_policy/
